What can I do to stop COVID-19 spreading?

• Cough or sneeze into your elbow or by covering your mouth and nose with tissues.
• Put used tissues in the bin or a bag immediately.
• Wash your hands with soap and water often (for at least 20 seconds).
• Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell.
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.
• Avoid personal contact, such as kissing, sharing cups or food with sick people.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects, such as doorknobs.
• Stay at home.
• Call Healthline on 0800 358 5453 if you have any symptoms and have been recently been overseas or have been in close contact with someone confirmed with COVID-19.

What if I think I have symptoms of COVID-19?

If you arrived in New Zealand in the last 14 days, you should self-isolate for 14 days from the date you departed the last country you visited. If you have been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 you should self-isolate for 14 days from the date of close contact.  This means: 

We know from other outbreaks that self-isolation is effective, and most people are good at keeping themselves – and others – safe and well.