Kowheori-19 COVID-19

Me whakarite, me noho haumaru - Prepare and Stay Safe

Taupuni Kohi Ākipaturopi Tere me te Ārai Kanohi
RAT Kit and Facemask Collection Sites

Free RAT (Rapid Anitgen Test) kits and medical face masks can be collected from our Richmond Street Thames site and from our mobile immunisation service. You do not need to be unwell or have COVID-19 symptoms.

To collect RAT kits and masks from our Richmond Street Thames site:

Just drive into Service Lane 1 from Richmond Street and park under the COVID-19 signs on the big building on your right (opposite the Pito Hauora centre).

To collect RAT kits and masks from our mobile immunisation services:

We encourage whānau to phone 0508 835 676 beforehand, to find out where our mobile units/sites are for that day, as they travel to various locations around the rohe.

A list of other community collection sites around the Waikato district can be found on HealthPoint.

Manaaki i te Hāpori - Care for COVID-19 positive whānau

Registering your COVID-19 test result is very important.

When you register your positive COVID-19 test result online, this will trigger both clinical oversight and welfare support for you and your whānau. Te Korowai Hauora o Hauraki provides both clinical and welfare support throughout Hauraki. In addition, our Rourou Kit is filled with tips and tricks to help prepare whānau in times of self-isolation.

You can contact our services on 0508 835 676 for further advice around how to register your results and how to access our services.

Te Kano Ārai Mate - Vaccinations

Everyone in in Aotearoa New Zealand aged 5 and over is eligible for free COVID-19 vaccinations (including boosters) and these are available from our Whānau Health Centres, Pito Hauora Centre, and our mobile immunisation service. We are now able to offer in-home vaccinations in the Thames and Paeroa areas, for those whānau who are unable to come to our Whānau Health Centres.

For all vaccination bookings, please phone us in advance to make a time on 0508 835 676.

Further details of other COVID-19 vaccination services in the Waikato district are available on HealthPoint.

Ngā Pārongo O Te Wā - Information

For all your medical needs, please phone us first 0508 835 676 (0508 tekorowai) for advice about when and where to access our services. We can often do your repeat prescriptions over the phone, as well as some consultations. For whānau in distress, please call our Hinengaro Hotline on 0508 111 555.

In the case of an emergency please call 111.
For general health advice and information, you can call Healthline on 0800 611 116 anytime.
For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 response visit the Unite Against COVID-19 website.

Kia haumaru te noho e te whānau.

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is an illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It’s caused by a type of coronavirus. There are simple steps you can take to protect you and your family/whānau.

Symptoms

a cough
a high temperature (at least 38°C)
shortness of breath

These symptoms do not necessarily mean you have COVID-19. The symptoms are similar to other illnesses that are much more common, such as cold and flu.

If you have these symptoms and have been in close contact with someone confirmed with COVID-19, please test for COVID-19 and report your results online here.

How it spreads

COVID-19, like the flu, can be spread from person to person. When a person who has COVID-19 coughs, sneezes, or talks, they may spread droplets containing the virus a short distance, which quickly settle on surrounding surfaces.

You may get infected by the virus if you touch those surfaces or objects and then touch your mouth, nose, or eyes.

That’s why it’s really important to use good hygiene, regularly wash and thoroughly dry your hands, and use good cough etiquette.

Prevention – how to protect yourself and others

Get vaccinated - this provides your best protection.
Use a mask when out and about.
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 home if you feel unwell.

There is a dedicated Healthline 0800 number for COVID-19 health advice and information - 0800 358 5453. It is free and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.