COVID-19 Coronavirus information

Updated 26 July 2021

Trans-Tasman travel

  • New Zealand is at Alert Level 1 but the trans-Tasman travel bubble has been suspended for at least eight weeks, from 11.59pm on July 23.

  • Anyone currently in Australia – except those in New South Wales (NSW) - but who usually lives in New Zealand has until 11.59pm on July 30 to return to New Zealand. They have to return a negative COVID-19 test taken in the 72 hours before leaving Australia. Anyone coming from Victoria will also need to isolate at home for at least three days, get a COVID-19 test on day three of isolation and remain in isolation until they get a negative result.

  • Anyone in NSW who returns to New Zealand will have to enter a managed isolation facility for two weeks.

Village implications

  • Friends and family returning from Australia must not visit the village until five days after their return. This allows time for a negative test result (if travelling from Victoria) or for any cold or flu-like symptoms to have emerged.

Care centre visits nationwide

  • People who have been in Australia must not visit a care centre until five days after their return for adults, and seven days for children aged 16 and under.

  • All visitors who have been in Australia or the Cook Islands must wear masks while visiting our care centres, practice social distancing and remain in the room of the resident they are visiting.

  • Anyone who has been in managed isolation should wait a further seven days after release before visiting a care centre.

  • Exemptions are available on compassionate grounds – please talk to your care centre manager.

  • Visitor health screening at reception continues as a safety precaution; please report to a staff member first before you go to the care centre, and remember to sign-in using the government’s COVID-19 tracer app.

  • Please check visiting hours with the care centre you plan to visit.

  • Please do not come to a village if you are sick.

We ask that all residents and visitors follow these familiar COVID-19 hygiene measures:

  • Ensure good hand hygiene practices throughout the village and care centre.

  • Consider wearing a mask, where physical distancing can’t be maintained.

  • Stay home if sick and ring Healthline on 0800 358 5453 or contact your GP to enquire about testing.

Symptoms

COVID-19 symptoms include:

  • A new or worsening cough

  • A fever of at least 38°C

  • Shortness of breath

  • Sore throat

  • Sneezing and runny nose

  • Temporary loss of smell

  • Muscle aches

  • Fatigue

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.