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WAIRARAPA HOSPITAL
0800 946 9800
(06) 946 9800

Published Tuesday 31 Aug 2021

At midnight Wednesday 31 August, Wairarapa - like all of Aotearoa south of Auckland - moves to Alert Level 3.

But what does that really mean for us?

 

While Alert Level 3 is a great sign, it is still restrictive and we are still staying close to home.

We still need to exercise, shop and stay local. We cannot invite friends, whānau and extended family who are not in our bubbles into our home. We need to keep our bubbles as small as possible, stretching only to bring in close family, isolated people or caregivers.

Travel is only allowed locally, for example going to work or school, shopping or getting exercise. You may be asked to show evidence of your reason for any specially permitted travel and, if you cannot show it, you may be prevented from travelling. At Alert Level 3, you must stay within your household bubble whenever you are not at work or school.

Essentially, Level three tells us to:

  • Get tested if symptomatic and follow the advice given
  • Wear a mask while travelling (you are advised to wear a mask outside your home)
  • Use the tracer app
  • Connect with close family and support isolated people if you need to, but you are still expected to stay in your bubble and you cannot visit a rest home or aged care facility
  • Physical distance of 2m in public and 1m in workplaces and schools
  • Travel locally but not between regions
  • Gather in groups of up to 10 only for weddings and funerals
  • Work from home if you can.

Businesses that require close physical contact cannot operate. Other business can resume but customers cannot come onto the premises unless it is a petrol station, permitted food retailer, or health service. Takeaways and drive through restaurants can open but there is no dining in, and bars cannot open.

 

Hospital visiting and care

At Wairarapa Hospital, we are still restricting visitors. No visitors are allowed in Wairarapa Hospital, unless they are a paediatric patient primary carer or are supporting a labouring mother in maternity. Exceptions to visiting rules can only be agreed, in advance, with the clinical lead of the department. Everyone coming into the hospital will still be screened. Questions will be asked about your health, any recent travel and any possible connection with Covid-19 cases. Most planned care patient appointments were cancelled under Level 4 and we are working hard now to resume service as soon as possible. Any changes to hospital information will be clearly outlined on the Wairarapa DHB website.

Meantime, we need to stay well. If you have flu-like symptoms you must be tested for Covid-19 and isolate if you are advised to. You can get tested at all our Wairarapa medical practices. You must phone first. In the weekend, testing is provided by Wairarapa After Hours at Masterton Medical. Phone 06 370 0011.

Seek care BEFORE it’s urgent. The Emergency Department is ONLY for emergencies. If it is NOT urgent, it is not the place for you. You will wait a long time for care at ED if your condition is not prioritised. Non urgent people should be seen by their medical practice (phone first), or ask for advice at a Pharmacy, Healthline 0800 611 116 or the Covid-19 Healthline 0800 358 5453.