Who to contact in the Wairarapa

Wairarapa has its own COVID-19 Community Response Service which is based in Masterton. It’s a free service to anyone in our communities.

Our main job is to make phone calls to those who are at home sick and/or are isolating at home with Covid-19.

You are welcome to contact us to ask questions about anything Covid-related. If you’re unwell, stay home and get tested.

Open 7 days

Monday to Friday 8.30am – 3.30pm

Saturday and Sunday 8.30am - 1pm

Phone 0800 829 924

Text 027 777 3640

Email CVC@wairarapa.dhb.org.nz

You can also call the national COVID Healthline 0800 358 5453 which supports people with information and advice about COVID, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

(International SIMs +64 9 358 5453)

Note our team will work 9am-1pm hours on Statutory Holidays over Christmas and New Year.

HOME VISITS

We can come to your home to provide COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters.

Just call us to make an appointment 0800 829 924.

Got Covid?

It’s important to register your Covid-positive status as soon as possible. You then get phone calls from one of our clinical team members, who are trained nurses.

Those who are very sick will get a call at least once per day. If there is a need for extra help of support, this can be coordinated by our team, as required.

Feedback our team has received is that people are very appreciative of the welfare calls, and feel reassured that they have a clinician touching base with them while such calls are needed.

Remember, we’re there on the end of the phone (0800 829 924) and are here to give you the best possible help. Remember, you don’t have to have Covid to have our team help with any questions or concerns – and our services are free.

Where to get information at a national level

The Ministry of Health website and Covid-19 website are the best sources of information, and they are updated daily.

Also, Facebook page: @minhealthnz and Twitter channel @minhealthnz alert people to key updates and messages specifically about coronavirus.

Testing for COVID-19

Testing is available 7 days a week and anyone with symptoms or that has been to a location of interest, or has been advised to test must do so. In Wairarapa, Testing is available at medical practices. Opening times and information is HERE.

Vaccination - including Boosters

Every person aged 5 years and over can vaccinate. Two vaccination doses are needed, with a booster shot three (3) months after the second dose.

If it’s three (3) or more months since you had your second dose, please get a booster as soon as possible. Boosters provide a significantly higher level of protection than two doses alone. People aged over 60 who have had their booster are around 45 times less likely to be hospitalised than an unvaccinated person of the same age.

You can book at www.BookMyVaccine.nz Many clinics are taking walk-ins, please note that demand is high and there may be a wait. Local clinic information, including booking/walk in information and opening hours, and advice for tamaraki aged 5 and over is available HERE

Being prepared

If you don’t already have a plan regarding how you and the people in your household will manage at home. Please take the time now to prepare yourselves and others for catching COVID-19.

Make a plan for what you will do if you or someone in your household tests positive. Connect with whanau, friends and neighbours to build a support network for each other. Make sure you have what you need at home in the event you need to isolate.

Preparing for COVID-19 in Wairarapa and in your own home - Click HERE

For vaccination information click HERE

For COVID-19 testing click HERE

If you have cold or flu symptoms, isolate immediately and call Healthline 0800 611 116 for advice

Health guidance for summer HERE

For all your COVID-19 information and advice, go to Unite Against COVID-19.

Hospital visiting

Click HERE for our full visitors policy.

Where to receive care

Seek care just as you normally would but phone first, and keep the Emergency Department free for emergencies.

Great sources of healthcare information and advice are your medical practice, pharmacies, the Covid-19 Healthline 0800 358 5453, Healthline 0800 611 116 and of course, the Emergency Department or 111 if you need urgent care.

Keeping our community safe and healthy is OUR job.

We all have a role to play if we are to be well, stay well, and protect our region from Covid-19. We all know what to do:

1. stay home if you’re unwell and get tested - Call Healthline if you have symptoms 0800 358 5453

2. sign into places using the NZ COVID Tracer app and enable Bluetooth to keep track of where you have been

3. practice good hygiene (includes washing your hands well and often, and coughing into your elbow)

4. regularly clean high touch surfaces

5. wear your mask in public places

6. get vaccinated - vaccination is available to anyone over 5 years old.

Where to get information