Things YOU can do to Help slow the spread of Covid 19

1) Stay home if you are feeling unwell

2) Phone Healthline on 0800 358 5453 to get information about what to do if you think you have Covid 19 
Whatever you do, do NOT just head for the hospital or your local doctor. 

3) Keep 1-2 metres physical distance between you and others
No hugging hongi or shaking hands - use your imagination and do something different!



4) Be a Phone Buddy
Offer to help a neighbour as a phone buddy, particularly if they live alone.  If you live alone, then find two others and get yourself into a team of three, so that you can keep an eye on each other.  Ring or text each other every day, preferably at the same time.  If someone in your group is sick then ring them twice a day.  

Make a plan together about what you will do if someone gets sick and needs help.  Think about  what you will do if they don't answer the phone.   Think about who you will call, or whether you will knock on their door or window.  (if you do go round please remember to keep a good distance from each other.
GET STARTED ON THIS RIGHT NOW – it is a great practice, even if there is no pandemic.

5) Wash your Hands Often
Wash your hands for 20 -30 seconds after you’ve touched shared surfaces, especially before eating, and avoid touching your face. This Corona virus is spread in tiny droplets on that land on surfaces, which we may inadvertently touch. Then, when we touch our mouth, nose, or eyes, we can infect ourselves. Dry your hands well when you are done.

6) Wipe surfaces of all descriptions often
Keep surfaces that you are touching as clean as you can.  Wipe down handles, toilet flushers, etc with some bleach – diluted in water.  

7) Practice good cough and sneeze etiquette. 
 Cover your mouth with your forearm or the inside of your elbow when you cough or sneeze unexpectedly.  Use a tissue to cover your nose and mouth completely, and dispose of a tissue after one use.

8) Try not to touch public surfaces with your fingers; get creative! 

Where possible, use knuckles rather than finger tips (e.g., for lift buttons, light switches, etc.). Open doors with your hips rather than your hands. You may use your elbows to open door handles, if it’s an option. Use a sleeve to open a doorknob if needed.

9) Be kind and give

  Being kind is a type of giving.  Thank people who help you, give people compliments, encourage those around you, SMILE, say hello, give people a ring to keep in touch.  Share stuff, if you can. Think of everything you do to limit the spread or Covid 19 as something you are giving to others. There are many ways for you to get out there and GIVE without putting yourself at risk.

10) Keep yourself well
Look after your general physical health.

• Eat well including lots fruit and vegetables, 
• Get plenty of sleep, 
• Keep active - Get out for walks or bike rides, and enjoy being out of doors. Dance or find some classes on YouTube   
• Get plenty of fresh air.
• Get some time with the sun on your skin - to help keep your vitamin D levels up

11) Look after your Mental Health 
This page provides some links to online resources and a bit of a summary that might help you look after your mental health.  Keeping your equanimity is important for you and for those around you and there are ways to help do that even in times of stress and change.