We would like to assure everyone that our team at Pou Whakaaro are following the advice issued by the Ministry of Health. 

We are currently still running our day programme and are ensuring our team and the people we support are using strict health hygiene protocols that align with the latest recommendations.

We will continue to re-examine this status as new information and advice is received.  We urge people if they are sick or in any doubt, please stay at home. ​

In the meantime, it is important to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with water and soap and dry them thoroughly:

• before eating or handling food

• after using the toilet

• after coughing, sneezing, blowing your nose

• after caring for sick people.

Why? To kill the virus if it is on your hands.

Cover coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues or clothing.

Why? if you sneeze or cough into your hands, you may contaminate objects or people that you touch.

If you are feeling unwell at all, even if you think it is just a cough or cold, stay at home.

Why? To stop the spread of infection to others.

We encourage you to follow the Ministry of Health and the Prime Minister's advice:

• Stop hand shakes, hugs, and hongi

• Avoid contact with people who are feeling unwell or may have been in contact with someone with COVID-19

• Avoid shared/public transportation if possible - use a car or taxi.

The Ministry of Health website is constantly updated with the latest health advice at www.health.govt.nz

Take extra precautions early that you would normally take in the winter flu season, such as:

• Making sure all medication is up to date and you have some spare at home

• Buying a little extra non-perishable food at each grocery shop

• Making sure you have a close support network you can reach out to.

If you need support from our Pou Whakaaro team, please contact us on 308-8170.We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation closely and update our management procedures as needed.