At Level 1 we need to continue to take care of each other and ourselves. We have updated our Level 1 information to remind each other what we need to do....
Although all Church Services and Pastoral care can take place with no restrictions, we need to keep hygiene measures in place. All of us need to keep track of where we have been and who we have seen using the Government Tracer App or our own records. Let's continue to be mindful of others around us in church settings.
Remember that the vaccine is starting to roll out - find out more here.
If you need a hand with renewing your Government Tracer App posters, contact Peter Mann House: we can help with smaller or larger sized posters and laminating them for protection.
Click on the following for Frequently Asked Questions and Information for Level 1
We are aligning ourselves with advice-resources from the Government on Level 1, and have also developed our own Policy and Guidelines around Level 1 in our Pandemic Response Framework. We are still in a pandemic alert system and need to watch we don't become complacent.
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Key points for all of us
- While not requiring physical distancing in church, we are encouraging this to continue, especially being sensitive of other's needs (physical distancing) in pews. All church buildings and premises must display the NZ COVID Tracer poster to help with contract tracing if required.
- Remember, while we have access to communion in both kinds, we are not practicing intinction (dipping the wafer into the wine) - feel free to acknowledge the cup if you don't want to drink from it: taking the wafer only (communion in one kind) still counts as receiving in both kinds.
- Make sure you have access to face-masks. At Level 1 now you must wear a mask on all public transport, including long distance bus services, all trains and most ferries. Taxi/uber drivers must wear masks and this is recommended for passengers but not compulsory. Have a look at current advice on the use of these. Please follow Government recommendations for mask use when using public transport. Have a look at the posters attached below on how you can make your own masks and check out the videos below:
- Some at-risk people may not be comfortable being with a larger group of people - offer other ways of staying in touch with them i.e. the phone, a video messaging system or something similar. It's OK for anyone to wear a face mask for your own or other's protection. Be kind. Make a difference by checking-in on others, especially the elderly and vulnerable
- We are continuing to maintain high standards of public health (around cleaning, providing hospitality and so on).
- Look after anyone that needs help. Drop supplies to those at home sick and ensure you have no physical contact.
The Golden Rules for everyone at Alert Level 1
- If you’re sick, stay home. Don’t go to work or school. Don’t socialise.
- If you have cold or flu symptoms call your doctor or Healthline 0800 358 5453 and make sure you get tested.
- Wash your hands. Wash your hands. Wash your hands... for at least 20 seconds (the length of time it takes to sing yourself Happy Birthday!)
- Sneeze and cough into your elbow
- Regularly disinfect shared surfaces.
- If you are told by health authorities to self-isolate you must do so immediately.
- If you’re concerned about your wellbeing, or have underlying health conditions, work with your GP to understand how best to stay healthy.
- Keep track of where you’ve been and who you’ve seen to help contact tracing if needed. Use the NZ COVID Tracer app as a handy way of doing this.
- All public venues (Businesses, churches etc.) must display the Ministry of Health QR Code for contact tracing.
- Stay vigilant and alert. There is still a global pandemic going on. People and businesses should be prepared to act fast to step up Alert Levels again if we have to.
- People will have had different experiences over the course of the pandemic. Whatever you’re feeling — it’s okay. Be kind to others. Be kind to yourself. Ask for help if you need to.
Are you potentially an at-risk person?
There is guidance for people at higher risk of COVID-19. It includes advice under the different Alert Levels, who is at higher risk, and how they can protect themselves. Information for at-risk people
Anyone who has returned to New Zealand from overseas must abide by NZ government requirements. Currently this is to remain at a Government organised quarantine facility. This involves self-isolating by staying indoors and avoid contact with other people for 14 days from the date of arrival and then follow lock down procedures until advised otherwise.
Want to know more? See the Government's dedicated COVID-19 webpage
For more information, click here.
The Diocesan office is very happy to answer any queries you may have. Please contact Andrew Metcalfe.