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Coronavirus, COVID-19

Keep Alert. Be Kind. Support Local.

The Global COVID-19 Pandemic has affected our entire planet, but NZ has fared relatively well. Our Government went hard and early and so prevented a huge loss of life, both in 2020 and again in 2021.

While some process problems still frustrate us, on the whole we are well off compared to other countries. We thank God for our safety and look to Him in hope for our future.

Click here to go to the most current information as at 26 November 2021

 

 

UNDERLYING THEOLOGY

  • We live and worship to the praise and glory of God.
  • The people of God are called to love and care for one another, for our neighbours and even our enemies. Our love and compassion is especially directed to the vulnerable who appear, in this current situation, to be the elderly and those with existing health conditions.
  • In the context of a global COVID-19 / Coronavirus Pandemic (as declared by the World Health Organisation), of many nations declaring drastic measures in order to slow down if not halt the spread of this infectious disease, and of our own nation imposing a 14 day self-isolation of all arrivals on our shores, it is incumbent on churches to demonstrate our commitment in love for others by change in practice and custom in order to collaborate in the prevention of the spread of this disease.
  • Churches together have a common task in respect of the people of God who meet for worship and in respect of all people in society and thus we adopt and adapt each other’s best practice and wisdom in order to achieve common messaging in this critical time.

 

Additional Information for General Purposes

 

Are You Unwell?

  • NZ is following the guidance of the NZ Ministry of Health (MoH) and the World Health Organisation (WHO).
  • The virus affects the lungs and breathing and looks a bit like the influenza or flu virus. It especially impacts the elderly and people already sick for another reason.
  • Symptoms can range from mild to severe and some people infected are a-symptomatic, or show no symptoms.
  • Symptoms are: a temperature greater than 38 degrees, mild to acute respiratory illness and possibly also one of the following: shortness of breath, cough, or sore throat.
  • If you have symptoms of the coronavirus, call the NZ COVID-19 Healthline on 0800 358 5453 (+64 9 358 5453 for international SIMs)
  • At this stage there is no vaccination, but it is being worked on.
  • The best source of information on the virus is NOT social media, but we can rely on information from the NZ Ministry of Health or from the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Follow Vital Hygiene protocols and continue to Wash your Hands

  • Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze (we recommend the ‘chicken-wing’ method rather than your hands)
  • If using a tissue, put it in the bin
  • Stay home if you are sick (working from home may be an option)
  • Avoiding close contact (2m is the recommended distance) with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms
  • If you have been in contact with an unwell person or you yourself are feeling unwell, avoid contact with the elderly and anyone with a compromised immune system especially those with respiratory issues.
  • Two useful posters on handwashing and washing and drying hands are available by clicking on the links
  • The Ministry of Health’s advise on the best way to protect yourself and others is available here.
  • MOH information sheets are available here.