Wednesday 12 February 2020

As the Coronavirus outbreak continues abroad, many people within our communities that have recently returned from China are self isolating themselves for 14 days, per the Ministry of Health’s recommendations.

Self isolation is helping to protect our communities against a potential Coronavirus outbreak, but at the same time making daily living difficult for some families. With no access to Chinese supermarkets, grocers and the like, some families’ supplies are quickly running out.

Felix Lin, the Asian Information Services Manager from Independent Living has created a support network [爱心义工跑腿团] to help those in self isolation have access to daily necessities. Felix is supported by local organisations: Age concern, Disability Connect, A better chance Charitable Trust, St Johns and a growing team of 70+ volunteers.

In the 4 days since the support network was developed, 90 families have been supported by volunteers, with a further 20 support requests received before midday today. Volunteers are keeping families connected with their communities helping with buying and delivery of necessities such as food, fruit and vegetables, toilet paper and more.

The support network of over 70 volunteers is rapidly growing with hourly requests to help out. Volunteers are handing out face masks, hand sanitiser and pamphlets to families which have been generously donated.

If you’d like to make a donation to this support network or become a volunteer, contact Felix Lin: felix@ilsnz.org

For families affected by self isolation Independent Living is offering free delivery for online orders using the code SUPPORT at checkout. Free delivery applies to deliveries in the Auckland Region only, and some product exclusions apply. www.ilsnz.org  

The Ministry of Health is advising:

If you have been in, or transited through, mainland China since 2 February 2020 or in the Hubei Province in the last 14 days, you may have been exposed to, and infected with, the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV).

Please register your details with Healthline within 24 hours of arrival. They also ask that you self-isolate for 14 days.

Please register your details with Healthline while in New Zealand. This must include your personal mobile number. We are doing this to provide you with health support while you are in New Zealand.

Call 0800 358 5453 to register.

If you are using an international SIM, call +64 9 358 5453

https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/novel-coronavirus-covid-19