Level 2

We are at Alert Level 2 from 12 August 2020 until further notice. More information about our Alert Level

COVID-19 testing - Updated 9 September 2020

You can be tested for COVID-19 at your General Practice or at a community based testing centre (CBAC).

You should contact your GP first if you are unwell and they will likely be able to offer you testing. If this is not available you can attend a testing centre instead. You will only be tested for COVID-19 at a testing centre – they won’t do a health assessment, so it is important that if you are unwell and need to see a doctor or be assessed, you should contact your GP team as normal.

You do not need a referral to attend a CBAC testing centre. You can drive-up or walk-in. Testing is free, unless you require a test for travel overseas (see below).

COVID-19 Community Based Testing Centres (CBACs):

Please be aware that due to high demand, you may have to wait a long time. Please arrive at least half an hour before the testing centre closes.

• Orchard Road CBAC (near Airport), 174 Orchard Road, (Off Harewood Road), Christchurch. Open 9am-4pm, 7 days a week until further notice. (Walk-in/no referral required).
• Whānau Ora Community Clinic CBAC (Wainoni), 250 Pages Road, Wainoni, Christchurch. Open 9am-4pm, 7 days a week. (Walk-in/no referral required)
• Ashburton Hospital site CBAC - 28 Elizabeth Street, Ashburton hospital site, Open 10am-2pm, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday only. (Walk-in/no referral required)

No on-demand or walk-in COVID-19 testing is being carried out at Christchurch Hospital.

If you require a test before travel overseas you need to contact your General Practice or an Urgent care facility to book an appointment for this. You need to book the test within the timeframe required by the country you are travelling to (usually 3-5 days before travel) and with enough time for the result to come back (usually 48 hours). You will be charged for this test. Costs may vary. The testing centres are not able to perform travel tests because they are unable to take payment onsite.

More information about COVID-19 testing is available on the Unite Against COVID-19 website  

Covid-19 case numbers by Territorial Authority in the Canterbury DHB region 

	Ashburton District	Chatham Islands	Christchurch City	Hurunui District	Kaikōura District	Selwyn District	Waimakariri District	All Canterbury DHB
Total cases (combined, confirmed and probable)	3	0	124	3	4	13	17	164

Case numbers were last updated on 29 June 2020. This does not include cases in managed isolation and quarantine.

Case numbers were last updated on 29 June 2020. Privacy statement: To protect the privacy of individuals we will not be providing any further information on individual cases.

Changes to visiting Canterbury DHB hospitals and health centres under Alert Level 2

We are working closely with all our health partners to ensure we are responding effectively as a system to provide appropriate and timely care to those who need it.

Visitor restrictions – effective from Thursday 13 August 2020 until further notice.

• Under COVID-19 Alert Level 2 visitor access for all Canterbury DHB facilities is restricted.
• Please check in using the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 Tracer App at the front door when you enter any of our buildings. This is to help you record where you have been and when.
• There is  no visiting at any Aged Residential Care Facilities  operated by Canterbury DHB. (This includes Tuarangi Home in Ashburton along with our facilities in Kaikoura, Ellesmere, Oxford, Darfield and Waikari.
• Please don’t visit any of our hospitals or health centres if you don’t need to and always stay home if you’re sick.
• If you’re travelling to hospital via public transport please remember to cover your nose and mouth with a mask or scarf. It’s up to you whether you make your own mask or buy disposable surgical masks. The Ministry of Health have provided advice on their website for the public regarding wearing masks in the community.
•  Under Alert Level 2 you should maintain physical distancing of 2 metres from people you don’t know. 
•  If you can’t maintain appropriate physical distancing, face coverings (such as a mask or scarf) are recommended when you visit our facilities. 
• Under all Alert Levels where visitor restrictions are in place, an exception will be made for people with disabilities who are in hospital or have to attend an outpatient appointment– where they need a support person to ensure equitable access to health services. For example a sign language interpreter, support person for someone with a learning disability, or someone to assist with mobility is allowed in addition to that person’s permitted visitor/s.

Christchurch Hospital - Updated 13 August 2020

• Under Alert Level 2, visiting hours have changed and are from 3pm – 8pm until further notice.
• One visitor at a time is allowed in adult areas.
• One support person is allowed in outpatient areas.
• It’s recommended that visitors should wear a mask or other face covering (it can be a fabric mask or scarf but must cover your nose and mouth)
• Exceptions: Charge Nurse Managers can assess requests on a case by case basis. For example, exceptions will be considered on compassionate grounds including for end of life care.

For child health areas:

• Two parents/caregivers can visit for a child in the inpatient area at any time or accompany a child to outpatients, but no siblings or other children should visit.
• Masks or face coverings should be worn when you are visiting
• If you’re unwell please stay at home

Christchurch Women’s Hospital/Rangiora Health Hub maternity/Lincoln Maternity/Ashburton Maternity - Updated 13 August 2020

• Acute Assessment – one support person only to accompany someone presenting for acute assessment.
• Women in labour in a maternity facility are allowed two support partners from her extended bubble for the duration of the labour and birth.
• Women who have had an elective caesarean section are allowed one support person.
• For the duration of their postnatal stay a woman can have one named support person from the above bubble who will be able to visit once per day for any length of time from 10am-8pm (they will have to sign in at reception).
• All visitors to our maternity facilities must scan or manually log in using the COVID-19 Tracer App each time they visit.
• Outpatient appointments (including Fetomaternal medicine) – a support person will only be permitted under specific criteria – e.g. a person’s carer/support person is required to be with them at all times/complex needs or complex diagnosis/certain procedural clinics.

Burwood Hospital - Updated 13 August 2020

• Visiting hours remain 11am – 7pm.
• Please bring your own mask or face covering as your nose and mouth must be covered during your visit to Burwood Hospital.
• Only 2 visitors may visit an inpatient at a time. These can be different people each time.
• People attending an outpatient appointment can have one support person with them.

Specialist Mental Health Services at Hillmorton campus & The Princess Margaret Hospital site - Updated 13 August 2020

• Visiting in most areas is 10am – 8pm daily.
• One person may visit once per day during visiting hours.
• One support person per outpatient.
• Additional people may be considered by the Clinical/Charge Nurse Manager or Duty Nurse Manager (after hours). This must be by prior arrangement to ensure that we can meet physical distancing requirements.

Ashburton Hospital - *no change to current arrangements - Updated 13 August 2020

• Visiting is from 11am to 7pm daily

Oxford Hospital, Darfield Hospital, Ellesmere Hospital, Waikari Hospital - Updated 13 August 2020

• Under Alert Level 2, there is no visiting patients at any Aged Residential Care facilities. 

Kaikoura Health Te Ha o te Ora - Updated 13 August 2020

Visiting residents in our rest home

• Under Alert Level 2, there is no visiting patients at any Aged Residential Care facilities. 

Park and Ride - Updated 31 August 2020

 From Monday August 24, the free Christchurch Hospital Shuttle is running from the new Deans Avenue Car Park 

At Alert Level 2:

• Shuttle passengers are asked to use the hand sanitiser upon entry to the shuttle and use a mask. Passengers are encouraged to bring their own mask or use one of the disposable masks provided.
• Please note that when possible social distancing will be observed on all trips. However this may not be practical in all cases so please observe hand sanitation and wear a mask.
• An enhanced cleaning schedule is in place during shuttle operational hours. All surfaces are disinfected every two hours so there may be a short delay at times.

About the shuttle service

The hospital shuttle service runs from the new Deans Avenue car park, stopping at both the Outpatients Building and the main entrance of Christchurch hospital.

• Shuttles run every 15 minutes from:
  • Monday to Friday: Shuttles run every 15 minutes between 7.15am and 8.30pm
  • Saturday and Sunday: Shuttle runs every 15 minutes between 11.00am and 8.00pm
  • Please note, there is a mandatory break between 2.30pm and 3.15pm on the weekends for our drivers, so no shuttle will operate at this time.

IF YOU HAVE FLU LIKE SYMPTOMS PLEASE DON’T USE THE SHUTTLE.

Cafes - Updated 12 August 2020

All cafés located in DHB facilities are open as per usual hours, but with strict provisions for physical distancing in place including more widely-spaced tables and perspex screens in serving areas and at the checkouts. Please scan the QR code on the COVID Tracer App poster if you see one displayed.

Flu vaccinations

• The flu shot is available from your GP team and most pharmacies for free if you are 65 and over, pregnant, or have certain chronic conditions.
• If your child is 4 or under and has a history of severe respiratory illness, or has had a stay in hospital for measles, asthma or other breathing problems, they can get a free flu shot from your GP team.
• The flu vaccine does not protect you against COVID-19, however, it is the best protection available to prevent serious illness from flu.
• Contact your GP or pharmacist to find out when you can get your flu vaccine.

Infection prevention and control

• Our Infection Prevention and Control team continues to advise staff across the health system on ways to control the potential spread of infection, including enhanced cleaning protocols, isolation procedures and the correct use of personal protective equipment.

What can you do?

Look after your wellbeing

• If you or someone you know needs wellbeing support or advice, call or text 1737 to speak with a trained counsellor. This confidential service is free of charge and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There’s useful and practical information available for those at home in isolation on the government’s website Unite Against COVID-19 website
• Try not to increase habits such as smoking, as smoking can make you more susceptible to serious complications from COVID-19, such as pneumonia. If you are considering giving up smoking, even just temporarily, now would be a good opportunity. Te Hā – Waitaha offers free stop smoking support to anyone in Canterbury by phone or online. Visit www.stopsmokingcanterbury.org.nz for more information.

Be kind

• Canterbury has been through a lot, and we will get through this too. We’re stronger together. There’s a lot you can do to help yourself, your friends, family and community during this time. The Ministry of Health website has links to a wide range of online tools and resources to support wellbeing. Some are specifically designed for children, young people and there are others which are helpful for everyone. If you or those around you are concerned about how you’re feeling or your wellbeing, there is information and tools available to help you feel mentally well and get through.
• There are also some fantastic resources available from the All Right? team and the Mental Health Foundation as part of their ‘Getting through together’ initiative.

Protect yourself and others

• Wash your hands with soap and water often (for at least 20 seconds). Then dry thoroughly.
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow or by covering your mouth and nose with tissues. Put used tissues in the bin or a bag immediately.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects, such as doorknobs.
• Stay home if you feel unwell.
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.

COVID-19 related media releases

Tuesday 18 August 2020	Bring your own mask when visiting the hospital
Friday 14 August 2020	Canterbury DHB makes changes to visiting at its facilities under Alert Level 2
Thursday 13 August 2020	COVID-19 testing is being stepped up, but only for people with symptoms at this time
Wednesday 12 August 2020	Aged Residential Care Facilities following usual infectious disease protocols
Wednesday 12 August 2020	Infection Prevention advice for Cantabrians under COVID-19 Alert Level 2
Friday 10 August 2020	Christchurch COVID-19 pop-up testing centre open this Saturday 11 August 2020
Friday 19 June 2020	Updated visitor guidance under COVID-19 Alert Level 1 for Canterbury DHB facilities
Thursday 4 June 2020	If you have the NZ COVID Tracer App, you’ll soon be able to scan as you enter Canterbury DHB facilities
Monday 2 June 2020	Cantabrians reminded to come to their outpatient or surgical appointments
Friday 15 May 2020	Canterbury DHB makes changes to visiting at its hospitals and health centres under Alert Level 2
Thursday 14 May 2020	Get checked before you break out of your bubble and get jiggy (or do the jiggle wiggle)
Wednesday 6 May 2020	Changes to Burwood Hospital visiting
Wednesday 29 April 2020	Updated visitor guidance under COVID-19 Alert Level 3 for Canterbury DHB facilities
Friday 17 April 2020	Canterbury DHB response to the upsetting news of a death of a former Rosewood Rest Home & Hospital resident
Wednesday 15 April 2020	Family voices speak volumes: Care of psychogeriatric dementia patients from the Rosewood cluster being cared for at Burwood Hospital
Wednesday 15 April 2020	More is not always better when it comes to PPE
Saturday 11 April 2020	Clarification on dementia, psychogeriatric level residents from Rosewood who were relocated to Burwood
Saturday 11 April 2020	Precautions in place to ensure safe transfer of hospital-level residents from Rosewood Rest Home & Hospital
Friday 10 April 2020	Additional 20 Rosewood Rest Home & Hospital hospital-level residents to be moved
Wednesday 8 April 2020	Important message from Canterbury GPs
Monday 6 April 2020	Canterbury DHB moves to support Rosewood Rest Home Dementia facility
Saturday 4 April 2020	Online form now available for expressions of interest to work in the health system
Friday 3 April 2020	Parents and caregivers urged to watch out for choking hazards
Tuesday 31 March 2020	52 COVID-19 cases now confirmed in Canterbury
Friday 27 March 2020	A further twelve COVID-19 cases confirmed in Canterbury
Thursday 26 March 2020	A further ten COVID-19 cases and one probable confirmed in Canterbury over the past two days
Thursday 26 March 2020	COVID-19 Alert Level Four – Updated hospital and clinic visitor policy
Wednesday 25 March 2020	Christchurch Hospital Park and Ride Shuttle Service to be put on hold
Tuesday 24 March 2020	Another two cases of COVID-19 recorded in Canterbury
Tuesday 24 March 2020	Canterbury DHB postpones non-urgent surgeries and non-urgent outpatient appointments, to focus on the COVID-19 response
Tuesday 24 March 2020	Two further cases of COVID-19 in Canterbury
Sunday 22 March 2020	Third case of COVID-19 confirmed in Canterbury
Saturday 21 March 2020	Contextual information regarding airport handout given to disembarking passengers early in the COVID-19 outbreak
Friday 20 March 2020	Second case of COVID-19 confirmed in Canterbury
Friday 20 March 2020	Temporary changes to limit visitor numbers at Canterbury DHB facilities
Sunday 15 March 2020	Passenger aboard the Golden Princess cruise ship berthed at Akaroa today being tested for COVID-19
Thursday 12 March 2020	If in doubt – don’t go out: Cantabrians urged to follow health advice when considering attending public events
Monday 27 January 2020	Canterbury DHB’s public health team providing advice on novel coronavirus to passengers arriving from Mainland China at Christchurch International Airport

 

About COVID-19

COVID-19 (formerly known as novel coronavirus) is a respiratory illness that can be transmitted from person to person through droplets. It has spread to every continent except Antarctica and over 170 countries and territories have laboratory-confirmed cases.

It appears that most cases identified to date have mild to moderate illness. In severe cases, though, the virus can cause pneumonia and severe acute respiratory infection.

How to access Healthcare

• If you need to see a Doctor or other medical professional you MUST phone first.
• Most consultations will happen over the phone (or by videoconference) to stop any risk of the disease spreading by person to person contact.
• If a face to face meeting is required, your doctor or other medical professional will organise this with you.
• If you cannot get through and are severely unwell, for example having trouble breathing, don't hesitate to call emergency services (dial 111).

When should I seek medical advice?

If you are concerned about any COVID-19 symptoms you are experiencing, please contact Healthline (for free) on 0800 358 5453 or your doctor.

More information about accessing healthcare can be found on www.uniteforrecovery.govt.nz

New Zealand citizens and residents returning home

Public health staff are working with border agencies to ensure New Zealand citizens and residents returning home are screened as they enter the country, and aware of the need to self-isolate and understand what that entails. Self-isolation means avoiding situations where you could infect other people. People who have to self-isolate are also asked to register with Healthline's COVID-19 advice line by phoning 0800 358 5453.

Staff at airports and ports have information on hand that advises people what to look out for and what to do if they get symptoms.