Care in the Community welfare response
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Isolation is the key tool that remains to manage the spread of the virus. It is the most effective way to keep case numbers low. Most people with COVID-19 will isolate in the community. MSD is responsible for co-ordinating the welfare side of Care in the Community, allowing the Ministry of Health to focus on health support. This helps ensure people receive the support they need to isolate and avoid spreading COVID-19.
Most people will be able to look after themselves with help from friends and whānau. Others require a variety of supports to meet their individual or whānau needs, particularly where those needs are complex.
A locally led response
MSD’s regional teams are co-ordinating the welfare response through existing local partnerships with community providers, iwi, councils and government agencies. This process ensures the response is tailored to local needs, and people and whānau are linked with trusted local providers in their community who can best meet their needs.
MSD's role
MSD is co-ordinating and supporting the welfare response. As part of our support for the welfare response, we have set up dedicated:
- teams of experienced people in each region
- COVID-19 welfare support helpline teams.
Regional teams
Teams of experienced people are available in each region.
They triage referrals received – connecting people to appropriate local providers where needed, as well as directly assisting people where they can.
COVID Welfare Line
Helpline staff aim to ensure people get initial help for urgent needs, with more complex needs being co-ordinated by local providers.
Helpline number: 0800 512 337
$8m fund to support wellbeing of disabled communities
Disabled people and their whānau who have been significantly impacted by COVID-19 can now apply to providers for funding support through the Direct Support fund.
