Advice for organisations providing services to whānau in self-isolation quarantine (SIQ)
Community food services who are delivering food to whānau in SIQ will want to ensure additional health and safety measures are in place. This may include:
- additional personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves.
- ensuring physical distancing at all times and contactless delivery.
- keeping a record of the details and time of each delivery.
General health advice
Ventilation
The virus that causes COVID-19 can be spread from person to person through:
- contact with droplets, which are produced when a person sneezes or coughs
- other small respiratory particles that are produced when people talk, sing or shout. These small particles can remain in the air for some time and may build up if there is not enough ventilation.
Transmission of COVID 19 is more common indoors, where there may be less space to physically distance and where people may come into contact with droplets more easily.
To help reduce the risk, it is important to take steps to improve ventilation in indoor settings so that any infectious particles that may be present in the air are more quickly removed.
Open or well-ventilated spaces reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 because infectious particles are more quickly diffused in the open air than in spaces with less ventilation.
Hygiene and cleaning
Good hand-washing practice is a foundation of infection control. Wash often with soap for 20 seconds. Then dry your hands completely. This kills the virus by bursting its protective bubble.
You should wash your hands:
- if you have been in a public place
- after blowing your nose
- after coughing or sneezing.
Avoid touching your face, including your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.
Using hand sanitiser is effective at killing germs and viruses when done correctly. It destroys the protective bubble of the virus, but only if the sanitiser has at least 60% alcohol. Sanitiser is also effective in reducing the number and type of germs.
COVID-19 can remain on some surfaces for up to 3 days. Regular cleaning of frequently touched surfaces and objects, such as handles, handrails, lift buttons, and switches is important to reduce transmission. Use a disinfectant that is antiviral and follow the instructions on the label.
Face coverings
A face covering is something which securely covers the nose and mouth. They are effective at reducing the spread of the virus by minimising the dispersal of droplets.
There are many types of face coverings available, including cloth and disposable. Face coverings work best if they are made with multiple layers and form a good fit around the face.
Exemption cards are available only for those who have a disability or health condition that makes wearing a face covering unsuitable.
