2019 Novel Coronavirus Covid-19 Discussion

Forums › Health and fitness › 2019 Novel Coronavirus Covid-19 Discussion

Batman

Mad Scientist
30012 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 6217

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#265423 21-Jan-2020 08:50

If you are looking for information on Coronavirus, COVID-19 please visit this website.

Every few years, a new type of coronavirus that normally doesn't infect humans mutates in China and infects humans ... have lost count how many now, but makes me think something fishy is going on there ... or maybe just the sheer population of livestock there mixed with massive population of humans? Anyway, it won't be funny if one day it causes a real pandemic.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/world/asia/118920223/humantohuman-transmission-confirmed-in-china-coronavirus

This is a filtered page: currently showing replies marked as answers. Click here to see full discussion.

freitasm

BDFL - Memuneh
80647 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 41030

Administrator

ID Verified

Trusted

Geekzone

Lifetime subscriber

#2440675 18-Mar-2020 13:28

We need more information and less debate now:

Healthline

Unite against COVID-19

COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) Ministry of Health

Referral links: Quic Broadband (free setup code: R587125ERQ6VE) | Samsung | AliExpress | Wise | Sharesies

Support Geekzone by subscribing (browse ads-free), or making a one-off or recurring donation through PressPatron.

Sideface

9649 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 15596

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2443056 21-Mar-2020 15:27

Disclosure:

I am a retired medical professional.
I am aged over 70 years - old enough to remember lethal epidemics.
My son specialises in COVID-19 public health management in Australia.

As far as I can see, no-one has yet posted in this thread who is currently in voluntary isolation.

So here goes:

Every single member of my extended family, including myself, located in three different countries (NZ, Australia, UK), is currently in voluntary isolation, indirectly because of COVID-19.

Inlaws, children, and grandchildren, age range from 5 to 85 years.

None of us are ill or have COVID-19, but some of us have been exposed to it, and currently one of us (a young child in NZ) is being tested for it. (The result will probably be negative)

Those of us aged over 70 will probably stay in home isolation for months - we are all fully willing and prepared to do this.

The younger adults and children are isolating for two weeks.

My son, who leads a COVID-19 team, is working from home in Australia, solely because he recently visited New Zealand. There is a certain irony to this. 😕
His team have been rehearsing for remote working for three months.
He believes that it will be six months before he will be permitted to visit NZ again.

The take-home message - COVID-19 deserves to be treated with extreme respect. Remember what happened in Italy.

Sideface

freitasm

BDFL - Memuneh
80647 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 41030

Administrator

ID Verified

Trusted

Geekzone

Lifetime subscriber

#2443679 22-Mar-2020 13:19

As discussed on another thread, if you are running Boinc Rosetta@Home (the one I use) or Folding@Home you can join the Geekzone teams:

Referral links: Quic Broadband (free setup code: R587125ERQ6VE) | Samsung | AliExpress | Wise | Sharesies

Support Geekzone by subscribing (browse ads-free), or making a one-off or recurring donation through PressPatron.

Stu

Hammered
8742 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2395

Moderator

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2444735 23-Mar-2020 17:39

'Essential Businesses' from 'The Site' https://covid19.govt.nz/government-actions/covid-19-alert-system/#essential-businesses

This list will be updated as required, unlike lists from media then posted here.

People often mistake me for an adult because of my age.

Keep calm, and carry on posting.

Referral Links: Sharesies -

Are you happy with what you get from Geekzone? If so, please consider supporting us by subscribing.

No matter where you go, there you are.

freitasm

BDFL - Memuneh
80647 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 41030

Administrator

ID Verified

Trusted

Geekzone

Lifetime subscriber

#2445478 24-Mar-2020 13:57

@kobiak:

did not government said construction works falls under essential? how builders are going to get all the necessity without bunnings/mite10/placemakers/etc operational?

how about online business?

• Any entity involved in building and construction related to essential services and critical infrastructure

• Any entity involved in building and construction required immediately to maintain human health and safety at home or work

• Any entity that performs or is involved in building and resource consenting necessary for the above purposes

Referral links: Quic Broadband (free setup code: R587125ERQ6VE) | Samsung | AliExpress | Wise | Sharesies

Support Geekzone by subscribing (browse ads-free), or making a one-off or recurring donation through PressPatron.

freitasm

BDFL - Memuneh
80647 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 41030

Administrator

ID Verified

Trusted

Geekzone

Lifetime subscriber

#2445853 24-Mar-2020 22:12

Press release:

Media Release: Further guidance on essential services provided

Government Ministers met tonight and have provided further guidance on essential services that can continue to operate after midnight tomorrow.

MBIE Deputy Chief Executive Paul Stocks said the purpose of escalating New Zealand’s COVID-19 alert level to 4 was to stop the virus in its tracks and reduce contact between people.

“That’s why we need as many businesses as possible to close their premises now if our one shot at beating the virus is to be successful,” Mr Stocks said.

“Only the businesses absolutely essential to ensure the necessities of life, like supermarkets and pharmacies, can stay open. If in doubt, the business premises should be closed.

“So unfortunately the Warehouse needs to close its shops. Leaving them open to the general public creates too high a risk of further spreading the virus.

Mr Stocks says “big box” retailers like Bunnings, Placemakers and Mitre 10 can stay open to trade customers for essential purposes only.

“These retailers play an important part in the construction supply chain, but they cannot sell goods to the general public.”

Businesses that are a critical part of the supply chain for essential services are also able to continue operating, but must do so in a way that is safe.

“For example, if you make chemicals that are needed for our waste water plants, then we need you to keep operating at the minimum level required.”

In addition, dairies can continue to operate, but must observe strict physical distancing rules for customers.

“Dairies provide basic food items like bread and milk to people close to where they live, especially the elderly who may not be able to get to a supermarket. However, they will need to operate a strict ‘one-in one-out’ policy and they won’t be allowed to sell food prepared on the premises.

“If any dairy breaks the rules, we will shut it down. If there is evidence of systemic abuse, we will remove them from the essential services list.

“Food delivery services like Uber Eats and Deliver Easy pose a risk to human health. We cannot guarantee every kitchen operates strict food preparation controls or that everyone who works in a kitchen is well. Evidence overseas suggests the virus has been spread via poor food hygiene practices, so it’s a real risk we have to eliminate.

“For clarity, every restaurant, café and bar must close all aspects of their operation, including delivery.

“Delivery of food that is not pre-cooked will be allowed under strict health conditions. Many New Zealanders now receive their food via a delivery company and are in effect no different to a supermarket delivery option.

“Most people are able to purchase alcohol at supermarkets. On that basis liquor stores are being treated as other non-essential retail outlets and must close. The only exception to this are Licencing Trust Areas where there is nowhere else to purchase alcohol. These stores must operate a ‘one-in one-out’ policy.

“We are doing further work on online ordering of non-food products for home delivery to see if this type of retail can be conducted safely. We will update advice on this once further decisions are made.

“COVID-19 alert level 4 is not business as usual and means there will be significant restrictions on what New Zealanders are able to purchase. However, these changes are essential to stop the spread of the virus.

“We are ready to change the list if necessary. If we discover there are essential services that have not been made available we will react to that as we go.”

Further details on essential services:

Dairies to stay open, with “one-in one-out” rule
Food delivery prohibited, except meals on wheels and delivery of food not pre-cooked
Liquor stores closed, unless within a Licensing Trust Area and with “one-in one-out” rule
Self-service laundries can stay open, two-metre physical distancing to be enforced
Retirement villages included as an essential service
The Warehouse to close stores to the public
Bunnings, Placemakers, Mitre 10 and other retailers essential to the supply chain for building and construction can stay open to trade customers for essential purposes only
The Tiwai Point smelter exempt from closure
NZ Steel shut down in a way that allows for production to recommence easily
Pulp and paper plants to shut down non-essential elements in a way that allows for production to recommence easily while maintaining essential production
Methanex to remain in production, but at a scale consistent with stability of gas supply.

Referral links: Quic Broadband (free setup code: R587125ERQ6VE) | Samsung | AliExpress | Wise | Sharesies

Support Geekzone by subscribing (browse ads-free), or making a one-off or recurring donation through PressPatron.

Dyson

Shop now for Dyson appliances (affiliate link).

freitasm

BDFL - Memuneh
80647 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 41030

Administrator

ID Verified

Trusted

Geekzone

Lifetime subscriber

#2446526 25-Mar-2020 17:54

From WCC:

Mayor Andy Foster says there are two reasons for the halt to collections – both based on health and safety.

“First, Wellington City Council’s contractors, like most other employers, have a limited staff roster and so we must ensure they focus first and foremost on collecting rubbish – which is an essential public health service.

“Second, our recycling operation involves a high degree of hand sorting of recyclable products, both when going into the trucks (for glass) and at the Oji plant in Seaview. Workers there manually sort recyclables along a series of conveyor belts.

“Given we understand the Covid-19 virus can remain active for up to three days on some surfaces like plastic, metal and glass, workers are facing too great a risk.

“Different councils run different systems. Some appear to be collecting recycling separate to the rubbish collection, but are nevertheless still landfilling it. In normal conditions our separate recycling processes result in the lowest possible level of contamination, and therefore the highest level of good usable recyclable material. However the Covid-19 threat would make it irresponsible to continue when we move to alert level 4 tonight.

“This will be very disappointing for most of us who are avid recyclers, but while alert level 4 continues, we cannot keep the operation going. That leaves the choices of either putting your recycling into your yellow rubbish bags or private waste collection wheelie-bins or, if you don’t want your recyclables to be landfilled, then wash them thoroughly as you always should and safely stockpile them until the recycling service resumes.”

Further important points:

• The weekly rubbish collection service (rubbish collected in official yellow Wellington City Council bags) is continuing as normal.
• The Southern Landfill is closed to the general public.
• Private-sector wheelie-bin rubbish collections will continue as normal.
• Wellington City Council yellow rubbish bags are available at supermarkets – there is no shortage of stock and bags are being delivered to supermarkets within 48 hours of them being ordered.
• Purchasing, orders and deliveries of recycling bags, wheelie bins and wheelie bin clips, and green crates have ceased for the time-being.

Referral links: Quic Broadband (free setup code: R587125ERQ6VE) | Samsung | AliExpress | Wise | Sharesies

Support Geekzone by subscribing (browse ads-free), or making a one-off or recurring donation through PressPatron.

freitasm

BDFL - Memuneh
80647 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 41030

Administrator

ID Verified

Trusted

Geekzone

Lifetime subscriber

#2446540 25-Mar-2020 18:10

Press release:

The Government is supporting New Zealanders to stay in their rental properties with a six month freeze on residential rent increases and increased protection from having their tenancies terminated, says the Housing Minister Dr Megan Woods.

“These changes will ensure that people can stay in their homes during this challenging time. This enables families and individuals to self-isolate, to stay home and maintain physical distancing, supporting the public health of all New Zealanders.

“It also means that in the short term, families and individuals who are tenants do not lose their home due to a drop in income related to job losses through Covid-19.

“Sustaining tenants in their current homes will help prevent further pressure on our welfare system at this time,” Dr Woods said.

Minister Woods is making it clear that tenants have obligations as well.

“It is not acceptable for tenants to abuse the current situation by refusing to pay rent when they have the capacity to do so, causing significant property damage, or significant anti-social behaviour. Tenants are still fully liable for their rent payments and any damage as we ensure that Landlords do not increase the burden on tenants.”

“The measures we have proposed try to balance protection of the interests of tenants, landlords, and the wider community during this unprecedented time.”

“The rent increase freeze will protect tenants from additional financial hardship at a time when they are more likely to already be facing financial stress. Increases in rent are now prohibited under any circumstances, for the period of the legislative amendments. However, tenants still must pay their rent.”

“Landlords also need to be aware that breaching rent increase provisions or tenancy termination provisions under these new rules, constitutes an unlawful act, with exemplary damages of up to $6,500 payable in each case,” Megan Woods said.

Tenancy termination measures apply for three months, and this may be extended if necessary.

Importantly, where a tenant has symptoms of Covid-19, or is confirmed as positive, this is not grounds for a landlord to terminate a tenancy. Nor is a tenant required to notify their landlord if they test positive for Covid-19. However, we encourage tenants to advise the landlord, if the landlord needs to attend the property while the tenant is self-isolating, for example, if the landlord needs to undertake urgent repairs at the property.

“In these unprecedented times, we encourage landlords to talk to their tenants, work together and take care of each other wherever possible. Parties should try to come to an arrangement that suits them both. We need to work together and help each other to fight Covid-19,” Megan Woods said.

If you need financial assistance or emergency accommodation, you should talk to Work and Income: www.workandincome.govt.nz/providers/housing-providers/emergency-housing/index.html

Notes to Editor

Rent Increases: there is a freeze on rent increases. Regardless of when notice of a rent increase was provided, no increase is permitted if the effective date is after the date this law comes into effect.

End-of-Tenancy/Evictions: Moving house is unlikely to be considered 'essential' during the lock-down. Fixed-term and periodic tenancies will not end unless specific grounds applying (e.g. the tenant wants the tenancy to end). Tenants cannot be evicted during the lock-down, except in very limited circumstances.

Buyers/Sellers: The Law Society is recommending settlement dates are delayed as sellers will be unable to provide vacant possession, and buyers will be unable to move in.

Referral links: Quic Broadband (free setup code: R587125ERQ6VE) | Samsung | AliExpress | Wise | Sharesies

Support Geekzone by subscribing (browse ads-free), or making a one-off or recurring donation through PressPatron.

FineWine

3111 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2440

Trusted

Nurse (R)

Lifetime subscriber

#2447632 27-Mar-2020 00:41

CORONAVIRUS NASOPHARYNGEAL SWAB TESTING

Ok with the commencement of nation wide testing stations I though I would explain the main testing procedure for specimen collection of the coronavirus.

You all would of heard by now about the testing for the coronavirus by someone with a long cotton bud type stick and poking it up your nose. This is called a nasopharyngeal swab. You would have seen photos and videos on the news of this procedure. Some recipients say ‘easy peasy’ and some say ‘bloody awful’ and some say it caused severe trauma to their nose. I personally have only done a handful of these swab tests but I have done a truck load of putting temporary feeding tubes down into the stomach via the nose from babies to adults. The two procedures are the same for the insertion of the object, stick or tube into your nose.

Well, like all medical procedures there is a right way and a wrong way.

The nasal cavity is not a straight tube from the frontal opening, nares, to the exiting at the top back of your throat. It does a 90 degree turn downwards at the very back of the nose, nasal cavity. This curve at the back is called the nasopharynx and is where we are aiming to get to with the swap without going round the curve. On the way to the back is the nasal cavity which is lined with mucous membranes. It is in this area, mainly towards the back, is where the virus likes to reside. It’s warm and it’s moist. A perfect little place to set up shop.

The trouble is if you look at your face and the position of the nose, you would think that you would insert the swap in straight up towards your forehead. You Don’t. Doing that and you will cause trauma and injury. You see the floor of your nose lies approximately parallel to the top of your mouth and the nasal cavity balloons upwards, then sharply narrows downwards at the back.

So the most comfortable method for specimen collection is starting with the head in the neutral position and to slightly tip the head back. That way you can get a good look along the floor of the nose towards the back. Now insert the swab horizontally along the floor of the nasal cavity with the swabs stick portion touching the top of the front opening of the nose, the nares. Insert till it is approximately the same distance as it is to the outer opening of your ear. Now withdraw giving the swab a quick rotated twist on the way out.

If it hurt, then it was not done correctly. If it felt very briefly uncomfortable then job well done, now go home.

Hope this helps allay any testing anxiety. 😀

Whilst the difficult we can do immediately, the impossible takes a bit longer. However, miracles you will have to wait for.

DS248

1702 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 771

Lifetime subscriber

#2449826 30-Mar-2020 04:12

Have posted an updated version of plot comparing rates of growth in cases in several countries in a new ‘Data, analysis, research links & related discussion’ thread. Increasingly difficult to locate info in this thread. Plus I suspect not so many here are interested in the info.

https://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=161&topicid=268639&page_no=1#2449825

Now two plots, one looking at East vs West and the other, possible seasonality.

freitasm

BDFL - Memuneh
80647 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 41030

Administrator

ID Verified

Trusted

Geekzone

Lifetime subscriber

#2450026 30-Mar-2020 12:58

As above. If you need to contact your GP or pharmacy contact them first and arrange a time.

If you have COVID-19 symptoms make sure to let them know in advance.

Do not turn up at your GP or pharmacy and put everyone there at risk.

Referral links: Quic Broadband (free setup code: R587125ERQ6VE) | Samsung | AliExpress | Wise | Sharesies

Support Geekzone by subscribing (browse ads-free), or making a one-off or recurring donation through PressPatron.

Lego

Shop now for Lego sets and other gifts (affiliate link).

freitasm

BDFL - Memuneh
80647 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 41030

Administrator

ID Verified

Trusted

Geekzone

Lifetime subscriber

#2450395 31-Mar-2020 10:08

I think it's time to stop trying to find loopholes or coming up with lame excuses. Please stop the discussion of the "can I drive to play touch rugby on the park across town" discussions now. You are not helping.

Referral links: Quic Broadband (free setup code: R587125ERQ6VE) | Samsung | AliExpress | Wise | Sharesies

Support Geekzone by subscribing (browse ads-free), or making a one-off or recurring donation through PressPatron.

Kyanar

4089 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1684

ID Verified

Trusted

#2451477 31-Mar-2020 12:31

Geektastic:

Thanks. I am trying to find the legal wording.

It's really just an intellectual activity to stave off boredom! I read a letter in a UK paper from a solicitor in which he pointed out that there were reasonably significant differences between the wording of the Statutory Instrument that created and defined the lockdown, what you can and cannot do etc and the interpretation of that by the Police. In essence, he said that the Police were attempting to make law rather than enforce it, which of course they should not do.

The starting point would be the Epidemic Preparedness Act 2006 (you'll notice this is not a new Act) and the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002. There is also an army of changes to the Taxation and Social Security Acts in the COVID-19 Response (Taxation and Social Assistance Urgent Measures) Act 2020 and changes to Education, Tenancy, and Local Government Acts in the COVID-19 Response (Urgent Management Measures) Legislation Act 2020. There is an amendment to the Health Act 1956 in the Infectious and Notifiable Diseases Order 2020 (to enable contact tracing) and Infectious and Notifiable Diseases Order No 2 2020 (to add COVID-19 by name, as it was added before it was named). There is also the Social Security (COVID-19—Temporary Additional Support and Expiry and Regrant of Benefits) Amendment Regulations 2020 which negates the benefit expiry periods, the Social Security (Exemption from Stand-Down - Coronavirus COVID-19) Amendment Regulations 2020 which negates the stand-down periods for benefits, and the Social Security (Rates of Benefits and Allowances) (COVID-19 Recovery Package) Amendment Order 2020 which increases the benefit.

I believe the statutory powers are conferred by the Epidemic Preparedness Act and Civil Defence Emergency Management Act, and enacted by a notice in the Gazette.

Relevant notices appear to be these:

Epidemic Preparedness (COVID-19) Notice 2020 - declares that there is an Epidemic.

Epidemic Preparedness (Epidemic Management— COVID-19) Notice 2020 - activates dormant provisions of Immigration, Social Security Acts.

Epidemic Preparedness (Epidemic Management— COVID-19—Parole Act 2002 and Sentencing Act 2002) Notice 2020 - activates dormant provisions of the Parole and Sentencing Acts.

Declaration of State of National Emergency by Minister of Civil Defence - declares the State of National Emergency that allows Civil Defence to make up the rules as it goes along.

I think you'll find there's no statutory instrument for the matter, because Civil Defence are empowered to just make up the rules. So whatever is on the web page is whatever applies.

PolicyGuy

1820 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1769

ID Verified

Lifetime subscriber

#2451501 31-Mar-2020 13:22

Kyanar:

The starting point would be the Epidemic Preparedness Act 2006 (you'll notice this is not a new Act) and the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002. There is also an army of changes to the Taxation and Social Security Acts in the COVID-19 Response (Taxation and Social Assistance Urgent Measures) Act 2020 and changes to Education, Tenancy, and Local Government Acts in the COVID-19 Response (Urgent Management Measures) Legislation Act 2020. There is an amendment to the Health Act 1956 in the Infectious and Notifiable Diseases Order 2020 (to enable contact tracing) and Infectious and Notifiable Diseases Order No 2 2020 (to add COVID-19 by name, as it was added before it was named). There is also the Social Security (COVID-19—Temporary Additional Support and Expiry and Regrant of Benefits) Amendment Regulations 2020 which negates the benefit expiry periods, the Social Security (Exemption from Stand-Down - Coronavirus COVID-19) Amendment Regulations 2020 which negates the stand-down periods for benefits, and the Social Security (Rates of Benefits and Allowances) (COVID-19 Recovery Package) Amendment Order 2020 which increases the benefit.

I believe the statutory powers are conferred by the Epidemic Preparedness Act and Civil Defence Emergency Management Act, and enacted by a notice in the Gazette.

Relevant notices appear to be these:

Epidemic Preparedness (COVID-19) Notice 2020 - declares that there is an Epidemic.

Epidemic Preparedness (Epidemic Management— COVID-19) Notice 2020 - activates dormant provisions of Immigration, Social Security Acts.

Epidemic Preparedness (Epidemic Management— COVID-19—Parole Act 2002 and Sentencing Act 2002) Notice 2020 - activates dormant provisions of the Parole and Sentencing Acts.

Declaration of State of National Emergency by Minister of Civil Defence - declares the State of National Emergency that allows Civil Defence to make up the rules as it goes along.

I think you'll find there's no statutory instrument for the matter, because Civil Defence are empowered to just make up the rules. So whatever is on the web page is whatever applies.

The basic powers are set out in the Health Act 1956, Sections 70 - 73.

I think these provisions were designed and enacted in the aftermath of an outbreak of Foot & Mouth Disease in the UK in 1951/52.

DS248

1702 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 771

Lifetime subscriber

#2451893 1-Apr-2020 00:34

I started a new thread for data, analysis, etc and have posted updates there. https://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=161&topicid=268639

MikeB4

MikeB4
18775 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 12765

ID Verified

Trusted

Subscriber

#2453134 2-Apr-2020 15:48

I was’t going to post here again but I feel I must. @dogstar001 yes NZ is facing hard times as we have many times in the past. I will share something personal. I worked very hard, 2 jobs to get our first home however mortgage interest rates hit over 20% and I could not keep those payments up. I fell ill and disabled and lost my job. I also lost the house and it took another 10 years plus to finally get another home. I have only ever had 3 homes and at size no bigger than necessary. My current home is not large and will be my final home as it has been modified for my disabilities.

I did not lose my humanity because of that I do not want New Zealand to lose its humanity over this very trying time. Creating scapegoats and sacrificing those scapegoats is not the future any of us should want in our society. What you are suggesting is utterly disgraceful. I understand that you are hurting but your problems won’t be solved by your solution it will be made harder.

Here is a crazy notion, lets give peace a chance.

freitasm

BDFL - Memuneh
80647 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 41030

Administrator

ID Verified

Trusted

Geekzone

Lifetime subscriber

#2453873 3-Apr-2020 15:27

Press release:

The Government will be introducing legislation to make changes to the Companies Act to help companies facing insolvency due to COVID-19 to remain viable and keep New Zealanders in jobs.

The temporary changes include:

Giving directors of companies facing significant liquidity problems because of COVID-19 a ‘safe harbour’ from insolvency duties under the Companies Act,
enabling businesses affected by COVID-19 to place existing debts into hibernation until they are able to start trading normally again,
allowing the use of electronic signatures where necessary due to COVID-19 restrictions,
giving the Registrar of Companies the power to temporarily extend deadlines imposed on companies, incorporated societies, charitable trusts and other entities under legislation, and
giving temporary relief for entities that are unable to comply with requirements in their constitutions or rules because of COVID-19.

“These measures will support the Government’s work to cushion the economic impact for New Zealand and to support businesses and protect jobs and incomes,” Finance Minister Grant Robertson said.

“We are announcing these decisions now to give businesses certainty that these measures are being worked through. We will be asking Parliament to agree to make some of these changes retrospective.

“While they will help increase certainty and provide practical assistance to business owners and directors, the changes must not be seen as a workaround for obligations to creditors and the responsibility of directors to act in good faith.

“I want to emphasise that these changes will not mean that directors are free to disregard the consequences of their actions for the next six months. Other protections in the Companies Act, such as those addressing serious breaches of the duty to act in good faith and punishing those who dishonestly incur debts, will remain in place,” Grant Robertson said.

Consumer Affairs Minister Kris Faafoi said the changes would help retain jobs and support the New Zealand economy to recover as quickly as possible.

“We know that, whether real or perceived, the threat of a director being held personally liable for a company’s solvency problems will likely make them inclined to advise closing down a business,” Consumer Affairs Minister Kris Faafoi said.

“A ‘safe harbour’ will help them keep trading, rather than prematurely closing up, which will minimise disruption to the economy as much as possible,” Kris Faafoi said.

The proposed move to place existing debts into hibernation, to be known as a Business Debt Hibernation (BDH), would only happen with the agreement of 50 per cent of a business’s creditors.

“Going into a Business Debt Hibernation will give businesses the space to talk to their creditors about prioritising paying some debts, and deferring others for six months,” Grant Robertson said.

”It is inevitable that some businesses are going to have to go into liquidation. However these measures provide an accessible and pragmatic means of helping some businesses to weather the storm in a way that does as little harm as possible to creditors’ interests,” Grant Robertson said.

He urged businesses to talk to their creditors and banks, and also reminded them that the Government had a Wage Subsidy scheme in place as well as a Business Finance Guarantee Scheme, which can offer loans up to $500,000 over three years.

For more information, go to www.companiesoffice.govt.nz

Referral links: Quic Broadband (free setup code: R587125ERQ6VE) | Samsung | AliExpress | Wise | Sharesies

Support Geekzone by subscribing (browse ads-free), or making a one-off or recurring donation through PressPatron.

FineWine

3111 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2440

Trusted

Nurse (R)

Lifetime subscriber

#2453951 3-Apr-2020 16:59

THE USE OF MASK and GLOVES

This a more detailed follow-on from an earlier post I made on the 1st March #2429583

The following I have plagiarised from several articles including my own 30 year old nursing library.

COVID-19 is spread mainly in the air in droplet form BUT there is now unverified evidence that it MAY also be spread through atomisation during normal speaking and breathing. This is quite starling if it can be verified. The experts can not agree on this and the science is not clear therefore it comes with a load of caveats.

THE USE OF FACE MASKS

How to put on a face mask
1. Clean your hands with soap and water or hand sanitiser before touching the mask.
2. Remove a mask from the box and make sure there are no obvious tears or holes in either side of the mask.
3. Determine which side of the mask is the top. The side of the mask that has a stiff bendable edge is the top and is meant to mould to the shape of your nose.
4. Determine which side of the mask is the front. The coloured side of the mask is usually the front and should face away from you, while the white side touches your face.
5. Follow the instructions below for the type of mask you are using.
◦ Face Mask with Ear loops: Hold the mask by the ear loops. Place a loop around each ear.
◦ Face Mask with Ties: Bring the mask to your nose level and place the ties over the crown of your head and secure with a bow.
◦ Face Mask with Bands: Hold the mask in your hand with the nosepiece or top of the mask at fingertips, allowing the headbands to hang freely below hands. Bring the mask to your nose level and pull the top strap over your head so that it rests over the crown of your head. Pull the bottom strap over your head so that it rests at the nape of your neck.
6. Mould or pinch the stiff edge to the shape of your nose.
7. If using a face mask with ties: Then take the bottom ties, one in each hand, and secure with a bow at the nape of your neck.
8. Pull the bottom of the mask over your mouth and chin.
9. do not cross over the ties or loops. This squeezes the masks sides open around the cheek

How to remove a face mask
1. Clean your hands with soap and water or hand sanitiser before touching the mask. Avoid touching the front of the mask. The front of the mask is contaminated. Only touch the ear loops/ties/band.Follow the instructions below for the type of mask you are using.
2. Face Mask with Ear loops: Hold both of the ear loops and gently lift and remove the mask.
3. Face Mask with Ties: Untie the bottom bow first then untie the top bow and pull the mask away from you as the ties are loosened.
4. Face Mask with Bands: Lift the bottom strap over your head first then pull the top strap over your head.
5. Throw the mask in the trash. Clean your hands with soap and water or hand sanitiser.

NOTE: Any cloth or paper based mask should be discarded safely and responsibly after use and under no circumstances should it be used for longer than a day. Replace the mask immediately if it is damaged, very moist or soiled.

NOTE: Practice this at home, at length. Learn how to put on the mask, take off the mask, and importantly, how to act while wearing the mask. Any mask that performs serious amounts of filtering can be quite difficult to breathe through, so you need to get used to what it's like to have your breathing impeded for 30, 60, 90 minutes at a time. You also need to find out what you can and can't do while wearing a mask, e.g. engaging in strenuous activity will be a no-no, so you need to calibrate how far you can go at home before you need to apply it in practice. (Thanks to @neb)

THE USE OF GLOVES

The virus that causes COVID-19 is mainly spread from person to person through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. And that happens when people are within 2 meters of one another. The other way you can get the virus is from contaminated surfaces. So whenever you touch a surface with the virus on it and then touch your mouth, nose or eyes, you’ve possibly exposed yourself to the virus. However, the U.S. Centres for Disease Control says this doesn’t appear to be the main way that the virus is spread. This is dependant on how long the virus has been on the surface and the type of surface. It also, not proven, may depend on climatic conditions at that time.

Gloves = false sense of security?

Thoroughly washing your hands for at least 20 seconds remains the best defence against COVID-19. But when you go to the grocer or supermarket or other public places, you may not have access to soap and water, hand sanitiser or wipes to clean grocery trolleys. That’s why some people are wearing gloves. But wearing gloves can give you a false sense of security. Because the virus adheres well to latex and other types of gloves, if you touch your face at any point, you’ve still potentially exposed yourself to the virus.

Proper glove use is key

Many people don’t know the proper way to take off gloves and can contaminate their hands when taking off gloves. For example, after you take off your left glove with your right gloved hand, your left hand is at that point virus free. But if you take off your right glove by touching the outside of it, you’ve potentially contaminated your left hand.

You need to reach inside your right glove and peel it inside out without touching the outside, which can take some skill.

Not touching anything = No need for gloves

NOTE: Another thing is that if you’re going for a walk and staying at least 2 meters from people, there’s no need to wear gloves—the virus that causes COVID-19 is only absorbed through mucous membranes, not your hands.

NOTE: If you already have gloves and wearing them in highly public places like stores and public transportation helps calm your nerves, go ahead and slide a pair on. Keep in mind that you can only use them once and need to properly take them off and immediately dispose of them. Try not to touch your face with them, and wash your hands after taking them off.

THE USE OF FACE SHIELDS

If you need to wear a face shield then you should not be where you are. Though having said that I noticed that my local pharmacist was wearing one. But he was also 2 meters away from where I was standing.

Thoroughly washing your hands for at least 20 seconds remains the best defence against COVID-19 and staying at home if you have the slightest inkling you may be ill, then you must ensure you phone the COVID-19 health advice and information Healthline team (for free) on 0800 358 5453 or +64 9 358 5453

EDIT: addendum thanks to NEB and little tidy up

Whilst the difficult we can do immediately, the impossible takes a bit longer. However, miracles you will have to wait for.

freitasm

BDFL - Memuneh
80647 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 41030

Administrator

ID Verified

Trusted

Geekzone

Lifetime subscriber

#2454374 4-Apr-2020 13:40

Here is the general order issued last night with some update on bubbles and movements.

Referral links: Quic Broadband (free setup code: R587125ERQ6VE) | Samsung | AliExpress | Wise | Sharesies

Support Geekzone by subscribing (browse ads-free), or making a one-off or recurring donation through PressPatron.

freitasm

BDFL - Memuneh
80647 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 41030

Administrator

ID Verified

Trusted

Geekzone

Lifetime subscriber

#2456084 6-Apr-2020 17:19

@k14:

To me it sounds like all these armchair critics are making their own interpretations of the rules and forcing these on others (I wouldn't be surprised if the vast majority have never been near a mountain bike in their life). I will continue to ride my mountain bike on the local trails and abide by the guidance without breaking any rules (stay local, keep your distance). If the government changes the guidance then i will alter my behaviour accordingly. At this stage there is absolutely no need to ban specific activities like mountain biking.

To me it sounds like you are not thinking clearly. So at this stage I am blocking you from posting in the Health sub-forum, like some other people who can't think past themselves.

Referral links: Quic Broadband (free setup code: R587125ERQ6VE) | Samsung | AliExpress | Wise | Sharesies

Support Geekzone by subscribing (browse ads-free), or making a one-off or recurring donation through PressPatron.

freitasm

BDFL - Memuneh
80647 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 41030

Administrator

ID Verified

Trusted

Geekzone

Lifetime subscriber

#2466379 20-Apr-2020 16:06

Down to L3 Monday 27 April 23:59.

Referral links: Quic Broadband (free setup code: R587125ERQ6VE) | Samsung | AliExpress | Wise | Sharesies

Support Geekzone by subscribing (browse ads-free), or making a one-off or recurring donation through PressPatron.

clinty

1201 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 402

Lifetime subscriber

#2467933 22-Apr-2020 15:19

For those who are looking to catch up, refresh their memory, source quotes or check specific bits of info, all of the press conferences are located here ( back to around the start of level 4 lockdown )

https://www.beehive.govt.nz/feature/covid-19-updates

It has both the video and written transcriptions, including reporters questions ( the transcriptions tend to come out late the same day, first thing the following morning)

Clint

freitasm

BDFL - Memuneh
80647 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 41030

Administrator

ID Verified

Trusted

Geekzone

Lifetime subscriber

#2471863 27-Apr-2020 11:08

For those who still think rules are good but need explanation, here are two good articles.

Referral links: Quic Broadband (free setup code: R587125ERQ6VE) | Samsung | AliExpress | Wise | Sharesies

Support Geekzone by subscribing (browse ads-free), or making a one-off or recurring donation through PressPatron.

PolicyGuy

1820 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1769

ID Verified

Lifetime subscriber

#2472051 27-Apr-2020 13:21

frednz:

Rules, rules, rules ..... why on earth do we need rules that try to tell us what we can and can't do.

The Level 3 Rules are the "Health Act (COVID-19 Alert Level 3) Order 2020", here:http://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2020/0069/latest/whole.html

Jase2985

13730 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 6202

ID Verified

Lifetime subscriber

#2478609 7-May-2020 14:03

mentalinc:

Last modified: 4 May 2020

So not sure if reflects everything from today?

the PDF's at the bottom say the 7th on them

freitasm

BDFL - Memuneh
80647 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 41030

Administrator

ID Verified

Trusted

Geekzone

Lifetime subscriber

#2481358 11-May-2020 16:38

Press release:

The Government has announced that New Zealand can safely move out of Alert Level 3 at 11.59pm on Wednesday 13 May.

Until then, we're still at Alert Level 3, and all Alert Level 3 guidance and restrictions apply.

Cabinet has decided to phase in some aspects of Alert Level 2 in order to manage the risk of stepping down Alert Levels.

COVID-19 continues to be spread by close personal contact. Gatherings and social events where people mix and mingle present the highest risk of spreading COVID-19. Some of the biggest COVID-19 clusters have come from these types of events.

Under the first phase of Alert Level 2 gatherings can have up to 10 people. This applies to wedding ceremonies, funerals and tangihanga, religious ceremonies, gatherings at home, and each group within a restaurant or other venue. This is a temporary measure that will be reviewed in 2 weeks' time. It does not apply to large public venues, or playing professional sports, which are controlled environments.

Until 21 May, venues like cafes, restaurants, bars and clubs are restricted to opening for dining, and with groups of 10 seated separately, and served by a single server.

The information on Alert Level 2 restrictions is being updated to reflect today's decision.

Referral links: Quic Broadband (free setup code: R587125ERQ6VE) | Samsung | AliExpress | Wise | Sharesies

Support Geekzone by subscribing (browse ads-free), or making a one-off or recurring donation through PressPatron.

neb

11294 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 10018

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2500038 7-Jun-2020 13:23

ben28:
If what he said is true, then the whole recommendation needs to be rejected and be told to go away and try better. Even to a simple layman like me, this recommendation introduces too much risk. A person could catch covid at the departure airport and they wont have any symptoms for a number of days.

Not just that, but temperature-based screening is so horribly inaccurate it's little better than guesswork, it's essentially no screening at all. Potential travellers need to know that if they want to come to NZ they need to factor in 14 days quarantine before they get the run of the country. Sheesh, after our failure to enforce quarantine in Samoa in 1918 caused a catastrophic outbreak there you'd think we'd have learned something about the need for quarantining potential carriers coming into a non-resistant population.

Oblivian

7345 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2117

ID Verified

#2506113 16-Jun-2020 21:05

Herald has dredged out a historic article in the light of current situation to make some clickage (Can you do AKL to WLG on a tank? here's how...)

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12144677

Yeah. Can't go moving the goalposts for hindsight and hope nothing was gapped in the intrim. Which is somewhat the case.

'12 days seems too long to first test. Lets make it 3. And then when they are released to sure they are negative before freedom, mkkaayyy'

ooops. Shame that come in 3 days after the fact.

Last week Bloomfield introduced changes to border measures, including a test on day three and on day 12 of quarantine/managed isolation.

The testing on day three had not been implemented in time for the women's managed isolation, Bloomfield said.

wellygary

8810 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 5287

#2518114 6-Jul-2020 17:12

Its Starting to get ugly out there,

If WA get a cap on arrivals Queensland will also want one, and with MEL closed to International travel, it will see Australia rationing arrivals....

Now at the request of the NSW Government, new Federal Government limits will be introduced from midnight Saturday night.

NSW Health said overseas arrivals will be capped at 450 passengers a day, with a maximum of 50 passengers allowed per incoming flight.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-07-04/nsw-coronavirus-cap-on-arrivals-to-ease-quarantine-pressure/12422504

WA want something similar,

"That's why the State Government has now formally requested the Federal Government to put a cap on international arrivals into Perth Airport consistent with the Federal Government's support for the New South Wales cap.

"I've asked the Prime Minister to agree on a cap for Western Australia - something in the vicinity of one flight per three days. We need to slow the flow of arrivals into Western Australia. This will help us manage the arrivals and quarantine arrangements to the highest possible standard.

"In addition, cabinet today approved the drafting of urgent legislation that will force any returning traveller, West Australian or not, to pay for their 14 days of hotel quarantine."

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-07-06/coronavirus-australia-live-news-covid19-latest-melbourne/12424360

tdgeek

30048 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 9455

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2522560 14-Jul-2020 08:34

Cook Islands bubble open in a week

https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/travel/2020/07/covid-19-quarantine-free-travel-bubble-between-nz-cook-islands-expected-within-the-week.html

1101

3141 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1143

#2539007 12-Aug-2020 00:03

pvjones: Back to grabbing whatever brand of loo paper is in stock😂

damn, Ive only got 1 roll left. Too late now, will be all gone from supermarkets tomorrow .
Newpaper is a bit rough and all that ink on the bum :-[

No point in doom & glooming it, totally out of our control so just go with it . Whatever happens, happens .

freitasm

BDFL - Memuneh
80647 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 41030

Administrator

ID Verified

Trusted

Geekzone

Lifetime subscriber

#2539853 13-Aug-2020 08:31

"Aucklanders flee lockdown to Queenstown"

So many selfish people.

Referral links: Quic Broadband (free setup code: R587125ERQ6VE) | Samsung | AliExpress | Wise | Sharesies

Support Geekzone by subscribing (browse ads-free), or making a one-off or recurring donation through PressPatron.

freitasm

BDFL - Memuneh
80647 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 41030

Administrator

ID Verified

Trusted

Geekzone

Lifetime subscriber

#2540704 14-Aug-2020 09:16

PolicyGuy:

Easy for you to say when nobody is going to stick a knitting needle up your nose and into your brain every week.

OK, there's a certain degree of exaggeration there, but lots of people will be worried that it would be a bit (or a lot) like that.

I wish people would stop with this "degree of exaggeration". It's almost like a conspiracy theory. It's not like that.

Referral links: Quic Broadband (free setup code: R587125ERQ6VE) | Samsung | AliExpress | Wise | Sharesies

Support Geekzone by subscribing (browse ads-free), or making a one-off or recurring donation through PressPatron.

wellygary

8810 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 5287

#2623842 18-Dec-2020 12:31

Fred99:

Should get a better idea of the extent of the CT in NSW after 1pm NZ time:

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Health Minister Brad Hazzard will hold a press conference at 11am where they will announce a "considerable amount" of new cases.

If that (from SMH) is accurate and depending what a "considerable amount" means and where they're finding them, then they may have a big problem.

Its a verbatim quote....

The ABC are running a very good liveblog ......

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-12-18/coronavirus-australia-live-news-covid-19-latest-sydney-outbreak/12995398

"I am asking people to brace themselves today, we are going to see more cases overnight. No doubt about it.

"I will be providing an update with the Health Minister later in the day, I want everybody to brace themselves. We are going to have a considerable amount of cases come, I think, during the day, and that is because people have come forward to get tested."

FineWine

3111 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2440

Trusted

Nurse (R)

Lifetime subscriber

#2666248 1-Mar-2021 14:06

MurrayM:

I often don't answer calls from numbers I don't recognise or that have been withheld. I figure that if it's important then they'll leave a message.

I found the numbers that the contact tracing people call from: https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-health-advice-public/contact-tracing-covid-19 Second section, "Contact tracing phone calls".

Note that there are two sets of numbers, one that the contact tracing people use and another set that calls from Healthline may come from.

I've now set up both sets as contacts on my phone so I'll know who they are if they ever have a need to contact me.

Contact tracing phone calls

If you have been identified as a Close or Close Plus Contact of someone with COVID-19, you can expect to be contacted by the Ministry of Health or your PHU.

In some specific higher risk situations, Casual Plus Contacts may also be contacted by the Ministry of Health.

Contact tracing may involve a phone call from the Ministry or PHU providing you with advice on testing, self-isolation and checking on your health and wellbeing. The Ministry call centre staff will identify themselves and inform you that they are calling from the National Investigation and Tracing Centre (NITC). They will also verify your name and contact details. These calls from the Ministry's call centre staff will usually come from 09 801 3009 or 09 306 8748.

Following this initial phone call, your details may be passed onto Healthline who will make follow up calls during your isolation period to check how you are doing. The calls from Healthline will usually come from 09 302 0408, 09 306 8750 or 09 306 8748. There may be a delay before your call is connected. If you are concerned that a call from Healthline isn’t genuine, you can email Healthline and request a call back.

It's important to answer your phone, so the PHU, Ministry and Healthline can provide advice to you and check on your wellbeing.

Whilst the difficult we can do immediately, the impossible takes a bit longer. However, miracles you will have to wait for.

ANglEAUT

altered-ego
2436 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 841

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2666510 1-Mar-2021 21:29

mentalinc:

@ freitasm

Are you able to add a vcard for people to easily download or link in OP? ...

Have a look at goqr.me

National Investigation and Tracing Centre (NITC)

Healthline

PS I find that iOS devices import all contact info compared to the Android devices that I have tested.

PPS Used the MoH logo colours.

Edit: image size

Please keep this GZ community vibrant by contributing in a constructive & respectful manner.

alasta

6889 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 3363

Trusted

Subscriber

#2672352 12-Mar-2021 16:08

I agree with the above. The conspiracy nutters are a tiny minority and not worth worrying about. People who are reasonable but hesitant aren't a problem either as they can be educated.

It's the "can't be bothered" crowd that I'm more worried about. Just look at the number of people who are too lazy to scan QR codes.

alasta

6889 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 3363

Trusted

Subscriber

#2694517 18-Apr-2021 18:51

The ongoing uncertainty must be having a huge impact on organisers of large events.

I participate in a lot of running events and each event is planned many months in advance to arrange ticketing, race bibs, road closures, prizes, volunteers, start and finish venues, supplies for drink stations, first aid, liability insurance, and on it goes. Unwinding all of that is an extremely expensive exercise, and the incorporated societies who organise these events are at risk of financial collapse if a lockdown suddenly hits before the date of their event.

tdgeek

30048 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 9455

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2762667 18-Aug-2021 17:59

DS248:

In ACT's case, a 'mini-surge' on day 2 (ditto here), a lull for a day or two, then the infected contacts but previously pre-symptomatic / not tested starred coming through.

Cases coming thick and fast earlier, could suggest more widespread infection in the wild at the time case 1 tested positive?

We got 1 case and locked down, the global response is pretty much W T F. 1 case actually means many cases, infected by the 1, and thus added more each. Takes days to see that. So the lockdown was correct.

Lockdowns elsewhere favoured businesses, that's a fail, the lockdowns here favoured health and that worked out very very well for businesses.

FineWine

3111 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2440

Trusted

Nurse (R)

Lifetime subscriber

#2762960 19-Aug-2021 12:11

I thought this would be a good time to remind people about masks, mask wearing, face shields and hand washing. So here is a repost from my original #2453951 (3-Apr-2020). I have updated this post to take into account the latest science since January 2020 concerning COVID.

THE USE OF MASK and GLOVES

This a more detailed follow-on from an earlier post I made on the 1st March 2020 #2429583

The following I have plagiarised from several articles including my own 30 year old nursing library.

COVID-19 is spread mainly in the air in droplet form BUT there is now verified evidence that it is also spread through atomisation during normal speaking and breathing. The Delta variant is way more virulent and contagious than the original Alpha strain. The science of COVID-19 has been well discussed in other posts in this topic so I wont rehash them in this post.

THE USE OF FACE MASKS

How to put on a face mask
1. Clean your hands with soap and water or hand sanitiser before touching the mask.
2. Remove a mask from the box and make sure there are no obvious tears or holes in either side of the mask.
3. Determine which side of the mask is the top. The side of the mask that has a stiff bendable edge is the top and is meant to mould to the shape of your nose.
4. Determine which side of the mask is the front. The coloured side of the mask is usually the front and should face away from you, while the white side touches your face. (blue side out and soft white side in [Thanks @sbiddle #2762972])
5. Follow the instructions below for the type of mask you are using.
◦ Face Mask with Ear loops: Hold the mask by the ear loops. Place a loop around each ear.
◦ Face Mask with Ties: Bring the mask to your nose level and place the ties over the crown of your head and secure with a bow.
◦ Face Mask with Bands: Hold the mask in your hand with the nosepiece or top of the mask at fingertips, allowing the headbands to hang freely below hands. Bring the mask to your nose level and pull the top strap over your head so that it rests over the crown of your head. Pull the bottom strap over your head so that it rests at the nape of your neck.
6. Mould or pinch the stiff edge to the shape of your nose.
7. If using a face mask with ties: Then take the bottom ties, one in each hand, and secure with a bow at the nape of your neck.
8. Pull the bottom of the mask over your mouth and chin.

How to remove a face mask
1. Clean your hands with soap and water or hand sanitiser before touching the mask. Avoid touching the front of the mask. The front of the mask is contaminated. Only touch the ear loops/ties/band. Follow the instructions below for the type of mask you are using.
2. Face Mask with Ear loops: Hold both of the ear loops and gently lift and remove the mask.
3. Face Mask with Ties: Untie the bottom bow first then untie the top bow and pull the mask away from you as the ties are loosened.
4. Face Mask with Bands: Lift the bottom strap over your head first then pull the top strap over your head.
5. Throw the mask in the trash or designated disposal receptacle. Clean your hands with soap and water or hand sanitiser.

Disposing of Face Masks

Today's paper disposable face masks can be recycled and there is a company in NZ doing just that. My advise would be to collect them and place them in a see through plastic bag and when you find a Mask Bin (few and far at the moment) dispose of in that bin. I do not know about local councils and their recycling procedures so check with your local council. Otherwise dispose of in a sealed bag in your general rubbish.

Washing of Reusable Face Masks

We wash our reusable face masks in a solution of Softly Laundry detergent and warm to hot water. We soak over night, rinse and hang out to dry. We have two cloth masks each which we rotate through daily.

Thanks to @MikeB4 for the above to paragraphs.

THE USE OF GLOVES

The virus that causes COVID-19 is mainly spread from person to person through respiratory droplets and atomised mist when an infected person; breaths out, coughs or sneezes. And that happens when people are within 2 meters of one another. (with the 2 meter guide, this is contentious due to atomisation where the particles can float in the air for some time) The other way you can get the virus is from contaminated surfaces. So whenever you touch a surface with the virus on it and then touch your mouth, nose or eyes, you’ve possibly exposed yourself to the virus. However, the U.S. Centres for Disease Control says this doesn’t appear to be the main way that the virus is spread. This is dependant on how long the virus has been on the surface and the type of surface. It also, not proven, may depend on climatic conditions at that time.

Gloves = false sense of security?

Thoroughly washing your hands for at least 20 seconds remains the best defence against COVID-19. But when you go to the grocer or supermarket or other public places, you may not have access to soap and water, hand sanitiser or wipes to clean grocery trolleys. That’s why some people are wearing gloves. But wearing gloves can give you a false sense of security. Because the virus adheres well to latex and other types of gloves, if you touch your face at any point, you’ve still potentially exposed yourself to the virus.

Proper glove use is key

Many people don’t know the proper way to take off gloves and can contaminate their hands when taking off gloves. For example, after you take off your left glove with your right gloved hand, your left hand is at that point virus free. But if you take off your right glove by touching the outside of it, you’ve potentially contaminated your left hand.

HAND SANITISER

Always carry a small pocket sized bottle of hand sanitiser with you and use it. Have it in your pocket, in your purse, in your car, in the stroller, in your bag and in the house by the front door. You should choose an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol. Preferable scent free.

1 - Squirt a dollop of liquid into palm of your hand
2 - Rub both hands together, rotating your hands around each other top and palm sides and sliding your fingers through each other
3 - carry on rubbing till they feel dry - about 20-30 seconds
4 - Do NOT rinse or wipe off the hand sanitizer before it’s dry. That will lessen its effectiveness.
5 - When you are able to, it is also advisable to wash your hands in soap and water and then use a neutral pH hand cream to re-moisturise. These sanitisers can be quite harsh on your hands.

THE USE OF FACE SHIELDS

Social Distancing and Wearing a Face Mask and thoroughly washing your hands for at least 20 seconds remains the best defence against COVID-19. Staying at home if you have the slightest inkling you may be ill, then you must ensure you phone the COVID-19 health advice and information Healthline team (for free) on 0800 358 5453 or +64 9 358 5453

EDITORIAL: Previous addendum thanks to NEB and MikeB4 and sbiddle and my update for today's science and advise

Whilst the difficult we can do immediately, the impossible takes a bit longer. However, miracles you will have to wait for.

Batman

Mad Scientist
30012 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 6217

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2763195 19-Aug-2021 17:49

James Bond:

stuff.co.nz: Cabinet will be meeting at 1pm so we'll be hearing what they decide to do with the current alert level settings at a 3pm post-Cabinet press conference.

in the same article it says people will still be travelling home after that 3pm announcement

People will now have until 11.59pm on Friday to get home by air from Queenstown or on a Cook Strait ferry.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/300386084/covid19-live-government-to-announce-if-lockdown-will-continue-at-3pm-on-friday

Fred99

13684 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 10018

#2766255 24-Aug-2021 23:00

sbiddle:

If I put my cynical hat on I think we've got to be grateful our vaccination numbers are so low! Trying to further vaccination numbers when there might be ~50% of cases in vaccinated people is going to be hard.

If everybody was vaccinated then 100% of cases will be in vaccinated people. Nothing surer!

Scott3

4176 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2990

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2781884 21-Sep-2021 21:33

Senecio:

I couldn't believe that when I read it. Just insane to not bring in the increased fines immediately.

I think it needs to be passed into law, which takes some time.

tdgeek

30048 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 9455

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2816094 20-Nov-2021 12:43

arcon:

Ourworldindata.org shows things looking pretty good for Israel after boosters. Really should be required reading for all those who might want to disrupt a press event to ask about Israel lol.

I read somewhere, but don't have a link, that boosters may provide a higher level of protection and for longer, just as the 2nd jab does compared to the 1st

Batman

Mad Scientist
30012 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 6217

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2831826 14-Dec-2021 07:17

quickymart:

I read that and thought that Boris Johnson had died 😮

lol

PS the headlines don't mean anything to me. a 99 year old with 10 comorbidities - well ok.

24 year old premier league star in his prime with 0 comorbidities and double vaccinated - now I continue reading.

need more context.

shk292

2916 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2040

Lifetime subscriber

#2831834 14-Dec-2021 08:02

Batman:

hang on a sec. AKL allowed to travel to all corners of the country now, but AKL stays in red till 30 dec.

someone explain? (other than bcos PM promised)

For some reason, no decision to loosen restrictions that the government takes can be implemented without a 1-2 week wait period. It makes no sense to me, just seems like promising kids nice things in the future to make them behave better today. AKL clearly fits the criteria for Amber now, so the 17-day delay is perplexing. I guess it can be justified to some extent by the threat of Omicron

Rikkitic

Awrrr
19062 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 16302

Lifetime subscriber

#2832015 14-Dec-2021 12:02

freitasm:

Batman:

I think as @MikeB4 said, this is what we don't want, a I vs you mentality.

These guys are stressed as hell because they 100% believe the vaccine with absolutely alter their body and turn them into some crocodile or something.

It's like you don't want to tease someone with a mental illness, even though they are violent etc.

And you think its fine for this person to be a nurse and work for ACC too?

I can't know for certain, of course, but the sense I get about her from both news reports is that she has been taken aback by the response to her initial (pseudonymous) macho threats and is trying to do damage control by backpedalling. I don't doubt she will now do what she says but I do suspect that her beliefs haven't changed and if a future opportunity presents itself, she will probably revert to type. This does not strike me as someone who should be trusted to make health care judgements about the sick and vulnerable.

Plesse igmore amd axxept applogies in adbance fir anu typos

Batman

Mad Scientist
30012 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 6217

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2872235 21-Feb-2022 20:00

neb:
Batman:

it's called post viral syndrome.

A bit nitpicky, but post viral syndrome is mostly just fatigue and, more rarely, aches and pains, a bit like mild CFS, that's quite different from long Covid, particularly the semi-permanent and permanent damage it causes.

https://www.health.govt.nz/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-health-advice-public/about-covid-19/long-covid

Some of the most commonly reported symptoms include:

Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Cough
Low mood
Headaches
Difficulty concentrating, cognitive impairment or ‘brain fog’
Chest pain (clinical assessment may be required to investigate the specific cause)
Joint pain
Muscle aches and pains
Muscle weakness (this can be a reported symptom, and may also be clinically measured)
Ongoing changes to smell or taste
Fast-beating or a ‘pounding’ heart
Sleep disturbances

quickymart

14940 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 13953

ID Verified

#2888613 19-Mar-2022 08:43

Sorry - it talks about the impact of removing all restrictions (ie, "just open up the borders") as opposed to leaving some in place, at least until we're over the current peak.

DS248

1702 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 771

Lifetime subscriber

#2942291 15-Jul-2022 16:47

HelloThere: ...

I think the covid deaths is a little bit misleading. How many of those 20 per day have died because of covid?

...

Hard to believe this keeps getting raised in this thread. Why attempt to minimise the situation rather than investigating to check what the situation is if you are not satisfied with the info posted?

The stats are readily available on the MOH site.

This has been covered off several times in this thread, including as recently as 9 days ago. See #2938844

And also #2938816 for a comparison with some AU states. Updated version of that data below.

Simple fact is we are now performing poorly compared with many comparable countries.

spacedog

496 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 62

#3257831 9-Jul-2024 18:00

sir1963:

Because the legislative requirements are different here. It's not just ticking a box.... not by a LONG shot.

Manufacturing validation

Purchase chain validation

Shipping chain validation

Storage requirements validation

Who can administer it, training, validation, validation of post use emergency response

etc etc etc etc, none of these things are impacted by "other countries"

And ALL this information must be made available before the decision gets made, reviewed, feed back made by "stake holders", etc etc etc.

There is no pandemic happening needing any of this to be fast tracked.

They are continually a day late and a dollar short when it comes to keeping up with Covid as best I can tell. Right down to trying to time the new vaccine availability with the 'cold and flu' season as if this has any bearing on Covid. I can attest just having been back in the USA and caught covid in the height of summer where they are having a huge surge of KP.3 since AFTER schools got out. Covid simply is not a seasonal based bug. It's proven to be far more mutation driven than seasonally influenced (seasonality has some bearing, but is far from the dominant driver).

If this post above is accurate, then this is a system that seriously needs to be re-tooled as it is currently not fit for purpose. If they truly are running shipping, purchase, storage, training, and manufacturing validation for every iteration/update of Pfizer and Novavax covid vaccines then that seems the very definition of 'box-ticking' mentality.

Both are known suppliers and would have gone through all those steps in the first place....are they really repeating them with each vaccine update?

Also, why, after nearly 4 years do we have no access to Moderna?