Covid-19 Local Government Response Unit Update - Wednesday 23 February 2022
Local Government Response Unit main page
Today’s update:
Key messages for today are:
Case numbers are climbing and a shift to Phase Three of the Omicron Management Strategy is likely sooner rather than later. At Phase 3 the system moves into more self management of Covid with increased reliance on self reporting as contact and changes to who needs to self isolate.
Councils should be focussing on strong infection control process and measures (masks and distancing) especially as Close Contacts will no longer need to self-isolate.
There are some financial support that Councils can apply for.
In Phase Three
Cases are required to isolate for 10 days and will self-release after day 10
Close contacts are not required to self-isolate under phase three, because they can return to work they no longer use the close contact exemption scheme and RATs.
Household contacts who live in the same house as infected cases will still be required to self-isolate, with the case.
Household contacts will need to get tested on day three and day eight
Because Household contacts are required by law to self-isolate they can use the close contact exemption scheme to return to work if they are asymptomatic and meet the requirements of the scheme (i.e. are critical workers) https://www.business.govt.nz/covid-19/close-contact-exemption-scheme/
Changes to the Close Contact Exemption Scheme
The Close Contact Exemption scheme will still be in place under phase three but will only apply to household contacts
The government has simplified the documentation required by critical workers assessing rapid antigen tests under the Close Contact Exemption Scheme. This includes changes to the email that businesses receive after they self-register as a critical service through www.business.govt.nz. The email registration now includes a declaration template which businesses can complete for each critical worker who will need to access Rapid Antigen Tests
Self identification as a Close Contact or Household Contact will become more important. You can self-identify by going to the Location of Interest visit form, and typing ‘Critical’ in to the ‘Find a Location of Interest’ box. When you have found the corresponding date you were last exposed and select critical Worker exposure (self-identified) option. You will receive a text confirming your registration as close contact (usually within three hours)
Continued key health messages and infection control
With the increased number of Omicron cases in the community it is important to remember key health messages to help keep your staff safe from infection
Stay home if you are sick. This applies regardless of any exemption – if you have cold, flu, or COVID-19 symptoms, you should get tested. You must stay home until you get a negative result. Call your doctor or Healthline on 0800 358 5453
Councils are encouraged to use physical distancing where possible to ensure that staff remain safe. Also ensure that surfaces such as desks, door handles, phones, and light switches are cleaned and sanitised regularly.
Continue to wear face masks whenever you leave the house. The Ministry of Health notes that as a rule, face masks should be used whenever you are inside.
Assistance and support available should you or your staff need to isolate
The Care in the Community approach aims to assist people with COVID-19 through the illness and reduce the risk of transmission.
Most people will be able to manage self-isolation with help from friends and whānau, however for those who require extra support if you have COVID-19 or are self-isolating - there is help available.
MSD also has a range of financial assistance through the COVID-19 Leave Support Scheme and the COVID-19 Short-Term Absence Payment which local government staff can apply for if they are required to isolate and miss work
