Many in the community may have questions at this time about the Level 3 COVID-19 Alert in Auckland and what it means for you. We have created this list of FAQs that hopefully answers some of your queries.
Should I get a COVID test?
Yes, Ministry of Health guidelines are to get a test as soon as you can if you have one or more of the following:
· a cough
· a high temperature (at least 38˚C)
· shortness of breath
· a sore throat
· sneezing and runny nose
· temporary loss of smell.
Shortness of breath is a sign of possible pneumonia and requires immediate medical attention.
We particularly encourage you to be tested if you develop new symptoms and you are a health care worker, aged care worker, or if you would have a greater risk of poor health outcomes if you were to get COVID-19. This includes if you are Māori, Pasifika, older than 70 years, or have certain pre-existing health conditions.
If you have these symptoms call Healthline (for free) on 0800 358 5453 or, if you are an enrolled patient at Kaipara Medical Centre you can call the clinic on 09 420 8400. Other people should call their own GP or go to one of the walk-in acute testing centres.
If you call the Kaipara Medical Centre a nurse will phone you back to discuss your concerns and make a time for you to
be tested, if needed.
Can I get a test locally at the medical centre, or do I have to drive and queue up at one of the testing stations I’ve seen on the news?
Again, if you are an enrolled patient at Kaipara Medical Centre then yes, you can get a free test with us.
The nurse will ring you and make a time for you to come in. You will stay in your car and the nurse will come to you and do the test wearing full-protective PPE.
We are testing by appointment only during normal working hours, and our capability is subject to our supply of swabs.
Tests are also available at Community Testing Centres and Urgent Care Clinics. The full list is available here: https://www.adhb.health.nz/your-health/covid-19/#CTCs
But the closest centres to Helensville are:
Community Testing Centres:
Henderson Speciality Centre, 131 Lincoln Road, Henderson.
Eventfinda Stadium Carpark, 17 Silverfield, Wairau Valley
Urgent Care Clinics:
White Cross Henderson, 131 Lincoln Road, Henderson
If I think I might have been exposed should I ring Healthline or my GP?
Please call Healthline immediately.
How many COVID tests is Kaipara Medical Centre doing?
We completed 150 tests during the first week of Level 3 lockdown (from 12-19 August) and are now averaging 20-30 tests per day. We will be doing tests every week day. We will not be doing tests on Saturday and Sunday. If you need a test on those days you can go to one of the Community Testing Centres or Urgent Care Clinics listed above.
Remember, if you are acutely unwell please ring the medical centre to talk to the staff and they will assist you with what to do next. We have a range of options from phone consultations and in some cases in-person consultations. We are experiencing a high volume of calls at peak times so please stay on the line and be patient.
If someone in this community got COVID-19 how would I know?
The Ministry of Health has processes for contact tracing so they’d let us know and we’d follow their guidance. It would be important to ensure all information is accurate so we encourage you to listen and take heed of official advice if that were to happen.
I’m worried about myself/friend/neighbour who I think isn’t doing well with this lockdown, where do I go for help?
We are lucky in our community to have local social service agencies who can help. You can call the Helensville Women & Family Centre on 09 420 7992 or Te Ha Oranga 09 420 8523 or 0800-myteha (Make sure you leave your location if you leave a message).
A list of other places to go for help is available here:
Our final message is to stick with the basic good hygiene practices of washing your hands properly, using hand-sanitiser and wearing facemasks when out in public.
Stay safe and kia kaha everyone.
The Kaipara Medical Centre team.
August 13, 2020
