Covid 19 microscope

COVID-19 updates

5 October 2021

Auckland remains at Alert Level 3 from 11.59pm on Tuesday 5 October 2021. Waikato – Raglan, Te Kauwhata, Ngāruawāhia, Hamilton City and some surrounding areas are at Alert Level 3 until 11.59pm on Friday 8 October 2021.

The rest of NZ remains at Level 2. Levels will be reviewed on Monday 11 October 2021.

CFNZ strongly encourages everyone who has not already done so to be vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as possible to protect themselves, their families, their friends and colleagues, and the CF community.   

Alert Level 3 in Auckland

Auckland remains in Alert Level 3 from 11.59pm on Tuesday 5 October 2021 with the introduction of a three step approach to easing restrictions.  The three step plan is set out here. 

Alert Level 3 in the Waikato

The area of the Waikato subject to Alert Level 3 requirements can be found here. 

As always, CFNZ encourages all people with CF and their families (outside of Auckland / Waikato) to follow the Ministry of Health COVID-19 Delta Alert Level 2 guidelines.

Our CFNZ Fieldworkers are required to follow individual district health board guidelines when it comes to returning to face-to-face clinics and inpatient visits. The Fieldworkers can always be contacted by phone, email and text if you need them.

Stay safe, and connected everyone.

 

21 September 2021

Auckland will move to Alert Level 3 at 11:59pm on Tuesday 21 September. The rest of New Zealand will remain at Alert Level 2. 

As Auckland moves to Alert Level 3, we encourage you to jog your memory as to what Level 3 involves. People with CF and their families are reminded to follow the Ministry of Health COVID-19 Level 3 Guidelines.

Those who live outside Auckland (other than Upper Hauraki - outlined below) are reminded to follow the Ministry of Health COVID-19 Level 2 Guidelines.

There are special requirements for those who live in or have been to the Upper Hauraki area. If you live in or have visited Upper Hauraki, please read and follow the different guidelinesThese requirements will be in place until 11:59am Friday 24 September.

Our CFNZ Fieldworkers are required to follow individual district health board guidelines when it comes to returning to face-to-face clinics and inpatient visits. The Fieldworkers can always be contacted by phone, email and text if you need them.

COVID-19 vaccination - advice from CAP

Earlier this year, we asked our Clinicial Advice Panel about the COVID-19 vaccinations.

The panel advised that all people with CF (in the eligible age group) would be offered an appointment, and strongly recommended you have the vaccination when offered. Everyone can now book in for the vaccination, or turn up at a centre offering walk-ins.

There is only vaccine product being offered in New Zealand, the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, and requires two doses. The second dose is given at least three weeks later. It’s very important you get your second dose. You will have the best protection once you have both doses.

Sometimes people have a bit of fatigue, some muscle aches, and headaches afterwards. This should pass within a day or two.

 

7 September 2021

Auckland remains at Alert Level 4 and follows previously advised guidelines. The rest of NZ moves to Alert Level 2 at 11.59pm Tuesday 7 September. Levels will be reviewed on Monday 13 September.

Our CFNZ Fieldworkers are required to follow individual district health board guidelines when it comes to returning to face-to-face clinics and inpatient visits. The Fieldworkers can always be contacted by phone, email and text if you need them.

As always, CFNZ encourages people with CF and their families in Auckland to continue following Ministry of Health COVID-19 Alert Level 4 guidelines, and the rest of the country to follow the Ministry of Health COVID-19 Delta Alert Level 2 guidelines.

 

24 August 2021

On Monday 23 August at the 4pm press conference, it was announced that all of New Zealand will remain at Alert Level 4 until 11:59pm on Friday 27 August, with a review on Friday. Expect for Auckland who will remain at Alert Level 4 until 11:59pm on Tuesday 31 August, with a review on Monday.

As always, CFNZ encourages people with CF and their families to continue following Ministry of Health COVID-19 Alert Level 4 guidelines

COVID-19 Vaccines during lockdown

During Alert Level 4, you can still book and attend COVID-19 vaccine appointments - unless you have been identified as a close contact and are self-isolating. You can book your vaccine here bookmyvaccine.covid19.health.nz

 

23 August 2021

Countdown Priority Grocery Access

Last year, Countdown set up a priority-booking delivery initiative so that the more vulnerable people in the community could access essential supermarket supplies without venturing out into the public.

This initiative is still running, and we encourage people in the CF community to use this service. If you registered last year, your account will still work. If you are new to the service, sign up for online shopping at shop.countdown.co.nz, then email susan@cfnz.org.nz who will supply you with a specific code set up for CF families. Complete this form and enter the code where it asks for a Super Gold Card number.

 

Zoono sale, and discount code still active

If you are wanting to get hold of hand and surface sanitiser, Zoono are currently having a 40% off sale until 30 August. Once the sale is over, remember we have a discount code for Zoono products, enter CFNZ20 at checkout when shopping online here.

 

18 August 2021

At 11.59pm on 17 August the Government moved New Zealand into COVID-19 Alert Level 4. Alert Level 4 will apply to Auckland and Coromandel for 7 days and to the rest of New Zealand for three days.   

Access to CF Care during Level 4 COVID-19 Response

People with CF and their families are reminded to follow Ministry of Health COVID-19 Alert Level 4 guidelines

CFNZ offices are closed and all staff including fieldworkers are continuing to provide services remotely.

During this period, it is important that anyone with CF who has concerns with their health contact their CF team in the usual manner. It is important to seek treatment for any new symptoms in the same way as you would normally do.

Auckland DHB has activated its COVID plan and is able to safely provide clinical care where there is a clinical need. People with CF should only attend clinical appointments if they are contacted and specifically asked to attend. Treatment will be provided in the community by telehealth where possible and clinically appropriate.

If you have concerns about your health, please don’t wait. Contact your CF team as you normally would. Stay safe.

 

27 June 2021

COVID-19 Alert Level 2 has been extended for the Wellington region until 11:59pm Tuesday 29 June 2021.

The area includes Wairarapa and Kāpiti Coast. The rest of New Zealand is at Alert Level 1. People with CF and their families in Wellington are encouraged to follow Ministry of Health COVID-19 Alert Level 2 guidelines.

 

23 June 2021

At 6 pm today, Wellington moves to COVID-19 Alert Level 2 and will stay at Level 2 until 11.59pm Sunday 27 June. The rest of New Zealand remains at COVID-19 Alert Level 1.

People with CF and their families in Wellington are encouraged to follow Ministry of Health COVID-19 Alert Level 2 guidelines, which you can read here.

The Central Fieldworker is currently out of Wellington so will connect with Wellington people with CF and their families virtually during this time. 

 

13 April 2021

Advice from CAP about the Covid-19 vaccine.

With the Covid-19 vaccine due to be rolled out to high risk populations from May onwards, we asked the CFNZ Clinical Advisory Panel on their advice for the CF community.

The panel advised that all people with CF will be offered an appointment and that it strongly recommends you have the vaccination when it is offered.  There is only vaccine product being offered in New Zealand, the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, and requires two doses. The second dose is given at least three weeks later. It’s very important you get your second dose. You will have the best protection once you have both doses.

Be prepared to feel a little lousy afterwards, with fatigue, muscle aches, and headaches a commonly reported reaction. This should pass within a day or two.

 

12 March 2021

Auckland joined the rest of the country in Alert Level 1 at midday today.

As Auckland has now moved to Level 1, Gretchen, our Northern fieldworker will resume community visits.

CFNZ staff, contractors and volunteers will continue to follow the Ministry of Health guidelines during Alert Level 1.

 

6 March 2021 

Yesterday the Government confirmed a change in COVID-19 Alert Levels. From 6am, 7 March 2021, Auckland moves to COVID-19 Alert Level 2 and the rest of New Zealand moves to Alert Level 1. 

The CFNZ Auckland office will reopen on Monday, 8 March 2021. Our Auckland-based Northern fieldworker Gretchen will continue to support people with CF and their families via text, phone and email.

Our other 3 fieldworkers return to business as usual at COVID-19 Alert Level 1 and will follow the Ministry of Health COVID-19 Alert Level 1 guidelines.

 

28 February 2021

At 6 am today, Auckland moved to COVID-19 Alert Level 3 and will stay at Level 3 for 7 days. The rest of New Zealand moved to COVID-19 Alert Level 2.

The CFNZ Auckland office is now closed and staff and contractors are working from home. Our Auckland fieldworker has stopped face-to-face visits with people with CF and their families and will communicate via text, phone and email.

Our other 3 fieldworkers are based outside of Auckland and are following the Ministry of Health COVID-19 Alert Level 2 guidelines. At the moment they’ll continue to see people in the community if needed while maintaining social distancing and be guided by individual DHBs regarding inpatient and clinic face-to-face visits.

As we learnt from previous lockdowns, alert levels and information change quickly. We encourage you to keep checking our website and Facebook page for updates.

 

23 February 2021

Auckland joined the rest of the country in Alert Level 1 at 11.59pm last night.

As Auckland has now moved to Level 1, Gretchen, our Northern fieldworker will resume community visits, and the Auckland office has re-opened.

CFNZ staff, contractors and volunteers will continue to follow the Ministry of Health guidelines during Alert Level 1.

 

18 February 2021

Yesterday the Government confirmed a change in COVID-19 Alert Levels. From midnight, 18 February 2021 Auckland moved down to COVID-19 Alert Level 2 and the rest of New Zealand moved down to Alert Level 1. 

The CFNZ Auckland office will remain closed for the rest of the week. Our Northern fieldworker Gretchen continues her usual schedule of working from home on Thursday and does not work on Friday.

Pending the Government announcement on Sunday 21 February 2021 that Auckland remains in Alert Level 2 or moves down to Alert Level 1, Gretchen will return to face-to-face visits and the Auckland office will reopen. 

Our other 3 fieldworkers return to business as usual at COVID-19 Alert Level 1 and will follow the Ministry of Health COVID-19 Alert Level 1 guidelines.

 

15 February 2021

Last night the Government confirmed 3 cases of COVID-19 in the community. At 11.59pm, 14 February 2021, Auckland moved to COVID-19 Alert Level 3 and will stay at Level 3 until at least midnight, 17 February 2021. The rest of New Zealand moved to COVID-19 Alert Level 2.

The CFNZ Auckland office is now closed and staff and contractors are working from home. Our Auckland fieldworker has stopped face-to-face visits with people with CF and their families and will communicate via text, phone and email.

Our other 3 fieldworkers are based outside of Auckland and are following the Ministry of Health COVID-19 Alert Level 2 guidelines. At the moment they’ll continue to see people in the community if needed while maintaining social distancing and be guided by individual DHBs regarding inpatient and clinic face-to-face visits.

As we learnt from previous lockdowns, alert levels and information change quickly. We encourage you to keep checking our website and Facebook page for updates.

 

10 October 2020

Auckland joined the rest of the country in Alert Level 1 at 11.59pm last night.

As Auckland has now moved into Level 1, Gretchen, our Northern fieldworker will resume community visits, and the Auckland office has re-opened.

The CFNZ staff, contractors and volunteers will continue to follow the Ministry of Health guidelines during Alert Level 1.

 

22 September 2020

Yesterday the Government announced Auckland will move to COVID-19 Alert Level 2 on Wednesday, 23 September at 11.59pm. The rest of New Zealand moved to Alert Level 1 at 11.59pm last night.

The Auckland office will reopen on Thursday 24 September for CFNZ staff, contractors and volunteers. Our Auckland-based Northern fieldworker will continue to connect with people with CF and their families virtually in the community and follow individual district health board guidelines for visiting people during outpatient clinics and inpatient visits.

Our Auckland staff, contractors and volunteers will follow the Ministry of Health guidelines during Alert Level 2 and the rest of our team outside of Auckland will follow the Alert Level 1 guidelines.

Our Auckland team is looking forward to returning to the office and hope to join the rest of the country at Alert Level 1 soon.

 

31 August 2020

Today Auckland moved to COVID-19 Alert Level 2.5. The rest of New Zealand remains at Alert Level 2.

For Aucklanders, this means following the Alert Level 2 guidelines, with the additional restrictions on social gatherings. Aucklanders aged 12 and over are also encouraged to wear a face covering whenever they leave their home and is mandatory on public transport.

Auckland CFNZ staff and contractors returned to working from home since moving back to Alert Level 3. As we move to Alert Level 2.5 our Auckland staff will continue to work from home and our Northern fieldworker Gretchen will continue to connect with people with CF and their families virtually. 

Read the full update

 

13 August 2020

The Government has updated its advice on the use of face masks and face coverings during COVID-19.

We spoke with Dr Mark O’Carroll, Auckland Respiratory Specialist and a member of our Clinical Advisory Panel for his recommendations for people with CF in New Zealand.

Read the full update

 

12 August 2020

Last night the Government confirmed community transmission of COVID-19. At noon, 12 August 2020, Auckland moved to COVID-19 Alert Level 3 and will stay at Level 3 until at least midnight, Friday 14 August. The rest of New Zealand moved to COVID-19 Alert Level 2 at midday. 

The CFNZ Auckland office is now closed and staff and contractors are working from home. Our Auckland fieldworker has stopped face-to-face visits with people with CF and their families and will communicate via text, phone and email.

Our other 3 fieldworkers are based outside of Auckland and are following the Ministry of Health COVID-19 Alert Level 2 guidelines. At the moment they’ll continue to see people in the community if needed while maintaining social distancing and be guided by individual DHBs regarding inpatient and clinic face-to-face visits.

We’re aware people have questions and want advice about masks. We’ll share any recommendations from our Clinical Advisory Panel as soon as we can.

The Ministry of Health has advice on the use of face masks here

Health Navigator has information about when, why and how to wear a face mask here

As we learnt from the last lockdown, information and alert levels change quickly. We encourage you to keep checking the website and Facebook page for updates.

 

29 June 2020 

While we’re all enjoying the freedom of Alert Level 1, here at CFNZ we’re continuing to keep up-to-date with the pandemic both in New Zealand and overseas.

New Zealand has 20 active cases of COVID-19; all of these cases have come from overseas and are in managed isolation and quarantine. One person is in hospital and the Ministry of Health reports there’s no community transmission.

We'll continue to keep in touch with CF teams for any additional advice if the situation changes. At the moment hospitals are returning to normal and remain vigilant of people admitted to hospital with respiratory symptoms.

We hope everyone with kids enjoys being out and about during the school holidays starting next week. New Zealand is thankfully still benefitting from Levels 4 & 3 lockdown with fewer cases of influenza this year so we hope everyone stays well.

Stay updated with COVID-19 current case details here.

And if you haven’t already, sign up to help track the flu at FluTracking. This is an online health surveillance system that takes you about 15 seconds to complete each week. You can also view a map of your local area to track flu in your area. 

 

9 June 2020 

Yesterday the Government announced New Zealand’s move to COVID-19 Alert Level 1 today, 9 June 2020.

We’re proud of how our organisation, including branches and volunteers, have continued to support our CF community during COVID-19. We’re also humbled by the way people with CF and their families have reached out to each other via social media – asking and answering questions, sharing advice, offering support – all during a challenging time.

During Level 2 our fieldworkers started seeing PWCF in outpatient clinics as per individual DHB guidelines. As we move into Level 1 our fieldworker visits will be back to normal, visiting people in the community and in the hospital as usual.

Our Auckland and Christchurch offices will reopen this week and our staff are dusting off their work clothes, putting away their slippers and looking forward to being back in the office.

Like you, we hope the path to COVID-19 elimination continues to move only forward. We also hope when we look back on the start of 2020 we’ll remember it as a time we spent with our family, hunting for toilet paper and flour and learning more about our colleagues and friends as we got a glimpse into their living rooms and bookshelves.

 

 

15 May 2020

Yesterday New Zealand moved to COVID-19 Alert Level 2.

Our latest update has advice for people with CF and their families about returning to school and work, changes to healthcare services and an update on our fieldworker services.

Read the full update

 

7 May 2020

Today the Government released more detailed information about what life and business will look like at COVID-19 Alert Level 2.

Even though we need to wait until Monday 11 May to find out when New Zealand will move to Alert Level 2, we know some of you may have questions about what this means for PWCF, especially children returning to school.

We’re working with our Clinical Advisory Panel to provide advice and information and we’re in touch with representatives from the Ministry of Education for advice for at risk children returning to school.

We'll publish an update soon.

You can find general Alert Level 2 information on the Unite Against COVID-19 website

 

5 May 2020

We’re in our second week of COVID-19 Alert Level 3 so we’re working on some guidelines to help people with CF and their families plan for life during Alert Level 2.

The Ministry of Health is releasing more detailed Alert Level 2 guidelines on Thursday and we’re talking with clinicians for specific recommendations and advice.

We’ll keep you up-to-date once we have more information.

 

25 April 2020

New Zealand moves to COVID-19 Alert Level 3 on 27 April, 11.59 pm. Over the week we’ve received some questions about what COVID-19 Alert Level 3 means for people with CF and their families.

We've published some guidelines and answers to questions to provide general advice for people returning to work and changes to hospital visits. We’ve also included some resources for further information from the Ministry of Health which is updated daily.

In COVID-19 Alert Level 3, physical distancing and washing and drying your hands regularly is still an effective way to minimise infection risk.

Read the full update

 

23 April 2020

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced this week that New Zealand will move to COVID-19 Alert Level 3 at 11.59 on 27 April 2020.

Moving into Alert Level 3 means more people can start to return to work in some sectors, especially people who can’t work from home. For some people this means someone in your bubble will be in contact with more people than during Alert Level 4.

If someone in your family has CF you may be worried about how you can continue to best protect them. And if you’re an adult with CF you may be concerned about how to stay safe if you’ve been asked to return to work.

We’re working with our Clinical Advisory Panel to publish specific advice for our CF community during COVID-19 Alert Level 3. We hope to have this available in the next few days.

In the interim, we recommend talking with your employer about ways you can minimise your contact with other people at work, including:

  • working away from other people
  • strict adherence of social distancing at work (maintaining at least 2 metres distance).

You may find our A guide to cystic fibrosis for employers helpful to give to your employer. While it doesn’t specifically cover COVID-19 it contains general information about supporting an employee with CF.

We suggest talking to your employer if you’re concerned about returning to work during COVID-19 Alert Level 3.

The Ministry of Health also has guidelines for vulnerable people, including:

  • staying at home, and asking others to pick up supplies for you — you just need to ask them to leave these at the door, rather than come in
  • staying at least 2 metres away from people who are unwell
  • if your health care provider advises you to wear a mask when in public areas because you have a particularly vulnerable immune system, follow that advice
  • if you're taking immunosuppressive drugs we advise that you do not stop this medication without first consulting your GP or specialist.

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust (UK) has also published advice about how you can minimise risk to people within your household when you return home from work. These include:

  • Remove your shoes and leave them outside or by the door. Leave any bags and coats by the door.
  • Avoid touching light switches, door handles etc as you come in if possible.
  • Wash your hands and lower arms with soap, for at least 20 seconds.
  • Remove your clothes and put them in the wash.
  • Wipe your phone, wallet (and any door handles or light switches you had to touch on your way in) with an anti-viral wipe.
  • Have a shower with soap, and wash your hair.
  • Put on clean clothes.

Remember to stay up-to-date and connected with the CF community on our Facebook page. Our closed Facebook group is also a great support network for people with CF and their families.

 

12 April 2020

Earlier this week CFNZ Chief Executive Jane Bollard had a virtual meeting with the Child and Youth Cystic Fibrosis Clinical Network Clinical Reference Group. Together with the Clinical Advisory Panel we offer the following update for our CF community:

  • Please continue to contact your CF care team as usual if you’re feeling unwell. Over the past couple of weeks CF clinicians have seen people with CF presenting later than normal, and therefore more unwell. Don’t hesitate to contact your CF clinical team if you’re feeling unwell – they continue to be available to help as usual during the COVID-19 pandemic and their top priority is to help keep you as well as possible.

  • There are a few people around New Zealand starting Kalydeco. Please remember daily physiotherapy is very important as at the beginning of use of Kalydeco more physiotherapy has been found to be necessary.

  • If you do need to come to hospital, all people with CF are screened for COVID-19. This includes a nasal swab, which although uncomfortable, is done very quickly. Results from the test are usually available in 24–48 hrs. You’ll also be asked questions about recent travel and any contact with people with COVID-19.

  • If you’re admitted to hospital for treatment and before your COVID-19 status is known the doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and dietitians will be dressed in personal protective equipment (PPE). This is part of the COVID guidelines to protect both people with CF and health professionals. PPE includes long sleeved gowns, masks and gloves. If your test result comes back negative, the nurses will wear gloves and mask only but the doctors and physiotherapists will continue to wear PPE.

  • Hospitals across the country are very well prepared to care for people with COVID-19 safely. Because COVID-19 arrived in New Zealand later than other countries health professionals had time to learn about managing COVID-19. Entering into level 4 lockdown when the number of people infected with COVID-19 was low has also helped minimise infection rates.

  • The CFNZ Clinical Advisory Panel is in regular communication with international CF registries and CFNZ CE Jane Bollard is in regular contact with her counterparts in the UK, Ireland and Australia. Anecdotal evidence suggests people with CF who’ve been infected with COVID-19 don’t become sicker than people without CF and have managed the symptoms at home.

  • International CF organisations are discussing how they'll record infection with COVID-19 for their data registries, including CFNZ and its Port CF data registry.

Stay up-to-date and connected with the CF community on our Facebook page. Our closed Facebook group is also a great support network for people with CF and their families.

 

9 April 2020

The Dietitians New Zealand Cystic Fibrosis Special Interest Group and the New Zealand Child and Youth Cystic Fibrosis Clinical Network Group have modified and endorsed a recent article written by 2 Tasmanian dietitians for people with cystic fibrosis.

Read the full article that provides practical advice about immunity, nutrition and COVID-19.

 

7 April 2020

As we near the end of week 2 of lockdown we hope everyone has been staying safe, staying in their bubble and staying sane.

Over the last week or two, CFNZ Chief Executive Jane Bollard has spoken with both Mylan, distributors of Creon products, and Vertex, who supplies Kalydeco. Both offered reassurances they have plenty of stock for our New Zealand cystic fibrosis community.

We were also pleased to hear district health boards around the country have ordered a number of PARI BOY SX nebuliser from EBOS. Late in 2019 DHB’s took over the funding and provision of the nebulisers so if you need a nebuliser please contact your CF clinical team.

Jane also attended a virtual meeting with the Child and Youth Cystic Fibrosis Clinical Network Clinical Reference Group this week and is in regular contact with her counterparts in the UK, Ireland and Australia. 

And finally, if you need some inspiration for fun things to do over the next couple of weeks, check out our April Panui which has some great ideas about books to read, movies to watch and podcasts to listen to.
 

27 March 2020

Our commitment to supporting the CF community isn't changing

Our utmost priority is to ensure that people with cystic fibrosis and their families remain supported throughout the pandemic and into the future. We are here for you.

As we progress through the pandemic, we’ve made some changes to the way we deliver our services.

Read about our services and process changes here

 

26 March 2020

Priority grocery access

Countdown has set up a priority-booking delivery initiative for people in the community with health issues that make it dangerous to go to the supermarket for essential supplies.

If you would like to register for this service, make sure you have signed up for online shopping at shop.countdown.co.nz, then email susan@cfnz.org.nz who will supply you with a specific code set up for CF families. Complete this form and enter the code where it asks for a Super Gold Card number. 

Please only use this service if you absolutely need to – reserved delivery slots should be left open for other New Zealanders who can’t leave their homes at this challenging time.

More information about Countdown's Priority Assistance

 

Pharmacists have been directed to limit prescription supply to one month

We have had reassurances that drug companies and Pharmac have a contingency plan in place, and are firmly focused on keeping products / medicine coming into NZ to ensure the supply continues (this includes Kalydeco).

However, from 11.59pm today, pharmacists have been instructed to only dispense one month’s supply of Pharmac-funded medicines, or three months for the oral contraceptive. They can make exceptions on a case by case basis, for example if someone lives remotely or has access or mobility issues.

 

24 March 2020

NZ to move to COVID-19 alert level 4

At 11.59pm on Wednesday 25 March New Zealand moves to COVID-19 level 4. New restrictions, especially for schools and non-essential businesses supersede some of the information provided in our Q & A.

We encourage everyone to stay up-to-date on the websites provided below, and we will keep this page updated.

Most importantly, ongoing support is still available from our fieldworkers via phone call, text and email. Full contact details here. For medical advice please ask your clinical team.

The New Zealand Government also announced changes to its COVID-19 employer support programme that supports people financially. You can find more information on the Work and Income website.


23 March 2020

CF Compassion Pins

We've created 'Compassion Pins' for people living with CF to wear to help minimise those occasions where the persistent 'CF cough' is assumed to be a virus, or contagious. 

Read more and see the Compassion Pins here.

Email comms@cfnz.org.nz with your full name, address and which badge(s) you'd like.

 

22 March 2020

CFNZ publishes Q&A on COVID-19 questions 

Earlier this week we put out a request for questions from our CF community about COVID-19 and cystic fibrosis.

Most of the questions we received were for advice about attending school, work, self-isolation and the physical effect of COVID-19 for people with cystic fibrosis. We received an overwhelming response and because many similar questions were asked we have combined some of the questions if the answer covers the same information.

You can read the Q&A here.

 

21 March 2020

Government announces new alert system and advice for individuals with respiratory conditions.

At noon in a live broadcast PM Jacinda Ardern announced a new alert system for Covid-19 with four levels.

Sometimes they will apply nationwide; at others to certain towns or cities. At all levels, essential services such as supermarkets and pharmacies will remain available.

New Zealand is currently at Level 2. Ardern said that further measures were required within Level 2.

She offered this advice during the announcement:

“People over 70 years of age, or people who are immunocompromised or have certain pre-existing conditions, need to stay at home as much as they can from now on.

“I’m asking everyone to support our older New Zealanders by doing things like keeping in contact with them and dropping off food or other supplies.

“I am also asking businesses and workplaces to play their part. Many workplaces already have plans for staff to work from home or to distance themselves in the workplace. We are now asking you to put those plans in place.

“Health and emergency professionals, transport and delivery staff, supermarket and food production workers, and other essential people will be continuing on at their place of work at this alert level.

“It’s also important to note that at every alert level supermarkets around New Zealand will remain open.

“We are also asking New Zealanders to limit all non-essential domestic travel. We need people to significantly reduce the number of interactions they have at this time and that includes visiting people in different parts of the country for non-essential reasons.

“These measures are being taken in the national interest. We know people, business, and sports events will be impacted, but these are short-term disruptions for the overall health of our people and country.

On Monday, 16 March, CFNZ put out a request for questions from the CF community via the Facebook page. These questions have been collated and responses written, and is with the CF Clinical Advisory Panel for sign-off. We are working hard to get this information available to you as soon as possible.

For more information about today's announcement visit: 

18 March 2020

The Ministry of Health releases COVID-19 information sheet for individuals more at risk of infection.

COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. The information explains how it spreads, at-risk populations, information on self-isolation, and simple steps you can take to protect you and your family and whānau. Read it here.


5 March 2020

On Friday 28 February the New Zealand Ministry of Health confirmed its first case of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus), followed by confirmation of additional cases.

This has prompted many questions from our CF community about the risk for people with cystic fibrosis and advice about staying well.

Firstly, we encourage everyone to stay up-to-date with factual, New Zealand specific information on the Ministry of Health website.

This is where you’ll find the latest information and regular updates.

General questions and answers about COVID-19 can also be found here 

Key information about COVID-19 from the Ministry of Health website
  • New Zealand is prepared and ready to deal with a COVID-19 outbreak. The risk of an ongoing outbreak is low-moderate, but we are monitoring the situation closely.
  • New Zealand does not have COVID-19 circulating in our communities.
  • For most people in the community, personal protective equipment such as face masks are not recommended.

Basic hygiene tips for minimising the potential spread of COVID-19 and other viruses
  • Wash hands for at least 20 seconds with water and soap and make sure you dry them thoroughly after coughing, sneezing, blowing your nose or wiping children’s noses, before eating and handling food and after using the toilet.
  • Cleanse with hand sanitiser if soap and water are not available.
  • Cough and sneeze into a tissue or your elbow and then perform hand hygiene.
  • Stay at home if you are sick.
  • Clean surfaces regularly.

Hospital clinic appointments and admissions

All hospitals have infectious disease protocols which staff follow with any infectious disease like COVID-19. These include the use of negative pressure isolation rooms, where the air from the room cannot escape outside, and standard droplet and contact precautions.

It's important to follow the advice of your clinical team, hospital and/or DHB when attending hospital.

“The main message is to re-iterate there are infection control practices in place that protect patients and staff from acquiring any form of emerging viral illness, and coronavirus is just another one of them,” says Dr Mark O’Carroll, Adult Respiratory Specialist at Auckland City Hospital.

People with CF should continue with the same basic precautions as usual during clinic or inpatient visits, including wearing a mask (advised), washing your hands when you enter and exit the hospital and maintaining a safe distance from others. Your DHB clinical team will advise you of any changes, if any, to the usual requirements.

 

Take home message

We encourage everyone to stay up to date with daily updates from the Ministry of Health on its website

We will continue to closely monitor the advice from the Ministry of Health and stay in regular contact with the CFNZ Clinical Advisory Panel. We will publish any important updates for our CF community on our website and Facebook page.

Please continue to follow the advice and infection control protocols of your healthcare team and if you have any concerns please contact your CF clinical team in the first instance. Any questions can be emailed to info@cfnz.org.nz.



Helpful websites for further information
 

Ministry of Health
COVID-19 (novel coronavirus)
 

Auckland Regional Public Health Service
Novel coronavirus (COVID-19)

Health Navigator
What are coronaviruses?

Coronavirus videos