AOG COVID-19 Message Grid - 14 February

COVID-19 Message Grid 10 February 2022 This contains the most up-to-date and approved messaging on key COVID-19 matters.

Information that changes or is added between grids will be highlighted.

Please ensure you are using the most up to date version.

This version was current at 14/02/2022 6:46 pm.

In this edition:

Unite Against COVID-19 .............................................................................................1 Vaccinations.................................................................................................................. 4

Unite Against COVID-19 Topic Omicron update

Key Message New Zealand is still early in its Omicron outbreak and cases will grow further

Supporting Messages More people will come into contact with COVID-19, either testing positive or becoming a close or household contact.

The vast majority of vaccinated and boosted people who get Omicron will have mild symptoms and be able to get well safely at home.

This is the start of a disruptive phase for many people, and so the system also tilts towards minimising that disruption, while protecting our most vulnerable.

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Notes PM Postcab briefing, 14 Feb

Omicron response: Phase 2

New Zealand will move to Phase 2 of the Omicron plan from 11:59pm on Tuesday, 15 February

At Phase 2, the period of self-isolation for people who test positive for COVID-19 reduces from 14 to 10 days.

The period of self-isolation for their household contacts reduces to 10 days too, unless they themselves test positive.

PM Postcab briefing, 14 Feb

The period of self-isolation for close contacts reduces from 10 to 7 days. That includes at MIQ, noting there may be a few days needed to make that happen.

Researchers have seen in the last few weeks that 90% of household contacts who are going to test positive, do so in the first 10 days.

People are encouraged to develop a self-isolation plan, and identify a buddy who can drop off essential items if needed. Anyone who experiences symptoms that get worse while they’re isolating – particularly breathlessness – should call Healthline immediately.

Close contact exemption scheme

The close contact exemption scheme for critical services begins at Phase 2

Asymptomatic, vaccinated, close contacts working in registered critical services businesses can keep going to work instead of isolating if they return a daily negative rapid antigen test.

PM Postcab briefing, 14 Feb

Businesses have already been getting themselves ready and doing their self-assessments against criteria to join the scheme.

Once a business is signed up to the scheme, an employee who is a close contact without symptoms will be able to go to a provider such as a community vaccination clinic and secure a pack of 10 rapid antigen tests.

Boosters in aged care facilities

Booster roll out completed in all aged residential care facilities

The most important thing anyone, including seniors, can do to protect themselves and their loved ones is get boosted.

95% of people over the age of 65 have had 2 doses and 85% have now been boosted.

The Government is also bolstering testing of staff in aged residential care when we move to Phase 2 and will ensure that anyone working or living in these facilities with symptoms will be prioritised for a PCR test.

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Min Verrall PR, 14 Feb

Facilities are also able to test asymptomatic visitors using rapid antigen tests.

Health update

Cases, testing and contact tracing

Hospitalisations There are currently 39 people in hospitals across New Zealand.

MoH site, 14 Feb

No cases are in high dependency or intensive care units.

Cases There are 981 new cases in the community and 27 new cases identified at the border.

Testing 17,616 tests processed nationwide in the last 24 hours.

Number of Rapid Antigen Tests in New Zealand: 7,200,000 “Bubble of one” contact exemption

Guidelines have been confirmed for people who either work alone, or can do so

These workers will be able to continue operating in a “bubble of one” if they are identified as a contact.

These guidelines apply to any workers, not just critical workers, and do not require them to return regular tests.

These changes strike a balance between continuing to keep people safe, but also keep businesses and services operating as smoothly as possible.

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Min Hipkins and Min Verrall PR, 10 Feb

Vaccinations Topic Booster programme update

Key message The Big Boost Week continues, with 20,739 booster doses administered yesterday

Supporting messages This brings the total so far to 1,912,046 doses – 60% of those eligible.

Notes MoH site, 14 Feb

The vaccine remains the best defence against COVID-19.

People who are vaccinated are less likely to get seriously unwell or be hospitalised than people who haven’t been vaccinated.

The booster vaccine offers a high level of protection against Omicron. People are encouraged to get a booster as soon as possible if it has been 3 months since their last dose.

Vaccination progress

95% of New Zealanders have had two vaccine doses.

Vaccines administered to date (percentage of eligible people): 4,053,074 first doses (96%); 3,983,151 second doses (95%).

MoH site, 14 Feb

Paediatric vaccines

1,268 paediatric doses administered yesterday

To date, 214,782 first doses has been administered to 511-year-olds (45%).

MoH site, 14 Feb; PM media stand-up, UAC sites, 10 Feb

The decision for the vaccination of children solely sits with parents, caregivers and whanau – the Government’s job is to make sure they have all the advice, support and information to make that decision.

Detailed information on COVID-19 vaccines for children can be found at the MoH and UAC websites: COVID-19 vaccine and children: Information for parents and caregivers | Ministry of Health NZ How children and young people can get vaccinated | Unite against COVID-19 (covid19.govt.nz)

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