The latest update from the Haemophilia Foundation of NZ about the most recent Covid-19 outbreak

Kia ora koutou,

As you may know, community transmission of Covid-19 has been detected in Auckland. While the government has continued to warn that an outbreak is inevitable, it still comes as a bit of a shock.

As of today at midday the government has raised the Covid-19 alert level for all of New Zealand. Those in Auckland will be moving to alert level 3 from midday Wednesday 12 August until Midnight Friday 14 August, while the rest of New Zealand moves to alert level 2.

To minimise the risk of transmission, it's important that all Kiwis follow the rules around the alert level for their region. You can find out more about what each alert level means for you here: https://covid19.govt.nz/covid-19/restrictions/current-alert-level/

If you're in Auckland, it might help to remember the Prime Minister's seven principles for level 3:

1. Stay home
2. Work and learn from home if you can
3. Make your business Covid-19 safe
4. Stay regional
5. Keep your bubble as small as possible
6. Wash your hands often with soap
7. If you're sick stay at home.

Plus, wear a mask if you can!

For the rest of New Zealand, under level 2:

• Keep your distance from other people in public
• Wash your hands
• Sneeze and cough into your elbow
• Keep a track of where you’ve been and who you’ve seen
• Wear a mask if you can.

Let's all stick to them, because we're stronger together.

Remember, all HFNZ communication channels remain open, so follow us on Facebook, look out for our emails, and feel free to reach out to your Outreach Worker on 0508 FACTOR (322 867) if you need support or information.

Remember, keep yourself safe, be kind, and be patient.

What HFNZ are doing

HFNZ are maintaining ongoing contact with key groups, including clinicians and pharmaceutical companies, and taking advice from the World Federation of Hemophilia and the NZ Ministry of Health.

We have three events coming up, regional events in Midland and Central at the end of August, and the Adult Weekend in Christchurch in November. While we don't anticipate any impact on these events, we will continue to assess their ongoing viability, and communicate any decisions to those affected.

At this time all staff are being encouraged to work from home and not travel unless it's essential. Of course, Northern OR Worker Amber Maihi, under level 3, is required to be at home until further notice. However, our Outreach team remain available via phone, text, email, or video if you need to reach out for support. Please connect with your OR Worker to discuss the best way for them to support you.

Southern: Ross Paterson - ross@haemophilia.org.nz, 021 656 804
Central/Midland: Lynne Campbell - lynne@haemophilia.org.nz, 027 273 3443
Northern/Midland: Amber Maihi - amber@haemophilia.org.nz, 027 512 1114

Haemophilia Treatment Centres

As essential services, all haemophilia treatment centres remain available. However, at the moment all contact is by phone or online.

Here's how you can connect with your local HTC:

Auckland - Contact Karen or Vanessa at akhaem@adhb.govt.nz or on 09 307 4949 ext 25285.

Waikato - Contact Maureen Campbell at Maureen.Campbell@waikatodhb.health.nz or on 021 846 920 or 07 839 8899 ext 23638.

Palmerston North - Contact Darryl at Daryl.Pollock@midcentral.co.nz or on her cell 0272408254 as she is working from home. If anyone needs to be seen, it can be sorted out at the time.

Wellington - Contact the haemophilia CNS BJ Ramsay as normal at Brian.Ramsay@ccdhb.org.nz or via the haemophilia phone on 0273345081.

Canterbury - Contact Kathy at kathryn.fawcett@cdhb.health.nz or 027 526 1574 during office hours.

Southern - Contact Val Waugh at Val.waugh@southerndhb.govt.nz or on 027 269 9383, or the haematologist on call via main operator Dunedin Hospital at 03 474 0999 for any urgent problem.