COVID-19 CORONAVIRUS and NZ 2020 Stamp Exhibition
This message is being sent to Commissioners, Judges, Volunteers, Stand Holders and Exhibitors who may be attending NZ 2020 Stamp Exhibition Auckland. As we are aware, COVID-9 CORONAVIRUS is becoming an important issue, and we feel that the New Zealand situation should be explained and point out methods of potentially limiting contact between people, hygiene and other matters.
What is COVID-19 CORONOVIRUS?
- COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It’s caused by a virus called coronavirus.
- Where did the cases in New Zealand come from?
Most cases of COVID-19 in New Zealand have come from overseas. Once a case has been identified, the Ministry of Health and DHBs track down people who may have been exposed to the virus through a process called contact tracing. - What is contact tracing?
Health services use contact tracing to find people who may have been exposed to an infectious disease. There are two types of ‘contacts’ – close contacts and casual contacts. Health services give advice to both contact types on what they need to do. - What is a close contact?
A close contact is anyone who has been close to someone with COVID-19. This can mean living in the same house or spending more than 15 minutes close to someone with COVID-19 such as on a flight, bus or train or in your workplace. - What is a casual contact?
A casual contact is someone who has had contact with a case but doesn’t meet the criteria for a close contact. This could mean someone travelling on the same aeroplane who was seated away from the case. For example, they were only close to the person with COVID-19 for less than 15 minutes or were at the same place but not near them. - If you think you might be a close or casual contact, it doesn’t mean you have COVID-19. You will be contacted by public health staff or you can call Healthline on 0800 358 5453. They will give you advice on what you need to do.
How is COVID-19 Spread?
- COVID-19, like the flu, can be spread from person to person.
- When a person who has COVID-19 coughs, sneezes or talks, they may spread droplets containing the virus a short distance, which quickly settle on surrounding surfaces.
- You may get infected by the virus if you touch those surfaces or objects and then touch your mouth, nose or eyes.
- That’s why it’s important to use good hygiene, regularly wash and thoroughly dry your hands, and use good cough etiquette.
The Situation
The situation is being monitored daily by the New Zealand Government and the New Zealand Ministry of Health. At the time of writing, there have been five (5) confirmed cases in New Zealand based on positive test results, and two suspicious cases, with no deaths. For a fourth consecutive day there are no additional confirmed or probable cases of COVID-19 to report in New Zealand. The important thing is that in all the diagnosed cases, the source has been identified. This means that the virus is very limited in New Zealand, and all contacts of these people are being monitored.
Controls in Place
The Government has announced temporary restrictions on travellers arriving in New Zealand from mainland China or Iran as a precautionary measure to protect against the spread of COVID-19. The restrictions prevent foreign Nationals travelling from or travelling through mainland China or Iran from entering New Zealand.
People who have been in Italy or the Republic of Korea (excluding airport transit) are advised to self-isolate for 14 days after their return. This position is being reviewed every 24 hours.
Updates are available from the NZ Ministry of Health website: https://www.health.govt.nz/covid-19
People who have been in Italy or the Republic of Korea (excluding airport transit) should self-isolate for 14 days after their return.
Any person who has been in close contact with a person who has a confirmed case of COVID-19 should self-isolate for 14 days.
Anyone developing symptoms including fever, coughing, and difficulty breathing should call the healthline (free) on 0800 358 5453 or +84 9 358 5453 (international) or your doctor.
Entering New Zealand
The organising committee are not certain about the impact of additional security at the New Zealand border. This is likely to take slightly longer to clear Customs. Most flights for Commissioners and Judges will be met by our volunteers, so keep a watch for someone holding a sign with the NZ2020 FIAP International Stamp exhibition in the waiting area once Customs is cleared.
Ellerslie Event Centre – venue for the exhibition
The following is a message from the management of the Ellerslie Event Centre dated 12 March.
We are committed to the health and safety of its staff and you, our valued clients and your delegates, to ensure you can continue to enjoy our facilities safely. We are taking a precautionary approach and closely following Ministry of Health advice and want to share with you the actions we are taking:
- Our executive team meets every two days to stay up to date with the evolving situation and ensure new information can be sent out to our staff, suppliers, contractors and clients.
- Staff briefings have been held to remind them of the need to be vigilant in safe hygiene practices and that any staff members who feel unwell or present flu or cold-like symptoms must remain at home and seek medical advice.
- Posters have been put up throughout the Ellerslie Event Centre to maintain awareness of best practice health and safety procedures for staff and clients.
- Hand sanitiser stations have been installed throughout our facilities in meeting rooms and foyers where there is high foot traffic.
- We have increased the level and frequency of cleaning bathrooms and have increased the frequency and disposal procedures for rubbish bins.
What can I do to help prevent the spread of COVID-19?
- Cough or sneeze into your elbow or by covering your mouth and nose with tissues.
- Put your used tissue in the rubbish bin, or in a plastic bag.
- Wash and dry your hands often (for at least 20 seconds), especially after coughing or sneezing. Use soap or hand sanitiser.
- Stay away from others if you are unwell.
- Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell.
- Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.
- Avoid personal contact, such as kissing, shaking hands, sharing cups or food with sick people.
- Use the following greetings:
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects, such as doorknobs.
- Stay home if you feel unwell and call Healthline on 0800 358 5453.