COVID-19 Update
Re-opening
Methodist City Action is re-opening with restricted services on Tuesday, 2nd June. Please see our News and Updates page for details.
MCA in Lockdown
Last updated: 21/04/2020
Methodist City Action will remain closed for the next three weeks. We will review this after the completion of two weeks at Level 3 on May 11th.
Last updated: 10/04/2020
When New Zealand reached Level 3, all our programmes were suspended; at Level 4 our Centre was obliged to close, but our work continues in other ways. Our only service still operating is our Deaf and Hearing-Impaired Advocate who is working via internet and video conferencing, along with doing grocery shopping and other errands for elderly clients.
Our two wonderful chefs have been busy with a volunteer or two cooking meals to meet the daily needs of the men in the Hamilton Night Shelter, where there is no kitchen. The service is much appreciated and helps to make life more bearable for the men during this stressful time.
Because some of our staff are at high risk with the Covid_19 virus, we engage strict safety protocols in this work, and we are not able to extend our services further than this at the moment. We are working with other organisations to try to ensure that everyone’s immediate needs are being met. You can find information about where to find help on our Facebook page and on our News and Updates page or email us through our contact page.
Our normal services and programmes may not be back for some time. We will work with our colleagues in the sector to bring classes back on stream as soon as it is safely possible. We know our students need them. We also know that they are vulnerable to the virus. None-the-less, we proceed on the assumption that classes will resume. Should it be impossible to reinstate some, we will seek alternatives.
As one of the few agencies serving the disability sector, we recognise a special responsibility to find ways to help provide a full life for our clients. We will keep working towards that end and look forward to seeing you again soon.
Covid-19 Information from the Ministry of Health
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It’s caused by a type of coronavirus. There are simple steps you can take to protect you and your family/whānau.
Symptoms
The symptoms of COVID-19 are:
- a cough
- a high temperature (at least 38°C)
- shortness of breath.
- sore throat
- sneezing and runny nose
- temporary loss of smell
These symptoms do not necessarily mean you have COVID-19. The symptoms are similar to other illnesses that are much more common, such as cold and flu.
Shortness of breath is a sign of possible pneumonia and requires immediate medical attention.
We don’t yet know how long symptoms take to show after a person has been infected, but current World Health Organization assessments suggest that it is 2–10 days.
If you have these symptoms and have recently been overseas, or have been in close contact with someone confirmed with COVID-19, please telephone Healthline (for free) on 0800 358 5453 or your doctor immediately.
Prevention – how to protect yourself and others
- Cough or sneeze into your elbow or by covering your mouth and nose with tissues.
- Put used tissues in the bin or a bag immediately.
- Wash your hands with soap and water often (for at least 20 seconds).
- 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, sharing cups or food with sick people.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects, such as doorknobs.
- Stay home if you feel unwell.
Call Healthline on 0800 358 5453 if you have any symptoms and have been recently been overseas or have been in close contact with someone confirmed with COVID-19.
Dedicated Healthline number for COVID-19 health advice and information is 0800 358 5453 (or for international SIMs +64 9 358 5453).
It is free and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They have access to interpreters.
You should call that dedicated number:
- to register if you have self-isolated yourself
- for any coronavirus health advice and information and any questions you have about coronavirus, self-isolation etc.
Healthline’s main number is still the one to call for non-coronavirus health concerns – 0800 611 116.
Whichever number you call, you will get professional health advice and information.
Social media:
We will be using these channels to alert people to key updates and messaging specifically about COVID-19.