Kia ora koutou
This statement is current to 17 March 2020.
As the situation with Coronavirus is constantly evolving, below you will find a list of links for international and national organisations where you can find relevant information. This list will be revised on an as-needed basis.
As at today New Zealand has not had any cases of community transmission of COVID-19. As a nation we are still in a good position to contain and manage the inevitable outbreaks and to reduce the long term economic implications of the virus. I’m sure you will be aware of the government policies released in the past few days including stringent border controls and the 12.1 billion dollar financial recovery package announced at 2pm today.
As music therapists work in a wide variety of settings and with a wider range of clients, we cannot advise general rules of engagement. Everyone needs to assess their own situations (both professional and personal) to mitigate any potential risk factors. If you work with immune compromised, medically vulnerable, or elderly clients in particular, please consider these issues carefully.
We will be setting up a thread on the MThNZ forum for all members to discuss any issues regarding COVID-19. This is a safe place for therapists to discuss specific situations and issues. It is also a great space to support each other through this event.
You can take some simple steps to help stop the spread of diseases like COVID-19.
- If you are ill for any reason, stay home. Avoid close contact.
- Avoid close contact with people with cold or flu-like illnesses
- Cover coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues or clothing
- Wash hands for at least 20 seconds with water and soap and dry them thoroughly:
- Before eating and handling food
- After using the toilet
- After coughing, sneezing, blowing your nose or wiping children’s noses
- After caring for sick people
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-novel-coronavirus
http://www.education.govt.nz/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-3/
https://www.business.govt.nz/news/coronavirus-information-for-businesses/
https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/eligibility/emergencies/2020/coronavirus.html#null
Link for Self employed/ Sole Traders: https://services.workandincome.govt.nz/ess/trader_applications/new
Link for businesses to get staff subsidy ($150,000 max): https://services.workandincome.govt.nz/ess/employer_applications/new
Full info can be read here: https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/products/a-z-benefits/covid-19-support.html
Please use the following link to the Raukatauri Music Therapy Centre should you wish to view their policy. This policy will be updated as the situation changes https://www.rmtc.org.nz/faqs
Healthline’s dedicated 24 hour Coronavirus number is 0800 358 5453.
If you need any further advice or support, please do not hesitate to contact me at info@musictherapy.org.nz
Ngā mihi nui
Lara
