Source: Covid-19 New Zealand Government Announcements
Update from the Ministry of Health
Today we are reporting 13,344 community cases and 587 current hospitalisations.
The 7-day rolling average of community case numbers today is 8,313.
We are sadly reporting the deaths of 23 people with COVID-19. The majority (18) of these deaths occurred in the current month; 4 others occurred in May and June. There is 1 death from January last year now being reported following the cause of death assessment now being completed. In some instances it can take some time for the full clinical assessments to be finalised.
Today’s new cases of COVID-19 show a further rise in case numbers. We are continuing to keep our response to the current community outbreak of COVID-19 under review and will adapt it as the outbreak and pandemic evolve, and as part of our resurgence planning.
Keeping tamariki well over the school break
As every parent well knows, winter means cold weather but also more days indoors where our tamariki can more easily pick up and pass on germs, colds and flu.
It is normal for children to have 8-10 viral illnesses each year, which will likely include coughs, runny noses and intermittent fevers. But with so many respiratory illnesses circulating, the Ministry is encouraging New Zealanders to pay extra attention to their children’s health, and their own, over the coldest months of the year.
Here are some winter wellness tips to help keep children healthy:
- When they’re unwell, keep them at home to give them the best chance to rest and recover, and reduce the spread of infections on to others.
- If children have COVID-19 symptoms like a fever, cough, sore throat and headache — rapid antigen test them.
- Encourage good hygiene — help them to wash their hands regularly and show them how to sneeze or cough into their elbow or a tissue. This will help stop the spread of germs.
- A sick child who is still eating and drinking well, can be watched at home until they are feeling better.
- To help avoid serious illness, ensure children are up to date with their vaccinations like measles, mumps and rubella (MMR); flu; chicken pox; whooping cough; and for over 5-year-olds, their COVID-19 vaccine.
- Ventilate your home by opening windows and doors throughout the day to increase fresh air flow.
- Provide children with healthy food and fresh water to help maintain good health and wellbeing.
- Encourage them to be active, especially outside, to help maintain good health and wellbeing.
- Encourage your children to wear a mask if they are old enough.
- Finally, support children to get enough sleep.
Following these tips not just for children but for all of us can help us all fight off seasonal illnesses and get through the next few months in good shape. Stay well this winter, Aotearoa!
Read the full update on today’s cases | Ministry of Health (external link)
