Pandemic

A pandemic is when a virus spreads quickly and affects a country or many countries around the world. A pandemic can impact all services as people need to stay away from others and businesses may temporarily close to stop the disease spreading.

The Ministry of Health is the lead agency for planning for and responding to pandemics in New Zealand.

Get ready for a pandemic

Have a plan and be prepared in case you need to stay at home during a pandemic. You and your family may be so sick you cannot leave your home for several weeks. Keep contact details for friends, family & neighbours so you can call them if you need support.

Before a pandemic

  • Vaccinate yourself and your family annually or as required against infectious diseases
  • Keep at least a weeks supply of food, tissues and medicines so you don’t have to make trips out in public
  • Think about who could look after extended family members if they don’t live nearby
  • Reduce germs in your home and workplace by regular disinfecting surfaces such as phones, remote controls, door knobs, light switches , toys and computer
  • Prepare for disruptions to essential services like food distribution (Insert link to household plan template)
  • Make an Emergency Plan with your household. Have grab bags ready to go in case you have to get out quickly. 
  • Make copies of all your important documents and upload them to a cloud service. 
  • Think about what to do with your pets and livestock if you must evacuate.

During a pandemic

  • Follow instructions and advice of health officials
  • Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Do so in the crook of your elbow rather than your hand. Use tissues, dispose of them correctly and then wash your hands
  • Regularly wash your hands – after wiping children’s noses, preparing food, and eating, going to the toilet, or looking after sick people. Wash hands for at least 20 seconds with soap or alcohol gels and if possible warm water, dry thoroughly.
  • Maintain a personal space of at least two metres from those who may be ill , to avoid infection
  • Stay home if you become ill
  • Consider working from home