What you can and can't do during Alert Level 4

As the current COVID-19 situation unfolds, the team at Mycare are working to ensure our users remain up to date with the latest information. 

It is an uncertain and stressful time for many New Zealander’s, and it can be especially hard to know what information is right or not. Below we have outlined some of key rules and recommendations the government has put in place to stop COVID-19 from spreading to help you understand what you can and can’t do at this time. 

Leaving home 

You are allowed to leave your house to: 

• Access essential services; grocery shopping, the bank, the pharmacy, and medical care - remember to wear a mask when you access these services.
• Work in an essential service - workers on the Mycare platform providing support are considered to provide an essential service 
• Go for a walk, exercise and be in nature 

• You can still walk around your local area including your garden, local neighbourhood and walking trails 
• It is recommended that you only walk around your local area, and that you not drive to a reserve, park, or beach to go for a walk elsewhere 
• Access public transport to go to essential businesses or provide an essential service 
• Public transport is free during the Alert Level 4 period 

While you are out in the community doing these things remember it is recommended you keep a 2-metre distance from others, and if you can’t keep that distance for some reason it is recommended you limit contact to less than 15 minutes. 

Self-isolation 

You are not allowed to have any visitors around to your house other than people there to provide support as an essential service. These people are considered to be a part of your ‘bubble’. The people that can be in your bubble is whoever is living in your household or part of your essential services; therefore, they are allowed to be in contact with you. It’s important that all members of your bubble practice safe social distancing when out in the community. 

To learn more about building your bubble click here.  

Transport 

You can still access public transport to go to essential businesses like the supermarket, the bank, and the pharmacy, or to provide an essential service. Public transport is free during the Alert Level 4 period. Make sure to check your local public transport schedule as this may have changed to accommodate travel for essential workers, or to meet the decreased demand for travel. 

It is recommended that private travel done in your personal vehicle is limited to providing and accessing essential services only. 

Services like Uber are still available during the Alert Level 4 period. These are only to be used by essential workers, or to access essential services. When using these services please try to uphold safe social distancing practices like sitting in the back seat, and limiting rides to short trips that take less than 15 minutes. 

Wellbeing 

During self-isolation it’s important to look after your wellbeing. 

Being stuck at home can make it easy to start feeling lonely or down, so it is important you are aware of your own mental wellbeing and know that it is okay to reach out for help. Feeling anxious or stressed about COVID-19 and its impacts is valid and normal. It is important to remember that you are not alone. 

You can reach out to a family member or friend through a phone call, facetime, or other social media. If you need more mental and emotional support, you can talk to a health professional. Call or text 1737 for free at any time to talk with a trained counsellor. 

For more detailed information on what you can and can’t do during the Alert Level 4 period please go to covid19.govt.nz. 

Keep up to date  

For up to date information about Mycare and the unfolding COVID-19 situation, have a look at our Facebook Page. Like our page to receive regular updates about Mycare and COVID-19, we will post regularly and keep you informed as the situation develops.  

If you have any questions that haven’t been answered here or on our Facebook page, please contact us at 0800 677 700 or email hello@mycare.co.nz . Our phone line will remain open throughout the Level 4 period, and we will do our best to respond to any questions or concerns you may have during this time.  

For additional information about essential services, have a look at the official New Zealand Government website www.covid19.govt.nz.