Covid 19 information: Travellers self-isolating in short stay homes; what you need to know
March 16th 2020
Updated on 26 March 2020
If you have recently arrived in New Zealand, or have otherwise been advised you need to self-isolate, the Ministry of Health website and Covid 19 are the first places to check for accurate and up-to-date information.
As we are now in a period of four weeks lockdown, Level 4, and under State of Emergency over that time, there will be limits on what you are able to do.
The most important is that you stay at home, and only have contact with the people you are currently living with. If you must go out for essential supplies stay at least two metres away from all other people. You are allowed to go outside into your own courtayrd area, or for a walk around the block, keeping the restrictions in mind.
If you are booked into one of our Ruby Housing short-stay homes, have recently arrived in New Zealand and or have otherwise potentially been exposed to Covid 19, The Ministry of Health requires you to advise us prior to arrival.
If you have been tested for Covid 19 it is imperative you let us as soon as possible, so we can protect staff and tradespeople, including cleaning contractors. In the event of urgent repairs and maintenance, we will assess what is required and discuss with the relevant tradesperson to minimise risk.
Ruby Housing short stay homes are fully self-contained, and you won’t need to share entrances, kitchens or bathroom facilities, or outdoor space. As you will need to stay at home for four weeks until the lockdown is lifted, you at least will be very comfortable in our short stay houses, with plenty of opening windows for fresh air, full kitchens, laundry facilities, private courtyard gardens, and everything else you may need to manage over this time. You will be able to go to a local supermarket or grocery store to purchase food and other crucial supplies, and can order online grocery deliveries. Fresh food meal delivery options are currently still available, however other food deliveries such as Uber Eats, takeaway shops, and cafes and restaurants are not.
All our homes have unlimited Wifi, so you will be able to work remotely as well as stay in touch with friends and family.
While this is a difficult time for many, there is plenty of online and phone assistance to help you get through.
FIND OUT MORE:
This website is the fastest way to find help and advice about the COVID-19 situation in New Zealand.
If you are unable to find what you need, and are not sure who to contact for help, call the free government helpline on 0800 779 997 (8am–1am, 7 days a week) or on 0800 22 66 57 (9am-5pm, Monday-Friday).
Self-Isolation
Advice for using alternative accommodation (rental homes, hotels, motels, Air BnB, hired vehicles, taxis)
If you need to stay at home for 14 days and are considering using alternative accommodation, you must advise them in advance of your need to self-isolate. The majority of people who will need to stay at home will be healthy, but suppliers may make their own decisions about whether to allow you to use their provisions, in compliance with regulations regarding their industry such as the Residential Tenancies Act 1986.
If you supply a service which has been contacted by someone required to stay at home, you should consider the implications. The majority of people who will need to stay at home after returning from overseas will be healthy, and if the process is adhered to, there should be no risk to those who use your services in the future. You can use cleaning services to further reduce risk to future users.