PNZ COVID-19 Guidelines and Health and Safety Plans

UPDATED 27 OCTOBER 2020

Once again, we find ourselves in unprecedented times with the impact of the Covid-19.

PNZ will continue to monitor the developments daily and have been in regular communication discussing the impact of this global pandemic on our staff, coaches, Para athletes, support staff and upcoming PNZ events. Information is being sourced from many different authorities including the Government, Ministry of Health, IPC, International Federations, HPSNZ, and PNZ Medical Director – Jake Pearson.

The latest HPSNZ updates can be seen here.

IPC weekly updates can be seen here.

New Zealand Government guidance here.

IMPORTANT: In response to the latest developments, including the Auckland region now moving to Alert Level 1 on Wednesday 7 October 11:59pm and the rest of New Zealand continuing at Alert Level 1, PNZ has made the following decisions related to Alert Level 1:

ALERT 1: PNZ GUIDELINES FOR ALL PNZ TEAM MEMBERS (INCLUDING ALL STAFF, CONTRACTORS AND PARA ATHLETES)

Outlined in the Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) Guidelines and Health and Safety Plan for Alert Level 1 are measures to prevent, detect, contain, and rapidly respond to COVID-19 related risks. We are all in this together, and whether you are a board member, employee, contractor, Para athlete, support team member, or visitor to PNZ offices. Please remember 10 golden rules to help keep everyone safe: 

  1. If you’re sick, stay home. Don’t go to work, school or socialise. 
  2. If you have cold or flu-like symptoms, call your doctor or Healthline, and get advice about getting tested. 
  3. Self-isolate if you’re told by officials to do so. 
  4. Wash your hands. 
  5. Sneeze or cough into your elbow and regularly clean shared surfaces. 
  6. Stay healthy, work with your GP if you have underlying health issues. 
  7. Keep track of where you’ve been.  
  8. If you are a business or service, display a QR code. 
  9. Stay vigilant. 
  10. Be kind to others and be kind to yourself. 

WHAT IS PNZ DOING AT COVID-19 ALERT LEVEL 1

At Level 1, COVID-19 is contained in New Zealand, but remains uncontrolled overseas. Our general approach to Alert Level 1 is to be ready. PNZ will be reviewing all of our safety measures on a regular/or as needed basis and adjusting where required to ensure that we are responding appropriately and effectively.

The PNZ office is open with protocols in place to manage COVID-19 related risks.

HPSNZ training facilities and performance health centres will be open with protocols in place to manage COVID-19 related risks. Para athletes and support team members are required to liaise with their Programme Managers for guidance and monitoring. 

All domestic travel must be safe with hygiene measures followed.

All international travel is on hold until further notice.

PNZ organised events are currently being reviewed with many rescheduled dates confirmed.

For those experiencing anxiety or having welfare concerns please ensure you talk to either:  

  • Manager/Programme Manager
  • PNZ Psychologist, Rod Corban at [email protected] or 021 941 765

IMPORTANT PNZ DOCUMENTS

Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) Guidelines and Health and Safety Plan
Appendix 1 – PNZ COVID-19 Health Questionnaire and Health and Safety Induction Confirmation
Appendix 2 – PNZ COVID-19 Checklist for all external office/facility

KEY CONTACTS

Should PNZ employees, contractors or Para athletes require any further information please feel free to discuss with your Manager and/or Programme Director.

For medical queries please contact PNZ Medical Director Jake Pearson at [email protected] or 022 062 2038.

For welfare related queries please contact PNZ Psychologist, Rod Corban at [email protected] or 021 941 765.

For any other queries please feel free to discuss with PNZ Chief Executive on [email protected] or 027 248 4828.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CORONAVIRUS?

Symptoms of Coronavirus most frequently include fever, cough, shortness of breath and sore throat, but vomiting and diarrhoea may also be present (see https://www.healthy.org.nz for further symptom details).

WHAT DO YOU DO IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE CORONAVIRUS?

If you have symptoms and may have been in contact with someone with Coronavirus, you should phone Healthline’s on 0800 358 5453 (+64 9 358 5453 from overseas) or contact your GP by phone.