COVID-19 Alert Level 2

Note: This page is about Level 2 information written in 2020.

NZ (except Auckland) is currently in Level 3 

Click here to read the latest information

 

What does this mean for Services?

To read about what we, the Christchurch Diocese, will do under Alert Level 2, download the two documents below (revised 7 September 2020) and the Government fact-sheet about religious gatherings.

• • • Revised Final Level 2 Guidelines Dio Chch (as at 7 Sept)
    • Revised Final Level 2 Chart Dio Chch (as at 7 Sept)
    • Click here to go to the government advice for religious gatherings

 

Significant changes from 7 September 2020 are:

 

• It is permissible to run children’s programmes during the week and on Sundays providing the Guidelines are followed, in particular that parents understand that while every attempt will be made to comply with Guidelines, the likelihood is that physical separation will be similar to that experienced by children at school and childcare centres.

 

• Bishop Peter asking us all to look more carefully at our practice re communion in particular minimising the number of people involved in handling wafers and vessels relating to communion. Previously there were no rules about Offertory Processions. These should cease in Level 2 because they multiply the number of hands involved in preparation for communion.

Click HERE to go to the Government page on Alert Level 2

Click HERE for advice about Diocesan Synod 2020.

 

Why?

On Tuesday 11 August 2020, the Government announced that from noon Wednesday 12 August all NZ is back at Alert Level 2 except Auckland who are back at Alert Level 3. This is due to 5 people testing positive (in one family) in Auckland. Unfortunately there is no known link to high risk workers or returnees.

What does this mean for us?

• Remain home if possible, working from home where feasible. Stick to your bubble.
• When out and about:
  • Maintain a distance of 2m
  • Where 2m is not likely to be maintained such as in supermarkets or on public transport, wear a mask.
• No more than 100 people can be gathered in one place.
• If sick or symptomatic stay at home and call your GP. Get Tested. Self quarantine until returning a negative test.
• Be vigilant. Be Kind. Be ready for changing Alert Levels.
• Pray for
  • Auckland and all our front-line workers.
  • Jacinda and Ashley Bloomfield and all people helping to inform our government decision making.
  • all NZrs to be informed, kind, calm and patient.

 

 

 

Kids Poster for your Church door

Click here to download a poster for kids provided by Strandz to display about Level 2 and what it means to our mokopuna.

 

 

 

 

 

Underlying Theology

• We live and worship to the praise and glory of God.
• The people of God are called to love and care for one another, for our neighbours and even our enemies. Our love and compassion is especially directed to the vulnerable who appear, in this current situation, to be the elderly and those with existing health conditions.
• In the context of a global COVID-19 / Coronavirus Pandemic (as declared by the World Health Organisation), of many nations declaring drastic measures in order to slow down if not halt the spread of this infectious disease, and of our own nation imposing a 14 day self-isolation of all arrivals on our shores, it is incumbent on churches to demonstrate our commitment in love for others by change in practice and custom in order to collaborate in the prevention of the spread of this disease.
• Churches together have a common task in respect of the people of God who meet for worship and in respect of all people in society and thus we adopt and adapt each other’s best practice and wisdom in order to achieve common messaging in this critical time.
• With respect to Holy Communion and concerns people may have about receiving communion “in one kind” only, the following should be noted as the common mind of the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia, as expressed in our prayer book: When people who desire to receive the Holy Communion are unable to do so for any other reason, their desire and such prayers as they are able to offer ensure that they do spiritually receive the body and blood of Christ. A New Zealand Prayer Book He Karakia Mihinare o Aotearoa page 729

 

Additional Information for General Purposes

 

Health Guidance

• NZ is following the guidance of the NZ Ministry of Health (MoH) and the World Health Organisation (WHO).
• The virus affects the lungs and breathing and looks a bit like the influenza or flu virus. It especially impacts the elderly and people already sick for another reason.
• Symptoms can range from mild to severe and some people infected are a-symptomatic, or show no symptoms.
• Symptoms are: a temperature greater than 38 degrees, mild to acute respiratory illness and possibly also one of the following: shortness of breath, cough, or sore throat.
• If you have symptoms of the coronavirus, call the NZ COVID-19 Healthline on 0800 358 5453 (+64 9 358 5453 for international SIMs)
• At this stage there is no vaccination, but it is being worked on.
• The best source of information on the virus is NOT social media, but we can rely on information from the NZ Ministry of Health or from the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Stay Calm & Wash your Hands

• Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze (we recommend the ‘chicken-wing’ method rather than your hands)
• If using a tissue, put it in the bin
• Stay home if you are sick (working from home may be an option)
• Avoiding close contact (2m is the recommended distance) with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms
• If you have been in contact with an unwell person or you yourself are feeling unwell, avoid contact with the elderly and anyone with a compromised immune system especially those with respiratory issues.
• Two useful posters on handwashing and washing and drying hands are available by clicking on the links
• The Ministry of Health’s advise on the best way to protect yourself and others is available here.
• MOH information sheets are available here.

Be prepared at home

• Have a plan—who can help if you are ill?
• Build up your emergency supplies kit
• Visit the Civil Defence website for more information about getting your home ready
• The Ministry of Health has a large amount of current resources.