There are 40 new cases of coronavirus confirmed in New Zealand today. Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield told reporters there were also three new probable cases. There were 155 cases of confirmed and probable cases, and he said the daily tally would now include probable cases.
Staying connected is vital for mental wellbeing during the Covid-19 lockdown, say health officials and older residents advocacy groups. Sandra Conchie reports.
It's vital people stay connected and do not shut themselves off from others to ensure mental wellbeing does not suffer during the Covid-19 lockdown.
That's the key message from health officials and Bay advocacy groups particularly to people aged 65-plus, living on their own and those battling mental health.
The alert level 4 lockdown started at 11.59pm on Wednesday meaning people must stay home if possible and minimise contact with others.
Age Concern Tauranga general manager Tanya Smith. Photo / File
Age Concern Tauranga general manager Tanya Smith said it was still a time to stay in contact with other people and was an ideal chance to get to know neighbours better.
"It's been pretty full-on and overwhelming but what has blown me away is how some of our seniors are shutting themselves off and not talking or connecting with anyone.
"The situation is serious and we don't know how long the lockdown is going to go for but that doesn't mean you shouldn't talk to other people or go outside into your backyard.
"Whether it's to do a bit of gardening, wave at or talk to neighbours or simply to smell the roses and feel the sun on your face, it's vital to do so to keep healthy and connected."
Smith encouraged people to put a sign up in their window or on the front door to tell any visitors they were doing okay or ask for help if they weren't.
"You still need to talk to each other and, if you don't, you're only going to become more stressed and make yourself quite unwell."
Smith said for those who could not visit the supermarket there were "ways and means" of buying food either online or asking someone, like a neighbour, to help.
"Our office is closed but if people really don't have anyone to call on they should ring Age Concern and we will connect them with one of our wonderful volunteers," she said.
Grey Power Tauranga President Jennifer Custins. Photo / File
Grey Power Tauranga president Jennifer Custins was concerned at how some older citizens were responding to the lockdown.
"Some don't quite understand what it is about, while others don't like being told what to do and they're not doing the right things to help themselves stay connected to keep well.
"It's our elderly living on their own with no family support that I'm most concerned about. Four weeks is a long time, especially if they don't have a cellphone or internet access.
"I wouldn't like to see people staying glued to the TV for days on end and not going outside or chatting with anyone."
Custins said it was vital people reached out to each other.
"Even putting an A4 sheet with a message and your contact number in a neighbour's letterbox asking if they're okay shows them they 're not alone and someone cares.
"This is the time for everyone to make that extra effort to just go outside their front door and wave to someone across the way, ask how they are doing and if they need help.
"It's about being kind, thoughtful and caring to the other people who live in your street.
"We can get through this if we all do the right things and work together."
Registered clinical psychologist Dr Erin Eggleston agreed.
Eggleston, who is also the clinical director of QE Health in Rotorua, said stress was a normal reaction but it was important people focused on what they could control and not "over-catastrophise" or dwell too much on what might or might not come.
"The lockdown does not mean we're under house arrest and we can't carry on with most of our normal and usual daily activities ... It helps to promote resilience, " he said.
Eggleston said establishing a normal sleep pattern, eating regular well-balanced meals and maintaining a regular, reasonable exercise routine was also important.
Shaun Robinson, the chief executive of the Mental Health Foundation of NZ. Photo / Supplied
New Zealand Mental Health Foundation chief executive Shaun Robinson acknowledged people were feeling anxious, stressed, worried and scared.
"Connecting with people who make you feel safe and loved is the most important thing you can do to look after your mental health and the mental health of people around you.
"Self-isolation or staying at home makes this difficult but not impossible. We're all going to have to get creative ... We also know that things are really tough right now for some people who live with mental illness. Stress and anxiety can make things worse. "
Robinson said the foundation had wellbeing tips on its website and Facebook page.
These included finding ways to connect, be active, give back and keep learning, spending time with nature and sticking to a routine.
Dr Fiona Miller, the Bay of Plenty District Health Board's clinical director of Mental Health and Addiction Services, said it was "normal and human" to feel anxious right now.
"For those who don't have mobile or internet access talking to your usual support people on the phone, sharing how you feel is important. If you feel you are not coping, it is important to talk with a health professional.
"For support with grief, anxiety, distress or mental wellbeing, you can call or text 1737 – free, any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – to talk with a trained counsellor.
"For people already under the care of our mental health and addiction services they will continue to be supported, but where appropriate we will be trying to do this by phone or video call in line with the Covid-19 level 4 response for the next month.
"We will be reaching out regularly as we are aware this situation will be very challenging for all of us. We will be doing our best to support those with mental health issues."
Miller said there many agencies in the community would be doing everything they could to continue to offer support and try to work on a business as usual basis, including by phone or video where appropriate.
"We are currently in the process of planning how we will meet a possible increase in demand for mental health support as the Covid-19 situation unfolds. In the meantime, it's important for people to seek help if they need it," she said.
