ODOB: Now we’re in Level 1…

June 10, 2020 Staff reporters

 

The following is an announcement from the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Board (ODOB) regarding the move to Covid-19 Alert Level 1 on Tuesday 9 June 2020

  

FROM THE ODOB BOARD

 

As you will be aware the Government announced New Zealand can safely move out of Alert Level 2 at 11.59pm on Monday 8 June 2020.
 

Alert Level 1: – prepare: the disease is contained in New Zealand


To this end, the Ministry of Health made the following statement:

"Thank you for your hard work to enable us to reach this milestone. The move to Alert Level 1 will enable you to provide services similarly to pre Covid-19. However, we must not forget that there is still a global pandemic and we must remain vigilant. When the country moves into Alert Level 1 community allied health services can return to normal with the following recommendations:

  • Enable contact tracing eg. NZ Covid-19 tracer app.
  • Discouraging patients to attend appointments when they are sick eg. screening prior to appointment, public messaging
  • Good infection prevention control measures are in place such as frequent hand washing and cleaning
  • Physical distancing is not required but is encouraged where possible"

 

Essentially there are no restrictions for health and disability services. However, the Board advises all practitioners continue with strict hygiene protocols. As a reminder, the best defence against Covid-19 are basic hygiene measures, which include:

 

  • Cough or sneeze into your elbow or by covering your mouth and nose with tissues
  • Put used tissues in the bin or a bag immediately
  • Wash your hands with soap and water often (for at least 20 seconds)
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
  • Clean surfaces regularly

 

The Ministry of Health has launched two contact tracing apps which they have recommended allied health professionals consider using:

 

 

 

The Board would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for all your efforts in helping New Zealand eliminate the transmission of Covid-19

 

Noho ora mai / stay well

Jayesh Chouhan, ODOB Board chair and Antony McFelin, ODOB registrar