Special Covid-19 Update: Alert Level advice for Auckland

October 5, 2021 Staff reporters

The following is a special Covid-19 update from the optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Board (ODOB)

 

FROM THE ODOB BOARD (5 Oct 2021)

 

The Board acknowledges it has been challenging for all practitioners during the Delta outbreak, especially those in the Auckland region.

 

With the recent Government announcement around the 3-step approach to ease Alert Level 3 restrictions in the Auckland region, there may be practitioners who are unsure with exactly what they may or may not be able to do.

 

With the introduction of Step 1 as of 11.59pm on 5 October 2021, the position for Allied Health (Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians) at this stage, will remain the same and you must follow the same Alert Level 3 guidelines as previously communicated.

 

Step 2 and Step 1 will introduce new changes and easing of restrictions, which will also bring in new guidelines. The Board is in the process to gain further clarity around what this will exactly look like. Once we receive that further information this will be communicated to you.
 

As a reminder and as a point of reference the most current guidelines for the Alert Level that is applicable to you can be found on the ODOB website click here for these documents (on the top right of the page). These are “living” documents and are subject to change.
 

We understand the ongoing restricted Alert levels can be very difficult and can cause stress and impact mental wellbeing. As a reminder, if you need mental wellbeing support or advice you can call or text 1737 to access the national telehealth support line anytime day or night to talk to a trained counsellor. Further resources can also be found on our website.
 

We will be in contact once further updates are available.

 

Noho ora mai / stay well
Jayesh Chouhan, Board Chair