Te Mate Urutā Pandemic

A pandemic is an outbreak of an infectious disease that spreads across a very large region, multiple countries,
or worldwide. 

The direct impact on human life can be immense, with vulnerable populations, including older people and
those with underlying health conditions, being particularly at risk.

Beyond the risk and impacts of a pandemic and the immediate health crisis, many services like education, transport, work, health care and community services are disrupted.

While the Ministry of Health is the lead agency for human pandemics, Auckland Emergency Management assists in providing regional coordination of support.

• Prepare yourself and your family
  • Get vaccinated annually and make your household emergency plan.
  • Make sure family, friends and flatmates know what you’ll do in case of an emergency.
  • Consider who will help with food and supplies if your household gets sick, and who would look after extended family, children or dependents.
• Practice good hygiene regularly
  • Wash your hands, cover your coughs and sneezes, and stay home if you feel unwell.

When preparing for human or animal-based pandemics, "CHIRP" can help you remember to: 

• Cover your cough and sneeze.
  • Use tissues, and dispose of them properly with a lined bin that can close.
• Handwash often and well.
  • Ensure you wash your hands before eating, and after coughing or sneezing.
• Isolate yourself.
  • Maintain a personal space of 2 meters from other people when possible, as germs can be spread by sick people sneezing, coughing or talking around you.
  • Stay home if you become sick.
• Reduce germs in your home and workplace.
  • Regularly clean common surfaces such as phones, remote controls, door knobs, light switches, and toys.
• Plan and prepare to adapt.
  • Follow official health guidance as it develops, and update your emergency household plan if circumstances change, such as being told to stay home.