| 02 Apr 2020

As well as people’s health, a key focus of the South Canterbury District Incident Management Team (IMT) is the general welfare of the community.

The IMT understands that there is anxiety out in the community and, as we go through the lockdown period and stay safe in our bubbles, people will need help and reassurance.

We urge the community to stay home and stay safe!  We can all do this by not travelling outside of the region, and only travel when you’re using essential services. Together we can slow the spread and minimise the impact on New Zealand.

A new helpline 0800 24 24 11 has been set up by Civil Defence Emergency Management Canterbury for those in our community struggling to get food, groceries, medication or other household items and have no alternative options. The service is available 7am-7pm daily and is for those facing hardship, at risk groups, people with disabilities and people without access to transport.  

“I would like to ask the South Canterbury community to be kind to each other, and to check up on friends, family and neighbours, by using the phone, online messaging, or just chatting over the fence while following the physical distancing guidelines of a safe two-metre distance.”  Nigel says.

“I would also like to thank all the health care workers in South Canterbury for the work they are doing to keep our patients safe.” Nigel says.

Key messages to the community:

  • If you need to see your GP, please ring you GP Clinic to book your consultation. Overseas residents or people not registered with a GP, please call the GP support line on 03 687 2303.
  • Drop off of patient’s items at the hospital entrance while it is closed to visitors is for essential items only. We would like to assure the community that the hospital will provide food to all inpatients.
  • These counsellors are providing online and telephone sessions during lockdown:
  • Jo Blakemore-Jones Phone 021 126 3369 or email growingconversations@outlook.com
  • Niranjula Kumarapaapillai Phone 021 112 3787 or email niranjula@icloud.com
  • Viv McFarlane Phone 03 688 1956, 027 655 8508 or email viv.mcfarlane@xtra.co.nz
  • Christine McFarlane, Mindful Me Phone 021 284 3040 or email chris@mindfulme.nz
  • Katrina Stanley Phone 021 028 70810 or email katsugrue@hotmail.com
  • Katie Wiseman Phone 021 049 9681 or email katiew900@hotmail.com
  • These accommodation providers are offering accommodation for self-isolating for healthcare workers and essential service workers:
    • Temuka – Phoenix Motels
    • Timaru – Bay Viaduct, Harbour View, Fitzgerald on King, Aspen on King, Hibernian Studio, Ashley Motor Lodge, Avenue Motor Lodge


For more information

  • Help unite against COVID-19


General reminder about prevention, symptoms and testingAnyone who has developed symptoms suggestive of COVID-19, such as cough, fever or difficult breathing, should contact Healthline 0800 358 5453, or your family GP as they may need testing. Please do not go directly to a pharmacy, GP clinic, or emergency department.

South Canterbury DHB continues to remind the public that the best way they can help with the COVID-19 response is to:

  • Keep two metres physical distance from others
  • Stay home to avoid exposure to illness
  • Practice good personal hygiene and cleaning practices

Media contact:
Karen Berry
Communications Manager
South Canterbury District Health Board
P: 03 687 2395 | M: 021 139 7442
kberry@scdhb.health.nz