Sick? Stay Home!

Olympia is home to a diverse community that includes vulnerable members, such as infants, elderly and those with complex medical needs. We ask that parents/spectators be considerate of these members and stay home if you are sick and keep you children home if they are unwell.

This includes fever, coughs and other cold and flu symptoms. Please only return to gymnastics when you/ your child is symptom-free.

The Ministry of Health's guide to staying well this winter has some great ideas for helping your family fight off the bugs!

" PREPARE FOR WINTER
Colder weather in winter means more people are likely to get sick. This increases the risk of illnesses being brought into your home, workplace or school. Prepare for winter by:

• Getting immunised.
• Keeping up to date with COVID-19 additional doses when eligible. Remember some pharmacists can immunise.
  COVID-19 additional doses
  
• Testing if you have COVID-19 symptoms, reporting the result and isolating.
• Having a care plan ready for if you get sick including any support from whānau and friends.
• Having the necessary medicines and cold and flu supplies at home.

HEALTHY BEHAVIOURS

Prevent spreading or catching illnesses by:

• Staying home and if possible, isolating if sick.
• Wearing a mask in healthcare places and in enclosed spaces, like public transport.
• Increasing airflow and ventilation.
• Know when your child is well enough to go to school.
• Washing and drying hands often and thoroughly.
• Coughing or sneezing into your elbow.

KEEP YOUR WHARE WARM AND DRY
Find out if your home is insulated and that you have the best heating option for your home. You may qualify for a subsidy. (external link)↗

Warmer kiwi homes programme — ECCA website(external link)↗

• Remove mould from ceilings and walls with warm water and household soap and dry well.
• Open your curtains during the day and close them at night.
• Open your windows for at least a few minutes each day and then close them up again.
• Dry your washing outside or in the garage or carport.
• Let steam out in the kitchen and bathroom.
• Wipe off any water that has collected on walls and on the inside of windows.
• Stop cold air getting into your home by stopping draughts around doors, windows, and fireplaces.

MENTAL WELLBEING OVER WINTER

Developing or maintaining routines through winter to look after your mental wellbeing will help you now, and into the future.

There are some things you can do every day to support your mental wellbeing.

• Stay connected with friends and whānau.
• Stick to a schedule or routine as best you can.
• Move your body daily.
• Get outside and spend time in nature.
• Limit your time online and the amount of news you follow.
• Notice and appreciate small moments of joy."

For the full article and more helpful info and links visit the Ministry of Health's website:

https://info.health.nz/planning-for-winter/