With the confirmed cases of COVID-19 increasing in New Zealand and following the latest guidelines from the government, RMHC New Zealand is taking a number of measures to ensure the safety of House families, staff and volunteers. Guided by the Ministry of Health and in collaboration with our partnering District Health Boards we have introduced a series of actions that will ensure we can safely continue to provide accommodation and care for families with a child undergoing medical treatment.
The following measures and restrictions are now in place:
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- As at 26 March 2019, all families checked in to the Houses are able to remain at the Houses for as long as their medical journey requires, with restricted access to shared spaces such as kitchens and lounges.
- The Ronald McDonald Family Room® programme day lounges are closed to all ward families and visitors. Families who were previously staying in the Family Rooms have now been accommodated either at the Houses, or at off-site, self-contained accommodation close to the hospitals.
- Families checking in from 26 March 2019 will be accommodated at off-site, self-contained accommodation – close to the hospitals.
Screening of all families, staff and volunteers prior to entering our Houses
All families, volunteers and staff will be screened prior to entering a facility to minimise the chance of inadvertently spreading the virus. Other than those requiring isolation, families that have a heightened risk will be found alternative accommodation close to the hospital, for their safety and the wider RMHC New Zealand whānau.
Suspension of all non-core volunteering activity
We are suspending all group volunteering activities for the time being including our Cook Night dinner program. Bookings will resume once it is safe to do so.
Supporting the families
At an already stressful time for families, the risk from COVID-19 adds a new anxiety. They need our support more than ever. If you are able to help support families you can:
Our team would be grateful for donations of non-perishable food items (although, please leave these outside the front door) but we are unable to receive second hand clothes or toys right now.
We will keep posting updates here as the situation changes. You can also check out our latest FAQs.
Helpful Links: