LTCcovid Country Profile – Printable Version

2.02. Deaths attributed to COVID-19 among people using long-term care

As of March 25, 2021, there have been 16 COVID-19 related deaths in Aged Residential Care facilities, accounting for 57% of all COVID-19 related fatalities (Source: https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-current-situation/covid-19-current-cases#summary). The Aged Residential Care sector comprises 38,000 beds in over 650 facilities throughout the country. Therefore, the number of deaths in aged care facilities represents 0.04% of all beds.

Update for: New Zealand   Last updated: August 2nd, 2021


3.07.03. Visiting and unpaid carer policies in care homes

In New Zealand areas are grouped into different Alert Levels. At Alert Level 1 visits are possible following a set of hygiene rules and some providers may also put in place some additional precautions. At Alert Level 2 visits may only be possible for designated visitors and there may a limit on the number of visitors being in the building at the same time as well as limits to length of visit and places where visits can take place (https://covid19.govt.nz/everyday-life/parents-caregivers-and-whanau/visiting-an-aged-residential-care-facility/).

Update for: New Zealand   Last updated: September 8th, 2021


3.11. Vaccination policies for people using and providing Long-Term Care

In NZ vaccinations are offered to LTC staff but not mandatory. Uptake has been high for staff. Currently vaccinations are being rolled out to Aged Residential Care facilities, and the process has been variable regionally. (Source: https://ltccovid.org/2021/05/25/national-discussions-on-mandatory-vaccination-among-long-term-care-staff-in-23-countries-ltccovid-international-overviews-of-long-term-care-policies-and-practices-in-relation-to-covid-19-no-1-may/)

Update for: New Zealand   Last updated: September 7th, 2021


3.12. Measures to support unpaid carers

Unpaid carers in New Zealand can get a carer support subsidy from the Ministry of Health. The funding guidelines were relaxed to support carers during Alert levels 2-4, this included expanding the guidelines of what could be purchased, allowing a resident family member to be paid and support with finding a support worker (https://ltccovid.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/The-LTC-COVID-situation-in-New-Zealand-9-August-2020.pdf).

Update for: New Zealand   Last updated: September 7th, 2021