How To Protect Yourself & Others Against COVID-19

Key points about protecting against COVID-19

• COVID-19 mostly spreads in particles that escape from an infected person's mouth
• being close to infected people for long periods of time can increase your risk of becoming infected with COVID-19 
• COVID-19 is more likely to spread in crowded spaces and indoor spaces with poor  airflow
• if your baby or child has any cold, flu or COVID-19 symptoms, keep them away from daycare or school until they no longer have symptoms, and call Healthline on 0800 358 5453
• the COVID-19 vaccine can protect tamariki (children) aged 5 years or older
• the COVID-19 vaccine is also available to tamariki from 6 months who are at greater risk of severe illness from COVID-19

How easy is it to catch and spread COVID-19?

COVID-19 is an airborne illness that spreads from person to person. When an infected person breathes, speaks, coughs, sneezes or sings, they may spread particles containing the virus. These particles range in size. Some particles can remain on surfaces or in the air for minutes to hours. 

The risk of catching COVID-19 is higher:

• in closed-in spaces that do not have good airflow
• in crowded places
• in close-contact settings, such as close-range conversations

The risk of catching COVID-19 is lower:

• in outside spaces
• when there are fewer people
• when people are widely spread

How long does it take for symptoms to appear?

COVID-19 symptoms tend to start after 5 days but can take up to 14 days to show after a person has been infected. You or your child can pass the virus on to others before you know you have it - from up to 2 days before symptoms develop.

What measures can help reduce the spread of COVID-19?

COVID-19 immunisation

Everyone aged 5 years and over in Aotearoa can have their COVID-19 immunisation. The COVID-19 vaccine is also available to tamariki from 6 months who are at greater risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

Check KidsHealth's information about COVID-19 immunisation in children

You can also check the Te Whatu Ora Health Information and Services website for up to date information on the COVID-19 vaccine

You can book your vaccine online

Keep your child home from daycare or school if they're sick

If your baby or child has any cold or flu-like symptoms, keep them home from daycare or school. As soon as possible, phone for advice from either: 

• Healthline on 0800 611 116 for general health advice
• Healthline on 0800 358 5453 for COVID-19 advice
• your GP clinic - make sure to phone your GP clinic before visiting

Please keep your baby or child away from daycare or school until they no longer have symptoms.

Masks reduce the risk 

Wearing masks helps limit the spread of COVID-19 and other airborne illnesses. Mask wearing remains important in healthcare settings. 

Find out the latest recommendations about face masks at the Te Whatu Ora Health Information and Services website

Check why wearing masks and creating airflow helps protect against COVID-19

Wash your hands often for 20 seconds

Washing your hands, and encouraging tamariki to wash theirs, is one of the easiest ways to keep safe. Wash often with soap for 20 seconds. Then dry. This kills the virus.

Helping tamariki wash their hands

You can make handwashing easier for tamariki by setting up a stool so they can reach water and soap by themselves. You can make it fun for them by singing their favourite songs while you help them clean their hands.

Cover coughs and sneezes

Cough or sneeze into your elbow. Coughing or sneezing into your elbow catches the droplets and stops them from getting on your hands. That means you won't spread the virus to other people and make them sick too.

You can also cough or sneeze into tissues. Put any used tissues in the bin or a bag immediately. Then wash your hands thoroughly. Then dry.

Keep your distance

Being close to infected people, and for long periods of time can increase your risk of becoming infected with COVID-19. 

The risk is highest in crowded and indoor spaces without good airflow. The risk is lower outside, where there are fewer people, and when you are further away from others.

More KidsHealth content on COVID-19

Find out about caring for a child with COVID-19

Find out what you need to know about COVID-19

See all KidsHealth's content on COVID-19

See all KidsHealth's content on COVID-19 immunisation in children