Update on novel coronavirus
The Ministry of Health has announced that the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is publicly notifiable from today (30 January 2020). Oral health practitioners are legally required under the Health Act 1956 to notify their local medical officer of health if they suspect or diagnose 2019-nCoV.
Practitioners should continue to check the Ministry website for information for the public, travellers and health professionals. The situation continues to evolve, and the Ministry is actively reviewing its advice daily. Please ensure you check the Ministry’s website regularly for the most recent information.
As always, practitioners should ensure they meet the infection prevention and control (IPC) practice standard and in particular, the provisions relating to "Transmission-based precautions" that you will find on page 21 of the standard. We draw your attention also to our recent newsletter article about infection control.
Please direct any queries about 2019-nCoV to ncovresponse@health.govt.nz.
Marie Warner
Chief Executive