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2 | InTouch APRIL 2022 NEWS ROUNDUP The isolation period for COVID-19 cases and their household contacts has been reduced from 10 to seven days. A COVID-19 case’s day zero is the date of symptom onset, or the day a test was taken, whichever came first. They must isolate for seven full days and are free to return to normal activities on the eighth day. Household contacts need to isolate for the same period as the COVID-19 case. They need to have a rapid antigen test on day three and day seven of the isolation period. If they become symptomatic, they should also get a test. If the result is positive, they are required to isolate for seven days from that point. Info for those who employ their own support workers The Ministry of Health has provided information for disabled individuals to help them register the support workers they employ under the Close Contact Exemption Scheme. The scheme allows support workers who are household contacts but have no COVID-19 symptoms to continue to provide care for their disabled employers. Isolation period reduced to seven days MDANZ is proud to have joined the The Access Alliance. The Access Alliance is a movement comprised of a growing number of organisations from the disability sectors, working with a range of business champions, and nearly 7000 individual supporters, representing and advocating for legislation to enable people with access needs. People with invisible and visible disabilities continue to experience barriers in everyday life. Identifying barriers and removing them is at the heart of their movement. Without government action to MDANZ joins The Access Alliance ensure all businesses, buildings, and services are accessible, one in four of us, every day, will continue to be excluded from accessing or fully participating in parts of life that other Kiwis take for granted. The Access Alliance proposes that the Government introduce new accessibility legislation to ensure people with visible and invisible disabilities, whether temporary or permanent can fully participate in their communities and ensure the New Zealand economy and society can benefit from this. To read more about The Access Alliance visit www.accessalliance.org.nz/ For more information visit tinyurl.com/ydnk4td9 The Bradley Jenkin Memorial Fund helps MDANZ members with a neuromuscular condition receive funding for access opportunities and specialised resources that enable them to achieve freedom. The fund has helped members purchase specialised sports Applications close April 30 • July 31 • October 31 The Bradley Jenkin Memorial Fund For criteria, info and to apply, go to www.mda.org.nz > What We Offer Funds must be spent within three months. equipment, participate in sporting events, it has contributed towards the cost of obtaining a mobility dog, provided mobility equipment, and assisted with career development such as university and course fees.