Let’s keep going and stamp out Covid

As Covid-19 continues to rage around the globe, New Zealand is in an enviable position. The work of our team of five million and our approach of going hard and early means that our resurgence is well contained. However to keep it that way and to stamp out Covid, we still have work to do together. Here is a quick update on the key things we all need to know.

The 52nd Parliament was dissolved last week and the Cabinet will meet again on the 14 September to decide on further alert level transitions.

New Zealand is still in Alert Level 2 with additional restrictions for those of us who live in Auckland. These additional restrictions imposed are to limit social gatherings to 10 people. Authorised funeral and tangihanga can have up to 50 people. You can find more information on alert level on https://covid19.govt.nz/alert-system/current-alert-level/

It is now mandatory to wear a face covering on public transport and flights under Alert Level 2 across New Zealand. We are also asking Aucklanders to wear a face covering in public places and not just when using public transport. This is an important tool to minimise the spread of the virus. There are some exemptions for people who have health conditions that make covering their face not possible.

When new community cases came to light in Auckland in early August, we went implemented our resurgence response plan quickly. We are making good progress but we cannot get complacent – we need more time to see it through. By taking a bit more time to properly stamp out the virus now, we give ourselves the best chance of moving back to Level 1 with fewer restrictions.

Our overall COVID-19 strategy is still elimination. That means, the ongoing stamping out of the virus any time it comes back. We are continuing our approach of going hard and early which we know is the best approach for both the health of our communities, and for our economy. We have done it before and together, we will do it again.

What are the key actions we can all take to stamp out Covid?

Continue to wash your hands and take all apply common-sense precautions as we have right throughout the pandemic.

If you are sick, stay at home. Please do not come to work or other public places. If you have any Covid symptoms, arrange to get tested.

In Auckland, wear a face covering when you are out in public places. It is also mandatory to wear a mask or face covering on public transport and flights within New Zealand.

Download and use the NZ COVID tracer app, if you are not already doing so and make sure that you are able to quickly access all your movements for the past 14 days in case you need to trace your contacts.

If you are a business owner, please make sur that display COVID tracer QR code posters. It is mandatory that all businesses, public transport services and small transport services such as taxis are required to display QR codes.

If you have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or if you ae connected to a COVID-19 case, if you have visited any site that has had cases or you were in contact with someone who has had close contact with a case, you must contact Healthline (0800 358 5453) or call your doctor or visit a testing station to get tested. To find out where you can get a test, check this link: https://covid19.govt. nz/health-and-wellbeing/covid-19/covid-19-testing/#where-to-get-a-test

Thank you everyone for the huge efforts you have made to help stamp out Covid and keep everyone in our community safe. Please continue to be kind and stay safe.

-Michael Wood MP for Mount Roskill, Auckland. Parliamentary Under Secretary to the Minister for Ethnic Communities.