On COVID-19 – How we can be safe and cope during this crisis

No one knows what the extent of the public health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic will be or how long they will last.

What we do know is that the Government is determined to slow the spread of COVID-19. That’s why we’re doing everything we can to prevent further cases arriving in New Zealand and to detect, isolate and treat cases here.

We’ve closed the borders to everyone except returning New Zealanders and these people will have to self-isolate for two weeks on arrival. We’ve advised New Zealanders currently travelling overseas to return home immediately and if they don’t have clear self-isolation plans, they will be quarantined in Auckland.

People can only leave their homes to access essential services or to get some fresh air and exercise locally. . We have also launched a public health campaign, ‘Unite Against COVID-19’. For regularly updated, useful information please check www.covid19.govt.nz

We all have a role to play. We must support each other and do what works to keep us safe. At alert level 4, that means staying at home and doing our bit to break the chain of transmission of Covid-19. It also means washing and drying our hands well – this is the best way to stop object to person transmission for example after you’ve picked up your groceries. If we do pop outside for a walk to for a trip to the local supermarket and we see others, we should ensure that we stay two metres away from them.

Sadly, we cannot shield ourselves from the global economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Its impact will be severe and prolonged.

That’s why the Government has put in place a significant economic response package to mitigate the economic impacts of COVID-19. It aims to support employers who would otherwise struggle to keep their staff, to pay their employees during this period. We’re assisting businesses with wage subsidies to help them keep employees in work and leave support for employees if they’re sick or self-isolating as the rest of us at alert level 4. There was initially a cap of 150,000 that locked medium-sized and larger businesses. This cap was subsequently removed so that virtually any company in New Zealand that is experiencing a 30 per cent decline in revenue can apply for it. This includes registered charities, non-government organisations (NGOs), those who are self-employed, sole traders, contractors, incorporated societies and post settlement governance entities. We’re also supporting affected businesses with changes to tax rules that give them better cash flow.

We’re helping the most vulnerable in our communities stay warm and put food on the table with increases to main benefits and the Winter Energy Payment. Since they are likely to spend that money right away, local businesses will benefit too.

We’re a nation that’s shaped by our experiences and they’ve often been tough and unpredictable. That’s when New Zealanders are at our best - when we look out for one another and care for our most vulnerable.

As our Prime Minister has said, “Be strong, but be kind – we will be okay.” There are tough days ahead, but we will get through this together. 

Priyanca Radhakrishnan, Labour List MP based in Maungakiekie, Auckland