Get booster, wear a mask to stop Covid
Blue medical masks are a great choice
Talofa lava. I hope that you are your wha¯ nau have enjoyed a relaxing summer so far. We have been fortunate with the warm weather here in the Horowhenua, long may it continue!
The Horowhenua AP&I Show holds a special place in my heart, having attended throughout my childhood and as an adult taking my boys along for them to experience all that the show has to offer. My favourite event is the wood chopping, I get mesmerised by how focused and fast the men and women are. This year I was joined by Adrian Rurawhe, Parliament’s Deputy Speaker and Meka Whaitiri, Associate Minister of Agriculture. They both commented on how well the show was run and how they enjoyed our warm Horowhenua hospitality.
It was on the second day of the show that the Prime Minister announced that we would move to the red setting of our Covid-19 Protection Framework.
It’s been great to see everyone looking out for each other by masking up, scanning in, keeping a safe distance, and using vaccine passes. At red, these behaviours become even more important to slow the spread, keep each other safe, and reduce pressure on our health system.
We know that here in the Mid-Central DHB we’re likely to see many more cases than we have previously, but there are ways we can all help to protect each other. You’ve probably heard that mask requirements have been strengthened, because we know from the experience of countries overseas that wearing a mask, when done right, has a significant role to play in managing Omicron. The widely available blue medical masks are a great choice.
By using masks effectively, we can minimise the risk of Omicron and safely continue to roll out booster doses. That’s essential, because the data shows that boosters can provide better protection against Omicron, making you less likely to get seriously ill or end up in hospital.
If you’re over 18 and it’s been four months since your second dose, you can now receive your booster. I encourage you to get it as soon as you’re able to. Henry and I have taken the opportunity to have our boosters as an extra layer of protection against Omicron. You can book it today, or find your nearest walk-in clinic, by visiting BookMyVaccine.nz or by calling 0800 28 29 26.
Children aged 5 to 11 are also now eligible to get vaccinated. This is a great way to keep tamariki as safe as possible and minimise their likelihood of passing Covid on to vulnerable wha¯ nau. If you’re a parent or caregiver, I encourage you to seek out information to help you make this decision.
Over the past two years, our community has pulled together to respond to Covid19. Our approach has worked: New Zealand has some of the lowest rates of cases and deaths in the OECD, as well as a stronger-than-expected economy. It’s been a huge effort — and, together, we can all help to reduce the risk of Omicron. The best way we can each play our part now is by getting boosted.
I know that Waitangi Day celebrations will be a little different this year, but I hope that you are able to find a way to commemorate the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.
Have an enjoyable long weekend.