Take care and get your Covid-19 booster shot
It’s been a busy first week back in Parliament. We’ve been putting our energy into progressing the Conversion Practices Prohibition Legislation Bill and our select committees have been in full swing hearing submissions on the budget policy statement.
As a country we also hit a milestone of over 10 million doses of the vaccine being administered this week!
At the time of writing we’ve had a record 810 new cases across the country and 81 active cases in the Wellington region. We all knew it was a matter of when not if Covid19 would enter the community. We’ve also both been supporting our local schools, health and social providers who have been dealing with Covid cases appearing in our Mana and O¯ taki community.
Getting a booster is one of the most important ways you can prepare for Omicron. Evidence overseas shows boosters provide better protection against Omicron, keeping people out of hospital and reducing the pressure on our health systems. To make a booking, or find a walk-in clinic near you visit www. bookmyvaccine.nz
If you have symptoms of Covid-19 which may include a new or worsening cough, sneezing and runny nose, fever, temporary loss of smell or taste, sore throat and shortness of breath you will need to go and get a test. Contact Healthline on 0800 358 5453 for advice.
A common question that has been raised with us is who needs to isolate? Unless advised otherwise, in general, if you are in a household with a positive Covid-19 case the whole household needs to isolate and you will be contacted by Regional Public Health who will talk you through your care plan.
If you are advised that you are a close contact you need to self-isolate from others for 10 days and are required to take a test as soon as possible then again on day 5 and 8. Others in your household will not need to isolate but will need to keep a close eye out for symptoms. If you need help with food or other services while self-isolating please contact the Social Service
Covid Welfare line on 0800 512 337. As cases increase, it will take a community effort to support those who need care while recovering from Covid in their homes.
However, what is unfortunate has been the energy that has gone into vandalising¯our Maanaki (Mana and Otaki) Ka¯ piti office over the weekend. This has not been the first time. Our electorate staff work really hard in supporting the people of Mana and O¯ taki and they shouldn’t feel violated when walking into their place of work. We care about our staff, their mental health and safety. Unfortunately this is a common sight now for many electorate offices and even on Parliament grounds. These acts of property damage and harassment are unlawful. The right to protest should be protected but the damage and intimidation has gone too far. People have the choice not to get vaccinated from Covid-19 but they must respect the rights of those who do — an overwhelming majority.
We thank those who have sent us messages of support and offers to help clean the vandalism. We urge those who have concerns to contact us rather than vandalise our offices. It is also one way which doesn’t harm the wellbeing of others.