HOME SWEET HOME We’re in this together
HOW TO STAY POSITIVE, HEALTHY AND CONNECTED IN THE WEEKS AHEAD
One fight, one family – that’s the message from Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who has urged New Zealanders to “do what we do best” and come together to beat the threat of COVID-19.
Of course, this has meant the lockdown we’re all experiencing – at least four weeks of almost everyone in the country staying put to limit the virus’ spread.
Remaining at home for that long might sound daunting, but self-isolation is the best way to get on top of the virus, and though we’re all in uncharted waters, we’re in them together.
We need not worry. Food and medicine will remain available, essential services such as rubbish collection will continue, and other vital businesses will remain open.
Support is just a phone call or email away, whether you need advice about money, your employment rights or your health – physical and mental.
So stay home, grab a cuppa and ride out the next few weeks with us. Kia kaha, New Zealand!
IF YOU’RE 70 OR OVER… MAKE A FUSS!
You might be feeling a bit more vulnerable if you’re in the 70+ age bracket – even if you’re as healthy as a horse.
The reality is that COVID-19 hits older people harder, so caution must be exercised, especially if you have underlying health issues, including respiratory concerns.
Staying at home is the best way to protect yourself – and remember there’s always someone at the other end of the phone to talk to. (Over the page you’ll find a box of contact information for various support agencies.)
Create a plan of action with your friends, family and neighbours in case anyone needs a helping hand. Yes, you can still holler over the back fence! Get out in your gardens or go for your walks – just make sure you’re doing so by yourself – and check on your medication levels. If you’re worried about running out, call your doctor.
The government is introducing a range of financial support targeted at working people, while pensions and benefits will continue as normal, and the winter energy payment has been doubled.
The biggest thing to keep in mind? Do not be afraid to ask for help. There are plenty of people willing to lend a hand and do whatever is needed to help you feel connected and supported.
Stephanie Clare of Age Concern New Zealand says, “This is not a time to sit in silence. If you are worried about anything from your medication and food supplies through to mental wellbeing, you should call us. [See the contact details over the page.]
“Too often, we hear of people not wanting to be a burden or make a fuss. Please make a fuss! We have amazing staff and volunteers who can help direct you to the support or information you need.
“We know that social isolation is already a huge issue for some of our older Kiwis, so we are adapting some of our services from face-to-face to other forms of connection so that no-one feels alone during this time.
“We are also encouraging friends, family and communities to find new ways to keep connected, from Skype calls, delivering a meal and phoning each other to leaving notes of kindness in mailboxes.” KINDNESS & COMPASSION WILL SEE US THROUGH
In times such as these, kindness is an incredibly powerful way to show we care. Assisting people who might need help, reaching out to those who may be feeling alone or concerned, or simply doing a random act of kindness to let someone know you’ve got their back all go a long way to helping us feel safe and connected. We can make a difference by:
• Checking in on elderly or vulnerable people – call them or leave a note in their letterbox with an offer of help, perhaps suggesting you can go to the supermarket on their behalf.
• Talk! Pick up the phone, go online, stand at the end of your driveway and yell out to Mrs So-and-So down the street, or chat over the fence. (Just make sure there’s at least two metres between you).
• Connect with neighbourhood support groups online, on sites such as Facebook (search for your suburb/town), or join the networking site Neighbourly.
• Start a phone tree with your street.
• Write letters or send cards! HEALTH WATCH
If you need to see your doctor or another medical professional, you must phone first. Most consultations will happen over the phone or by video chat to stop any risk of the disease spreading by personto-person contact. If a face-toface meeting is required, the medical professional will organise this with you. If you’re unwell and you must travel, private transport will be required. For guidance, call Healthline (see our contacts list over the page).
Also, visit the government’s COVID-19 website for more information and the latest advice on symptoms, prevention, treatment, self-isolation and more.
See COVID19.govt.nz.
TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS Among the people working through the crisis are those involved in food, energy, medicine, healthcare, waste removal, internet, financial support, telecommunications, the media, post, taxi drivers and vets, so not every part of life as we know it has ground to a halt.
However, public transport will be available only for those working in essential services,
and people requiring it for medical reasons or to get to supermarkets. Ferries, road and rail will still be available for the transport of essential goods.
For those concerned about stocking the pantry, here’s what Federated Farmers national president Katie Milne says: “There is going to be plenty of food. New Zealand is well placed to make sure everybody is fed. Not everyone is in as good a position as New Zealand, where we can grow all our own food plus have some to export.”
Do not panic buy. That will mean others – often our most vulnerable – may miss out on vital supplies.
HOME SWEET HOME
So, we’re stuck at home for at least four weeks. You can leave your home for fresh air and exercise, but it must be solitary, and you should spend time only with people with whom you’re self-isolating.
It’s a bitter pill to swallow, but you cannot go and see a family member who doesn’t live with you for a cuppa. If we don’t follow the rules, we’ll be in isolation for longer.
If you’re outside, always keep two metres between you and anyone else. Don’t let children play on playground equipment, as it can harbour the virus.
Continue to practise good hygiene – cover coughs and sneezes with hankies, tissues or with your elbow, wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds before and after eating food, after going to the bathroom, or after coughing or sneezing.
If you’re feeling a bit nervous or anxious about staying at