Resthome gates to reopen

The freedoms allowed in alert level 2 will ‘‘brighten up’’ the lives of New Zealand’s older community, advocates say.

Just like everyone else in the community, they will be able to return to a sense of normalcy if we progress down to level 2 next week. Trips to the supermarket, an appointment at the hair salon, and even interregional travel are all back on the table.

While those over 70, particularly those with underlying health conditions, are considered vulnerable, they shouldn’t be frowned at for going outside in level 2, Age Concern New Zealand chief executive Stephanie Clare said.

‘‘Our older community are just like any other community members now . . . [they must] adhere to the advice for all ages.’’

Most are happy to get outside and make their own decisions, but some may prefer help from friends, family and neighbours, Clare said. If the transition to level 2 does happen next week, Clare said it would be more of a ‘‘reintegration of the new normal’’.

If people see older Kiwis out and about, she asked they be treated with ‘‘dignity and respect’’.

‘‘They have the right to be out like everybody else. [There’s] nothing worse than calling them out and saying ‘you should be home because you’re old’. Respect the decisions of our seniors, [they] will make that decision based on all their years of experience.’’

Filling the car up with fuel, going for a walk on the waterfront, going to the supermarket, and going back to work will all be ‘‘back on the table’’.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern didn’t provide specific guidance for how older Kiwis can live under alert level 2 when she announced guidelines on Thursday. But the absence of regulations said a lot, Clare said. If they don’t have any medical issues, there isn’t specific guidance.

Ardern did highlight the importance of staying home for those at a higher risk of contracting and dying from the virus.

Clare said those most at risk in the older demographic are well aware of what they can and cannot do. ‘‘They know that if they need to take more precaution [or] aren’t feeling well, just like the rest of New Zealand, [they] will not leave the house.’’

Director-general of health Dr Ashley Bloomfield added that people should continue to look out for those at risk ‘‘because if they do get infected then they are more likely to get a poorer outcome’’.

All of New Zealand’s 21 Covid-19 related fatalities were aged over 60.

Under level 2 regulations, rest homes will ease restrictions, but won’t remove limitations altogether. The main change revolves around visitors.

New Zealand Aged Care Association chief executive Simon Wallace said facilities will reopen their doors to visitors, but there will still be some restrictions.

‘‘Visits will be limited to one person to each resident for 30 minutes, once or twice a week to allow others to visit, with the exception of palliative visits or other visits which need to be arranged with the facility manager.’’

Visitors are required to complete all health and Covid-19 screening questions and sign in and out to allow for contact tracing. They will also be required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) and stay in the resident’s room or a designated area.

‘‘Any visitors considered at risk based on the screening questions will not be allowed to enter,’’ Wallace said.

Any gifts received will need to be cleaned before the resident receives them.

Despite the various restrictions in rest homes and the general restrictions attached to level 2, Grey Power national president Mac Welch thought the shift down would ‘‘brighten up’’ a lot of lives.

Clare said we should all use the time in level 2 to reconnect with an older loved one, listen to their advice and ‘‘many years of wisdom,’’ and hear what their lives have been like through the decades.

For older Kiwis who might be a bit cautious of reintegrating under level 2, she encouraged them to trust the decisions made by the Government.

‘‘They have the right to be out like everybody else. [There’s] nothing worse than calling them out and saying ‘you should be home because you’re old’.’’ Stephanie Clare

Age Concern New Zealand chief executive

Anyone needing help, advice or information can call Age Concern on 0800 652 105.