Staying grounded

My cheap airfare which Air NZ has been sitting on for so long could well cost me my living and the country more than we can afford if I jump on the travel bandwagon.

On a personal basis should I be in a city like Brisbane when an outbreak occurs as it did about a week ago, I will be liable for all costs resulting from an extended stay, any and all medical care, all costs of quarantine, as well as all testing on both sides of the Ditch. All of these can run into tens of thousands, and we have been assured there will be no government assistance and no travel insurance.

For the country as a whole the costs will run into hundreds of millions a week. To suggest announcements by the prime ministers can ensure there will be no further community breakouts is incredibly naive.

In my own interests and those of the people of both countries this particular chicken is not going to fly overseas until he’s vaccinated, and the majorities of both countries have been also.

Rod Lyons, Muriwai.