As we have all returned to our bubbles once more, I want to thank everyone in Hamilton and across the country for their hard work to stop the spread of COVID-19.
I know many people will be a little anxious or frustrated that once again we are back at Alert Levels 3 and 4, but going hard and early is the best way to stop the virus in its tracks and keep Kiwis safe. This is especially important now that we are dealing with the more infectious Delta variant.
We do not have to look very far to see what can happen if Delta is allowed to spread in the community. In New South Wales, for example, more than 5,000 people have tested positive in the past few weeks.
The good news is that we have stamped out COVID before, and by sticking together and sticking to the rules, I am confident we can do it again. As a doctor who was a frontline essential worker during last year’s COVID-19 lockdown, I understand the importance of quickly responding to cases and going hard and early with lockdowns to flatten the curve.
You will remember the golden rules from last year: stay home, stick to your bubble, and get tested if you have COVID symptoms. Now, with the Delta variant in the community, there are a few extra things we need to do to keep COVID at bay. As part of the team of five million, we all have a role to play in this.
One of the most important ways you can help is by wearing a mask. If you are visiting an essential service like a supermarket or getting a COVID test or vaccine, you are required to wear a face covering, but it is also a good idea to wear one whenever you leave your house. Covering up when you are away from home protects you and your family, and keeps our essential workers safe.
Another key part of our response is our vaccine rollout. Vaccination centres are still operating and it is important that everyone who can gets vaccinated, so together we can protect all of New Zealand. Everyone is eligible to book their vaccine now at bookmyvaccine.nz or by calling 0800 28 29 26.
I would encourage everyone to book as soon as they are able to. Over 3.3 million doses of the Covid-19 vaccine have now been administered – 2.17 million are first doses and 1.16 million are second doses. I was excited to get my vaccine earlier this month at the Hamilton medical practice I used to work at as a GP before I became an MP!
Finally, I know life in lockdown can be tough, so do check in on your friends and family. Send a message, pick up the phone or arrange a coffee date via Zoom, and make sure your loved ones are doing OK. If you or someone you know is having a hard time, you can call or text 1737 at any time for free to speak with a trained counsellor. There are also plenty of resources online at covid19.govt.nz/health-and-wellbeing
For now, thank you once again for doing your bit to keep us safe. Stamping out COVID is not easy, but together, we are stronger than the virus. We have done it before, and if we all continue to play our part, I know we can do it again.