27/02/2022
Kia ora toutou
As COVID continues to spread in our community, we have one last request of you all.
Please stay apart as much as you can.
This virus starts of looking like it will be a non-event, and we all hope that this will be the case, but at present about 1% of our patients are needing hospital care. That is far too many as it is, but the news gets worse.
Right now the majority of cases are occurring in low risk younger people who were always going to be less likely to get sick - it is later, when the virus gets spread to our vulnerable elderly that we have a big problem and overseas experience suggests that the hospitalisation rate climbs dramatically later in the spread so now is not the time for complacency.
If we can flatten out the curve of illness spreading then we will be better placed to support you if you are unlucky enough to become unwell.
If you are unwell STAY HOME whether or not your RAT is negative - whatever you have, COVID or otherwise, please don't share it.
If you have not yet had your vaccine or booster NOW IS THE TIME - do not delay - if you are eligible, get it done.
What follows is NOT official government advice, but is based on international experience and basic common sense:
Regardless of the rules in place, the less contact you have with others, the better - our recommendation is that until the first wave has passed (estimating this will be about Easter but it may be sooner or later) you do not enter a home where you do not live, and you do not allow anyone who does not live in your property inside - this includes family. Your 'bubble' needs to be ONLY those who live in your home. We know it will be hard, but try not to make exceptions - that precious visit from a grandchild might be what spreads the virus. Although the vaccinated are much lower risk, they may still spread the virus so just stay apart.
Don't meet up somewhere. Don't have a picnic or a barbecue. Don't go for a walk together. Stay apart. Slow the spread. Stay Safe.
Kia Kaha
Rob
