An email update from John Whaanga, Deputy Director-General, Māori Health Directorate:
August 26th 2021
Nei rā te īnoi ki te Atua Matua i te rangi, kia taka iho mai āna manaakitanga ki runga i a tātou i tēnei wā taumaha nei,
Today has reminded me of the importance of kotahitanga, a value that we know is inherent to how we live as Māori. Kotahitanga is what will get us through this latest COVID-19 outbreak and lockdown, and it is what will enable recovery on the other side. Collectively sticking to the rules protects not only ourselves but the wellbeing of our whānau and communities.
As the Prime Minister acknowledged this afternoon, we are making some good progress with stamping out this latest COVID-19 delta outbreak. As of today, cases are still only limited to Auckland and Wellington and we’re making record progress with vaccinations.
Yesterday 87,972 vaccines were administered and of these, 8,762 were Māori. More than 174,000 Māori have received their first vaccination. Of these, more than 98,000 have also had their second vaccinations.
While these are all good signs that we are heading in the right direction, we must remain vigilant. This includes continuing to uphold our tikanga hauora, adhering to the alert levels, and getting vaccinated as soon as you can. Mā tini, mā mano, ka rapa te whai!
Testing still a priority across the motu
Yesterday, 41,739 tests were processed across Aotearoa. This is a massive effort, nā reira ka mihi ki a koutou ngā kāiwhakamātau.
Testing nationwide remains a priority in determining the spread and edges of the latest outbreak. You can help us track down the virus by reviewing the almost 500 locations of interest listed on the Ministry’s website. If you have been at any of these locations of interest during the relevant time, please follow the directions for that location and call Healthline on 0800 358 5453. If you were not at the location of interest at the relevant time, you do not need to be tested.
If you need to get a test, please bring your NHI number with you if possible. This makes the process much quicker for our kaimahi. You can find your NHI number on a prescription, a prescription medicine bottle label, a hospital letter, or on your online patient portal provided by your GP. Alternatively, you can give the Ministry a phone call and ask on 0800 855 066.
Every test that is processed helps us track down the virus so we can knock it out.
Another record day of vaccinations, booking now open to ages 30+
Yesterday 87,972 vaccines were administered and of these, 8,762 were Māori. This is the biggest daily total to date and reflects the huge amount of work across the system.
Heoi anō e te iwi, we still have a long way to go. So, please keep encouraging your friends and whānau who are eligible to book in for their vaccinations. It’s safe, and it’s free.
You can find the nearest clinic to you on the Karawhiua website by using their interactive map. This website also has some awesome COVID-19 vaccination resources that I encourage you to explore and share with your whānau.
On that note, whānau aged 30 and over are now able to book in for their vaccines. The rest of our whānau will be able to book in for their vaccines from the 1st of September.
From today, the Ministry has begun surveying people to find out about any reactions they’ve had after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.
Up to 10% of Aotearoa will be randomly selected and invited to participate in the survey, which is optional. They will receive a text message from the Ministry of Health six days after the first dose and 43 days after the second dose, asking whether they had any reactions to the vaccine dose.
Guidance on transporting kaumātua to receive their vaccinations
I wanted to let you know that under the current Alert Level 4 restrictions, health and social service providers are able to transport their kaumātua to and from their COVID-19 vaccination appointments.
Transporting kaumātua to their vaccination appointments is permitted under Section 16 of the COVID-19 Public Health Response (Alert Level Requirements) Order.
However, please remember to take precautions such as wearing a mask and using hand sanitiser when transporting kaumātua to and from vaccine appointments to help protect yourself and our kaumātua.
Support still available for our whānau
If you or any of your friends and whānau are struggling right now, then please know there is support available to you.
You can call the Ministry of Social Development on 0800 559 009 for help. You can also check out their website which has information on online shopping services, temporary accommodation, and financial support.
If you are needing access to food or essential items, there are several options available to you. Please read this guidance if you would like to know more.
For our providers, the Ministry of Social Development has released guidance and information for social sector organisations in relation to the current COVID-19 outbreak that might be helpful.
Additionally, you can use the COVID-19 financial support tool on the Unite Against COVID-19 website to see what support is available to you.
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Please remind your friends and whānau to get information on COVID-19 and the vaccine from our trusted sources – the Ministry of Health, Unite Against COVID, and Karawhiua channels.
For guidance on protecting yourself and your whānau from COVID-19 misinformation and scams, visit the Unite Against COVID website. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me or my team at: maorihealth@health.govt.nz