It has been a long week as we wait to learn if our collective efforts as a nation have successfully contained the COVID-19 outbreak. Although today's update continues to provide hope that we have escaped a cluster here in Te Waipounamu, it also brings with it the news that we will remain at Alert Level 4 until 11:59pm next Tuesday. This will bring the transmission cycle to its conclusion so we can be more confident that the 300 close contacts isolating in Te Waipounamu have not inadvertently brought the virus home with them.
In the meantime, our aroha goes out to the Samoan community with the news that the Māngere church cluster has grown to 146 people. I'm sure it has struck us all that 146 people at the Assembly of God Church could just as easily have been 146 people at Te Āwhina Marae for a wānanga, at Rehua Marae for a tangi or at Te Rau Aroha for a twenty-first birthday celebration. It is pure bad luck that a perfectly innocent moment of community gathering resulted in this situation. Although it was upsetting to learn of racist remarks directed at the Samoan community earlier this week, it has been heartening to see the widespread condemnation of these cruel remarks.
Here in Te Waipounamu, the Whānau Ora network has been well and truly mobilised, with entities, providers and Navigators throughout the motu working tirelessly to support their communities. We know from experience that our response has to be multi-faceted, to address the increased health risk of COVID-19 for Māori with vaccinations and testing, as well as the very real impacts of lockdown on other areas of wellbeing.
We have been proud to see a number of our partners celebrated in the media for their incredible efforts this week: including Arowhenua Whānau Services in South Canterbury, Te Pātaka in Te Tau Ihu (pictured below left), Te Kāika in Ōtepoti (pictured below right) and Ngā Kete Mātauranga Pounamu Trust and Awarua Whānau Services in Murihiku. These are just a handful of the amazing organisations and people working to support our whānau through this difficult time.
Key information
I know there is a great deal of information coming out every day, and it can be difficult to keep on top of it. We have condensed these key updates to the following, and we are also regularly updating our website:
There are 70 new cases today, bringing the total to 347.
Nineteen cases have been hospitalised and one is in ICU in stable condition.
All of Aotearoa south of the Auckland boundary will move to Alert Level 3 at 11:59pm on Tuesday 31 August.
Scanning or signing remains mandatory at public venues and events, and masks must also be worn in public.
Around 500 locations of interest have been identified. Anyone who visited these locations at the stated date and time must self-isolate, contact Healthline on 0800 358 5453 and get tested.
It is also important that you get tested if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. Visit Health Point to find testing centres near you.
The vaccination roll-out is continuing and anyone with an existing booking should attend their appointment unless notified otherwise.
Māori and Pasifika whānau can be vaccinated together when one member of the family is eligible. Call 0800 28 29 26 to make a booking.
Parents and guardians who are eligible can book their 12-15 year old children to be vaccinated with them.
Try out some of these tips to boost your hauora over the weekend, particularly if you've been feeling stressed or anxious during lockdown.
Emergency Puna funding
Consistent with trends around the country, we continue to see increased hardship amongst our communities with record numbers of applications for basic needs such as kai vouchers and assistance paying power bills. Our Puna team are working around the clock to process these applications and we continue to encourage whānau to apply online if they need some extra support.
Vaccinations
We know that there is a lot of uncertainty amongst our whānau about the COVID-19 vaccination, and this is being reflected in an alarmingly low uptake by Māori. Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu is committed to providing a safe and judgement free space that respects the rangatiratanga of individuals to make the best decision for themselves and their whānau. Over the next few weeks we will be sharing the stories of whānau champions who have been through their own decision-making journeys, as well as providing opportunities for whānau to engage with trusted Māori health professionals to learn more about the vaccine and dispel some of the misinformation circulating online.
This kōrero with Dr Lily Fraser is a good place to start for whānau who want to learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine.
While it is important that whānau be empowered to make their own decisions - whatever that may be - it is equally important that the vaccination rate amongst Māori increases. If and when the borders reopen, or if there is a widespread community outbreak, it is clear that unvaccinated communities will be hit the hardest - exacerbating the already greater risk that COVID-19 poses to Māori. The virus itself has no agency other than to replicate, and we have seen overseas that it seeks out populations with existing health and social inequities.
We encourage those whānau who are ready to be vaccinated to book an appointment now. You can do this by visiting Book My Vaccine or by checking out one of the amazing community clinics being stood up throughout the motu. In particular, keep an eye out for a new drive-through vaccination clinic at Addington Raceway in Ōtautahi - bookings can be made at Book My Vaccine using the code BUSRWQGO86 - look for the Christchurch Arena Drive Through Site.
Weekly blog - the world is closed for renovation
During lockdown people have been making bread, creating rongoā, and spending endless hours on Zoom. There has been heroic activity across the motu in the vaccination space; and over 12,000 whānau members have been supported through the PUNA fund. Click here for more.
One of the daily Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu Zoom hui - staying connected even while we're at home.
The four golden rules
Although today's update indicated that we will move to Alert Level 3 next week, it is important to remember that until then we must stick to the golden rules of Alert Level 4.
Stay at home, except for essential reasons. Wear a mask when leaving the house.
If you are a close contact, isolate at home. Leave only to get a COVID-19 test.
Wash and dry your hands regularly, sneeze into your elbow and scan in at essential services.
Get vaccinated. Now is the time to drive up our numbers.
