With thousands of community cases of COVID-19 now in New Zealand, it is a matter of when, not if, the virus reaches Wairoa.

Wairoa’s single dose vaccination is now nearly 90% so our community is well on its way to being as protected as possible. However, there are also a range of other ways to keep yourself safe and be prepared.

Wairoa Mayor Craig Little says now is the time to be planning for when COVID reaches Wairoa and what you will do when you or someone you know gets sick.

If you can, stock up on food supplies and any special medicinal, baby, pet etc supplies you would need if you were unable to leave home for an extended period of time.

Food, especially dried foods like pasta and canned items like baked beans are ideal as well as staples like flour and sugar. You don’t have to buy everything at once, you will be surprised how even buying one extra item each time you shop can start to build up a supply for when it is needed.

It is ideal to also have cleaning products and antibacterial, sanitising and disinfectant products. You don’t need to buy the expensive spray bottles. You can dilute a cheaper brand disinfectant with water and using a clean cloth wipe down surfaces or re-use an old spray bottle.

You will need items like cough medicines, throat lozenges, paracetamol and Panadol for when you are sick. Other options include buying a bag of salt and dissolving half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of boiling water, which when cooled can be used as a throat gargle. If you are going to the doctor anyway, ask for a script for Panadol or paracetamol rather than having to pay to buy it off the shelf. If you have fruit trees pick lemons and oranges and squeeze them for juice to help boost your vitamin C.

It is also a good time to think about your prescription items and how long your medication will last and how you could refill your script.

Communication is also key. It is important to have whānau and whare plans. This means talking to your family, friends and neighbours about how you and or members of your family will isolate without infecting everyone. You might be able to help your neighbour by taking them food or they may be able to leave some shopping on your doorstep. You might also need to split your house so infected people stay in one area, so the virus is not being spread.

Being prepared allows you to stay home and stay safe.

“These are challenging times and I know people are tired of living with the COVID-19 restrictions and rules. However, now is not the time to be complacent. Now is the time to be kind and support each other.”

‘Kia ū tonu Te Wairoa’

‘Remain resilient Wairoa’

For more info visit the Wairoa District Council Fb page or website #COVID-19

https://www.wairoadc.govt.nz/our-council/covid-19/

16 February 2022

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