Home Sweet Home: We're In This Together

How to stay positive, healthy and connected in the weeks ahead

One fight, one family – that’s the message from Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who has urged New Zealanders to “do what we do best” and come together to beat the threat of COVID-19.

Of course, this has meant the lockdown we’re all experiencing – at least four weeks of almost everyone in the country staying put to limit the virus’ spread.

Remaining at home for that long might sound daunting, but self-isolation is the best way to get on top of the virus, and though we’re all in uncharted waters, we’re in them together.

We need not worry. Food and medicine will remain available, essential services such as rubbish collection will continue, and other vital businesses will remain open.

Support is just a phone call or email away, whether you need advice about money, your employment rights or your health – physical and mental.

So stay home, grab a cuppa and ride out the next few weeks with us. Kia kaha, New Zealand!

IF YOU’RE 70 OR OVER… MAKE A FUSS!

You might be feeling a bit more vulnerable if you’re in the 70+ age bracket – even if you’re as healthy as a horse.

The reality is that COVID-19 hits older people harder, so caution must be exercised, especially if you have underlying health issues, including respiratory concerns.

Staying at home is the best way to protect yourself – and remember there’s always someone at the other end of the phone to talk to. (Over the page you’ll find a box of contact information for various support agencies.)