Kiingi Tuheitia reminds us all that it is paramount that we follow the Alert Level 4 lockdown guidelines, and only leave our homes for essential purposes. He sends his aroha to the Samoan community who have been significantly impacted by the Delta outbreak, and commends their efforts to cooperate with contract tracing and isolation requirements.

Upholding the wellbeing of our people is of the utmost importance, and we can contribute to this by following the rules and getting organised to be vaccinated. Existing health and social inequities mean that we as Maaori are already more susceptible to COVID-19, and it is important we don't let that gap widen further by missing our opportunity to protect our whaanau through vaccination. Visit Book My Vaccine, and read on for details of a mobile vaccination clinic operating across the Waikato. 

We know that this will be a stressful time for some whaanau with the announcement of the extension of the lockdown period. For tribal members who are in need of urgent help please call us on 0800 TAINUI. Our tribal leaders will be sharing updates about supports directly from our Facebook page, so please visit us there too.

Kia kaha tonu taatou ki te whai i ngaa tikanga haumaru, ki te kaainga, ki aa taatou mirumiru hoki. Remember to wear your masks, wash your hands, and stay at home.

Key updates

• There are 41 new cases today, bringing the total to 148. This includes 137 cases in Auckland and 11 cases in Wellington. 
• The majority of the cases are Samoan, with the largest sub-cluster of 58 cases linked to a church service in Maangere.
• There are now over 15,000 contacts most of whom are considered close contacts. For comparison, at this point of the August outbreak, there were only 1,500 contacts.
• There are no unexpected wastewater results today and follow-up testing from Warkworth has been negative after an earlier positive result.
• Another 100 locations of interest have been identified taking the total over 420. Whaanau are encouraged to check the website and anyone who visited these locations at the stated date and time must self-isolate, contact Healthline on 0800 358 5453 and get tested. Household members of people who were at locations of interest must also self-isolate until that person has returned a negative test.
• Testing stations remain open and demand is easing. It is important that you get tested if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
• Yesterday 63,333 vaccinations were given making it the best day so far. 

Mobile Vaccination  

Vaccinations 

• Vaccinations are continuing and anyone with an existing booking should attend their appointment unless notified otherwise.
• Anyone over the age of 40 can book their vaccination now at Book My Vaccine. 
• Efforts are being made to increase vaccination rate of essential workers, prioritising those in customer-facing roles.
• Extensive research and testing has confirmed that the Pfizer vaccine is safe for 12-15-year-olds. This age group can receive the vaccine from 1 September, OR eligible parents (those over 40) can book their children at the same time as themselves. 
• Maaori and Pasifika can now book the whole whaanau at one time as soon as one member is eligible. 
• The government assures us that the supply chain is strong and there are enough doses for everyone to be vaccinated. 

COVID-19 testing centres 

• Tests are free (unless part of international travel conditions).
• Take your contact details with you (NHI numbers are helpful but not absolutely necessary).
• You can take a support person but you should both stay in your vehicle unless directed otherwise. 
• You need to isolate at home after your test until you receive a negative result. 

Pop up testing centres 

• No appointment is needed unless otherwise stated.
• Be prepared to wait and do not get out of the car (staff will take a swab through your car window).
• Please be kind to kaimahi and volunteers.

Support for individuals 

• use your best endeavours to pay at least 80 per cent of each named employee’s ordinary wages or salary; and
• pay at least the full amount of the subsidy to each named employee; but
• where the ordinary wages or salary of a named employee as at 16 August 2021 is lawfully below the amount of the subsidy, pay the employee that amount.

Support for businesses

There are a range of options to support businesses dealing with different circumstances such as having to close or reduce opening hours, any reduction of revenue, or if staff need to self-isolate. Business owners are encouraged to follow the link below to use the financial support tool. There is also business support helpline where whaanau can ask questions and be guided through the application process.  

• Te Ika a Maaui – 0800 500 362   

• Te Waipounamu – 0800 505 096

The four golden rules 

Yesterday we were given four very clear instructions as to how we can all contribute to stamping the virus out:

1. Stay at home, except for essential reasons. Wear a mask when leaving the house. 
2. If you are a close contact, isolate at home. Leave only to get a COVID-19 test. 
3. Wash and dry your hands regularly, sneeze into your elbow and scan in at essential services. 
4. Get vaccinated. Now is the time to drive up our numbers.