I hope you are safe and well and adjusting to life in Level 4 lockdown.

With confirmation that the Delta variant of COVID 19 is in New Zealand’s communities and with numbers growing since the discovery of the first case, decisive action was needed to prevent further community spread.

The Delta variant is very infectious and considering the travel movements of New Zealanders, there is a strong possibility that this strain could have made it to the South Island.

With our very low vaccination rates the only option was to go into lockdown.

In accordance with Level 4 regulations, my electorate offices are closed.

I will be available via email at [email protected] and I encourage you to find me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/josephmooneynz where I will be posting updates.

My staff are working remotely and if you call my electorate offices they can connect you with me.

The numbers are Gore: 03 203 3000, Alexandra: 03 448 5550 and Frankton: 03 411 4093.

I encourage anyone needing support to reach out. Although we may be socially distanced no one should feel isolated.

Please look out for each other, especially the elderly and those in vulnerable situations.

It’s the southern way to look out for our family, our friends and our neighbours.

Don’t forget to also look after yourself, as well.

This is a vital message for our rural communities, especially as we are in the busy calving period and lambing is also starting.

I encourage our farmers to engage with farming support organisations like the Otago and Southland Rural Support Trusts, DairyNZ and Beef + Lamb New Zealand early if they start feeling things are a bit of a challenge.

To all of our essential workers working through the lockdown, I extend my gratitude for your help in getting our region through this important period.

If anyone in the electorate has visited any locations of interest or if you have cold, flu, or COVID-19 symptoms, call Healthline 0800 358 5453, your doctor or Iwi health provider.

They will tell you if you should get a COVID-19 test.
If you do need to go out, wear a face covering and keep 2 metres distance from others.

This outbreak has highlighted how important it is that we get as many Kiwis vaccinated as possible.
National urged the Government to resume vaccinations ASAP and it is pleasing to see this confirmed.

You can go for a walk, run, or bike ride in your local area, ensuring to keep 2 metres from anyone who isn’t in your ‘bubble’.

Exercise is also good for our mental health.

We know how difficult this is for everyone and I encourage you to reach out to friends, family and whānau to keep connected and support one another.

For further information visit www.covid19.govt.nz

Look after yourself and your family.

Kind regards

Joseph Mooney
http://josephmooney.national.org.nz/