Tēnā koutou
Happy New Year! I hope you had a pleasant and relaxing break over the festive season.
We had quite the year last year, with the emergence of the Delta variant of COVID-19, higher Alert Levels and more lockdowns. I think we should expect more of the same this year, unfortunately, especially since the Omicron variant has now arrived in New Zealand. As we’ve now gone back into the Red setting of the COVID-19 Protection Framework, we’ve some helpful advice on how everyone can prepare their households in case they need to self-isolate for several weeks. Key to this will be ensuring you have sufficient food supplies and medicines at home (see our checklist of things to consider).
Hopefully, you’ll already have had your booster vaccination, which you can now get four months after your second dose. This will be our most effective defence against the new variant and it offers a high level of protection against severe disease. 100% of Haumaru Housing staff are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Our staff will continue to wear masks when they’re in the villages and will use PPE when they enter units, to keep both tenants and staff protected from any possible risk.
So let’s stay safe, continue to Mask, Scan and Pass wherever we go and make the most of the rest of the summer. Until next time.
Ngā mihi maioha
Gabby Clezy,
Chief Executive Officer
As Omicron has now reached our shores, the following tips may be helpful for planning how to get ready in case you have to self-isolate:
For more tips on being prepared, visit covid19.govt.nz and health.govt.nz. Of course, your Haumaru Housing team will also be on hand if you need advice or assistance at any stage.
All maintenance contractors who are appointed to undertake work on behalf of Haumaru Housing are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, so tenants have no need to worry about letting them into their unit when they call to do a job. You’re welcome to ask to see their Vaccine Pass if you’ve any concerns at all. They’ll be wearing a mask, of course, and will practise social distancing and all the usual COVID safety precautions. Likewise, they might ask you about your vaccination status. Please don’t be offended if they do – they might just need to ask you this as part of their company’s standard health and safety procedures. If you haven’t been vaccinated yet, let them know so they can take extra precautions for your safety. If you’re more comfortable stepping outside for the short time they’re in your unit, or going into another room, they’ll make sure they finish the job for you as quickly as they can.
Under the COVID-19 Protection Framework legislation, face coverings are mandatory under the Orange and Red settings for people aged 12 years or older on flights, public transport, in taxis, retail and public facilities, and are encouraged whenever leaving the house.
An exception to this rule is when a person has a disability or health condition that makes wearing a face covering unsuitable. An exemption card can be requested from the following organisations:
Having an exemption card is not a legal requirement and people who are exempt from wearing a face covering are not obliged to show an exemption card.
Businesses and others need to ensure they don’t discriminate against people who are exempt from wearing a face covering. While it’s reasonable for a business owner or employee to check whether someone’s exempt from having to wear one, it’s inappropriate to enquire about the nature of the person’s disability or condition.
If wearing a face covering is unsuitable for you due to a disability or health condition, it’s especially important that you’re vigilant in your other hygiene and safety practices when in public and while accessing businesses and services.
People who refuse to wear a face covering and falsely claim to be exempt from wearing one could be liable for an infringement fee of $1,000 or up to $4,000 if the matter goes to court.
Important COVID-19 information in Te Reo Māori and over 33 other languages, plus accessible formats for the disabled community, is available from the Unite Against COVID-19 website: covid19.govt.nz/languages-and-resources/translations. Information is available in NZ Sign Language, large print and audio and easy read formats.
Information for Māori communities is available at: karawhiua.nz
Information for Pacific peoples: facebook.com/MinistryforPacificPeoples/.
Call Healthline if you have symptoms 0800 358 5453.
Need to talk? For mental health help, call or text 1737.
Contact the Haumaru Housing team any time of the day or night: 0800 430 101.
Summer can present some unique health risks for older people, so it’s important to take extra steps to stay hydrated at this time of year. Here are some easy suggestions from the Ministry of Health for staying cool and hydrated during these warmer months:
You can find more tips for a healthy summer at theMinistry of Health Website.
The Government has increased the income limits for hardship support for people who are struggling to meet essential costs such as rent, heating and food. Information on the increased income limits and eligibility for a Special Needs Grant, Recoverable Assistance Payment or Advance Payments of Benefit is available from Work and Income and the Ministry of Social Development (workandincome.govt.nz and at check.msd.govt.nz). People over the age of 65 can ring 0800 552 002. The new income level limits will be in place until 28 February 2022.