Andrew Dickens: Latest lockdown shows the importance of scanning in

Andrew Dickens Afternoons

Yesterday morning, I thought I’d start my programme with another call to rationalise or even nationalise our water and wastewater operations.
This is prompted by situations facing Waikouaiti, Karitane and Turnberry who have now been joined by Akaroa. Towns whose basic necessity, water, has been poisoned by lead and opossums. They join a long line of shameful water management including our capital.
If the government wants a shovel ready infrastructure project to get their teeth into then fixing the nation’s water supply should be at the top of the list.
But that was yesterday.
Today we’re back in lockdowns. Called faster than ever before, which caused a strange pandemonium.
I have a great sympathy for all the Cafes and hospitality businesses, who suddenly had just minutes to hours to sort their stock out. Frantically trying to save food before being forced to throw it all out and the money it represents.
But I understand the need for health services to crack on. I’ve always found it strange that having decided a lockdown was necessary we delayed the lockdown for days. It’s not like the virus takes any time off. It’s always working 24/7.
What I don’t understand is the panicked exodus to baches that occurred. I understand that lockdown is better at the beach but what part of Stay Safe Stay Local do the beachgoers not understand?
Are they aware that the locals hate the invasion because of the pressure already basic medical services and supply chains for smaller supermarkets? Do they not understand that they could be just like the woman at the centre of this current cluster who felt she didn’t have the virus. That meant she felt free to ravel. That meant she could have introduced the cluster to New Plymouth.
Anyone of the bach refugees could be introducing the virus to retired populations in Pauanui, Whitianga, Keri Keri or Mangawhai.
Are the bach refugees also aware of the disdain they’re held in by the people whose businesses are forced to shut down in lcokdowns? Their sacrifices are being ignored. The exodus completely negates the purpose of lockdowns to halt spread, when Aucklanders are spreading themselves all over the island.
Finally, we have a vivid example of why you should scan the codes. The woman at the centre of this cluster thought she was sweet and took a roadie to Taranaki and neglected to scan. Leaving the good people in New Plymouth in a state of suspended existence waiting for the worst. Will she be able to remember the places she went in a town she is unfamiliar with? Was it so hard to spend five seconds to hold a phone up to a QR code?

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