Supporting many epiphytes

Although I looked at no more than five clinical reports from last week, it was pleasing to see that four were using the electronic form provided by the Ministry of Health, and that all four were of excellent quality. They more than justified the action taken by the clinicians after their assessment of the patient. All four had described the consultation with family/whanau mandated by the Act, rather than just ticking the yes box. It shows that the training 'workshops' I have had with them in the last couple of years is having a really positive effect.

New Zealand is struggling to adjust to "living with Covid". We believed that we could defeat it, even the delta variant. After all, we kept Covid out of the community for most of the last year. And were anticipating opening a trans-Tasman travel bubble. And then the delta variant brought an end to that as first New South Wales and then Victoria both succumbed. Despite every effort to prevent in entering the country, it came in via one person. Once it was confirmed as delta, we entered lockdown, drawing ridicule from many sources.

The speed with which lockdown was started, and the high adherence from the community meant that the community spread has been almost completely confined to the greater Auckland region. Further, the spread appeared to be being blocked as the daily number of new cases fell, and fell, and fell.

The the wheels fell off, Too few people were getting vaccinated. Too many were disobeying the sensible precautions. New community case numbers went up and down. And were becoming less closely connected to other community cases. Then the Government moved to accept that we cannot eliminate this virus, nor remain long term in lock down. 

Eighteen months ago 85% supported the Government action, and probably closer to 90% behaved the same way even though they disagreed. Now support is less and there are many who are hostile. Parroting the US cry of Freedom. Their claim for freedom to do what they want poses a risk to the freedom of others to not catch this virus, and possibly die.

The numbers support the Government decision, and that includes mandating that healthcare workers will have to be vaccinated by 01 December, and teachers by 31 January. And no further easing of restrictions at the moment.

I am fully vaccinated and still working from home. Today I noted two differences from my runs of the last few weeks. Others joined me in ensuring more then ten metres separated us as we passed along the beach. Two were wearing masks as we had to pass by the bottom of the steps. Perhaps this way is helping people to understand that this virus requires a team of 5 million to beat it and this year's team of 4 million can't do it. So we better be careful. Which may just work.

Photo is of a tree in the bush on the banks leading up to Highfield