TOP supports level 4 lockdown

TOP wholeheartedly supports the Government decision to move NZ into a level 4 lockdown after the discovery of a single community case of COVID-19. The Government needs to be commended for swift action. We have seen around the world how devastating the Delta variant can be. While a lockdown can be incredibly disruptive it is the best decision and gives us the best chance to maintain our elimination strategy.

The decision to lock down for three days will give us crucial time to gain a lot of information. Already in the few hours from the announcement last night to the early hours this morning we have learned of four more cases. In the next three days, we will learn if these community cases are genomically linked to any cases from MIQ, a key piece of information that will shed light on how widely COVID-19 may have spread.

It will give us time to contact trace and test close contacts. Again, informing us of the potential spread.

Wastewater testing will also be conducted. All of this together will give a clear picture as to the best pathway forward. While we all hope that the restrictions can be lifted quickly, it would be prudent to mentally prepare in case the lockdown needs to be extended.

In the meantime, please take care of yourselves. Check the list of places of interest here.

Refresh your memories on what level four looks like here.

If you need to go out, make sure you are masking up and washing your hands well.

Together we can get through this.

Kia Kaha,

TOP.