Have you made a plan for how you will look after your family and your nearest if you are affected by Covid-19 and have to self-isolate? Now is the time to think about who your key contacts are, who can do your shopping if you are unwell, who can walk your dog, who can pick up your medicine. Get the kids involved. One of our team has been having conversations about what the kids might be able to cook and eat if both mum and dad are very unwell. Apparently, sausages and pasta will be a favourite, maybe 2minute noodles. And fudge, lots of fudge…!
They have also checked in with some of their neighbours to see if they can form a little group – they live close so are able to help if another family get unwell.
It is also the time to think about who the vulnerable are in our community; is there an older person/someone a few doors up or down from you who may be self-isolating alone and who does not have family and friends living locally? Are there any single parent families on your street, or youth living away from home?
In the spirit of our great Wairarapa community, we know that you do this already. But we are asking you to take it up a level. Make sure you know your neighbours. Use the postcard below to grab their phone numbers.
Take a moment over the next few days to check in with them; ask if they have a plan in place. Bring a note with your contact phone number/leave a note in their letterbox with your phone number and ask if they would like to share their contact number with you. Put it on your fridge or in that handy spot so you always know where it is.
Now is the time to be thinking about how you may be able to support your community in getting through this critical time, while also making sure to keep you and everyone else safe in the process.
You don’t need us to tell you why it is a good thing to know your neighbours but if you want more information or if you want information about Neighbours Day Aotearoa then you can go to:
neighbourhoodsupport.co.nz/ neighboursday.org.nz/
For information on Covid-19 go to covid19.govt.nz/. If you are feeling unwell call Healthline 0800 358 5453 or want vaccination advice call 0800 28 29 26
Or call your local Council.
