The Green Party is reiterating its call for stronger
protection of vulnerable communities as the Government keeps
the country in ‘red’.
“Many of our families and
vulnerable communities will feel some relief by remaining at
‘red’ for now – but now is the time to act to strengthen
protections, particularly around masking and ventilation.
The pandemic is not over,” says Teanau Tuiono, COVID-19
response spokesperson.
The Green Party calls on the
Government to act now to:
· Roll out a school-based
vaccination programme to ensure high and equitable vaccine
coverage among eligible children
· Increase the work
alongside Māori and Pasifika community leadership to
achieve high equity in vaccine coverage
· Provide
free N95 masks or equivalent for everyone, starting in
schools for both children and teachers, as children will be
at greater risk from the removal of vaccine
mandates
· Begin work on ventilation standards for
all buildings, to improve indoor air quality.
“While
we are staying in ‘red’, the use of vaccine passes is
being dropped from midnight tonight.
“Whatever way
you look at it, it will be Māori and Pacific whānau,
immunocompromised people, disabled people, our under-5s, and
whānau on the lowest incomes who are the most impacted by
the continuing pandemic.
“All we need to do is look
overseas to know what happens when protections are lifted
too soon – we should be using this knowledge to ensure our
vulnerable communities are protected and safe, especially
our disabled and immunocompromised whānau.
“My
concern sits firmly with the parents and caregivers of
disabled, immunocompromised and medically fragile children,
most of whom have been isolated since the beginning of the
pandemic two years ago.
“The Government must use the
time it has given itself to urgently implement stronger
protections in schools, begin work on ventilation standards
to improve indoor air quality, boost equitable vaccination
rates, and make masks free.
“These are essential for
keeping our most at-risk communities safe, and are necessary
to protect our already overwhelmed health
system.”
© Scoop Media
Support the news you love
Scoop has been a champion of independent journalism and open publishing for over 20 years. It stands for informing New Zealanders through straight-talking independent journalism, and publishing news from politics and a huge range of sectors. Now, more than ever, sustainable financial support will help to keep these vital and participatory media services running.
Find out more and join us:
Become a member
Get our free pānui
[ad_2]
Originally Appeared Here