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We are incredibly lucky to live in a country like New Zealand during international health crises, like the recent coronavirus outbreak in China, where our geographic location can isolate us from harm. So far, the virus has not made itself to New Zealand and, as I understand it, there are no suspected cases either. There are people in quarantine such as those evacuated from the epicenter in Wuhan and many selfimposed, but the virus seems yet to reach our shores.
Like many of you, I am concerned about the possibility of the coronavirus reaching New Zealand. As a country, we should be preparing for the worst while hoping for the best. This does not seem to be an attitude shared by this government.
Instead of doing everything in its power to protect New Zealand from the coronavirus, the government has so far been multiple steps behind with its response.
I have had many constituents approach me having recently returned from overseas who were concerned at the complete lack of screening done at our international ports as well as the lack of information made available.
Besides being handed a pamphlet, no-one appears to be asking questions of those coming into our country, about where they may have travelled and whether they could have been in contact with the virus.
It seems to me that this would be both a simple and effective way to help prevent the spread of the virus in New Zealand. By
SAYS With Simeon Brown Simeon
checking people at our borders, we can ensure the right measures are being taken to protect all Kiwis.
Last Friday, I met with the general manager of the Counties Manukau District Health Board to share my concerns about our response to coronavirus.
I was reassured to learn that while the government response is lacking, it appears our DHB is well-equipped to deal with any cases that may show up in the coming months.
In CMDHB’s zone alone, I was informed we had scores of isoThe government must take this threat more seriously. Stock photo
lation rooms available at Middlemore Hospital with many of them ‘negative pressure’, in case the virus is indeed airborne as recent reports appear to suggest I was also told we have a multimonth stockpile of relevant safety equipment like face masks and personal protective equipment to serve health care professionals well if the virus does indeed make it here.
While there is no need to panic, the government certainly needs to take this threat far more seriously than it has so far, and National will continue to put pressure on the government to do just that.
Simeon Brown MP for Pakuranga
ACCIDENT Councillor has second bad fall
■ BY FARIDA MASTER F or someone who has advocated for safer footpaths for years, it’s unfortunate that Councillor Sharon Stewart tripped on the Pakuranga Rotary walk way and fell flat on her nose. It was just minutes after people had spotted her at the Rotary Community River Carnival on Sunday after noon.
Looking at Sharon’s post on facebook with a bruised upper lip, chin and a band aged nose it was obvious the Councillor was in a lot of pain.
“After visiting the Rotary River Carnival down at Bramley Reserve I was heading to my sister Lorraine’s apartment for a cuppa and tripped on the uneven sur face. I became another victim of this issue plaguing many parts of Howick/ Pakuranga and Botany areas,” she says. “There were so many people cycling and walking their dogs and with the flax hanging over the footpath, I tripped and fell. Luckily I fell in the bush and not on concrete. The Auckland Transport health and safety team were very help ful and immediately came to my rescue. They cleaned me up before I went to East Care Accident and Medical Clinic for a dressing,” she says.
Sharon’s longstanding war with foot paths continues. The councillor had a knockout moment in 2015 when she was out delivering her campaign pamphlets and tripped on an uneven surface. She was knocked unconscious for a few minutes with a cut lip and bruised chest. “We need to have an audit done on footpaths, because it’s council core business,” Stewart had said.
Her husband David too had a fall a couple of years ago and had injured himself badly.
Sharon’s post on facebook got a lot of response. Anne Candy commented saying: ‘Sharon that is shocking! For years you have asked for safer footpaths and now you become the victim of inaction. Get well soon Councillor.’
Liz Gensen commented:‘OMG Sharon get better soon. I see accidents like yours waiting to happen when I take my grandson for walks. Have complained before only to get a botched up job done.’
Brenda Goodfellow posted: ‘Ouch hope you have a speedy recovery Sharon, I so know how you feel. I myself had another footpath fall while walking and snapped a tendon in a finger now in a splint for eight weeks and if it doesn’t mend, thanks to the council, not impressed at all!’ Cr Sharon Stewart’s longstanding war with footpaths continues.
Photo supplied
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