March 15, 2020
Call for Whanau Ora funds to fight Covid 19
A Māori Party candidate has welcomed tough new travel restrictions aimed at stopping the spread of the Covid-19 Coronavirus, and she’s asking for whānau ora funds to made available for the fight.
As of midnight, every person entering New Zealand, including returning New Zealand citizens and residents, must enter self-isolation for 14 days.
Only named Pacific island countries are exempt from the measure.
Cruise ships are banned until at least June 30.
A range of measures to assist those in self-isolation will be announced next week, and there will also be directives on large gatherings and hui.
Debbie Ngarewa-Packer says the Māori Party has been worried New Zealand was not responding quickly enough, and she is relieved action has now been taken.
She says because many whānau Māori live in areas with limited medical services and a shortage of GPs, any outbreak will stretch resources.
Hau ora providers, whānau ora navigators and community workers will be an important part of the response.
Ms Ngarewa-Packer says now is the time to release whānau ora funds to help Māori services assist whānau.
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