April 20, 2020
COVID testing proves marae value
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The organiser of a drive-in COVID-19 testing station at Christchurch’s Ngā Hau e Wha Marae says it’s a game-changer for the city’s Māori community.
The station was set up by south Auckland’s Whānau Ora Community Clinic in Manukau at the invitation of Ngā Maata Waka and He Waka Tapu Trust.
George Ngatai says more than 130 people, mainly Māori, were tested over the weekend.
That’s more Maori than were going through the city’s other testing centres, which require people to be referred by their doctor.
"When Māori, in particular, come to statins like this you've won the battle because it's very difficult for Māori to come to the doctor in the first instance but the fact they're coming to a marae or community centre or church or wherever they are going to just to be assessed is a big thing for us. I think whānau can be comfortable coming to a place that they trust," he says.
As well as testing people for coronavirus if necessary and assessing other health issues, the marae is able to give people kai to take away – all in a properly sterile manner.
There were just nine new cases of COVID-19 reported today, seven confirmed and two probable, bringing the total to 1440.
There are 14 cases in hospital, down four on yesterday, and 62 people recovered, bringing the total of recovered cases to 974.
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