January 28, 2021
Media release: Taitokerau checkpoint stopped by police
TAITOKERAU CHECKPOINT STOPPED BY POLICE
“The outbreak of the South African variant (SAC-19) of COVID-19 and the scramble to track down rogue case locations, has caused so much angst, denial, confusion, fear, cancellations and mile long testing queues over the past 48 hours, that television news across all channels dedicated nearly 15 minutes each to the issue last night.”
“And yet with all that going on, somebody still had time to order police to stop the only checkpoint providing information on testing facilities and medical hotline numbers in Northland. That decision will come back to haunt them. Police can set up checkpoints anywhere, anytime to check for alcohol, firearms, licences and vehicle registration … but they shut down a checkpoint handing out information on SAC-19.
“SAC-19 might be new, but we already know its 50% more contagious than COVID-19, less responsive to vaccines, and is responsible for the huge surge in South African cases from 2,000 a day to 18,000 a day in just 2 months. “Coupled with the UK variant which has also hit our shores, there will be more cases, more hospitalisations and possibly more deaths.”
“And we’re heading into Auckland Anniversary weekend when tens of thousands of Aucklanders will head north, and testing facilities will be closed”
COVID-19 has already had a disproportionate impact on Māori communities already marginalised by poverty and ill health. These new variants will make it even worse.
That’s why the Tai Tokerau Border Control, with the support of iwi, set up checkpoints to protect kaumātua and kuia who are in the most at-risk group. That’s why we were handing out flyers and information on the dangers of the new COVID variants, where people might be tested, and who to contact if they become unwell. That’s why we asked police and health authorities to work with us.
And that’s what the police have put a stop to.
Tai Tokerau Border Control will be meeting later today to discuss future plans.
Copyright © 2021, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com