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Post by BobWilliston on Aug 18, 2021 19:00:51 GMT -5
A bit of hyperbole, yes.... Pity, no.... I'm not the one wallowing in self-pity like the extremist who demand non-vaccer's be subordinate to their every whim. If you've got inoculated, your safe, so stop bellyaching and remember to send a thank you note to President Trump for expediting the vaccines that are protecting you. Your not going to die, so its way past time to stop crying in your beer.  Trump is a selfish spoiled brat. He could have been vaccinated publicly as an example to many of his crazy base who whine about the vaccine. Trump didn't make any difference to the vaccine rollout, other than to agree to buy 100 million doses if the FDA approve the vaccine. Other countries started vaccination before the US. THE FACTS: Pfizer notably did not accept government money to develop, test or expand manufacturing capacity under Trump’s Operation Warp Speed initiative to quickly find a vaccine and treatments for the disease sweeping the country.
In fact, Pfizer partnered with the vaccine’s original developer, Germany’s BioNTech, in March and the following month announced the first human study in Germany. The White House announced Operation Warp Speed in May.
Pfizer opted not to join Operation Warp Speed initially but is following the same general requirements for the vaccine’s development as competitors who received government research money. The company says it has risked $2 billion of its own money on vaccine development and won’t get anything from Washington unless the effort is successful.
“Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine development and manufacturing costs have been entirely self-funded,” Pfizer spokeswoman Jerica Pitts said this week. “We decided to self-fund our efforts so we could move as fast as possible.”
However, Pfizer did sign an agreement with the U.S. government in July worth $1.95 billion — if the vaccine pans out and is cleared by the FDA — to supply 100 million doses. That guarantees Pfizer a U.S. market, an important incentive.
The supply side of Operation Warp Speed also allows Pfizer logistical help, although the company will directly ship its own vaccine, while the government will control shipping of other COVID-19 vaccines.
Pfizer’s announcement does not mean a vaccine has been approved and will immediately hit the market.
The next step for Pfizer would be to apply for “emergency use authorization” by the Food and Drug Administration, probably later this month, which would allow for limited distribution before it seeks full FDA approval for wider use by the general public in 2021. Neither step is guaranteed to happen.
apnews.com/article/ap-fact-check-joe-biden-donald-trump-politics-coronavirus-pandemic-76d1580f82b1586b207990396c1e3b5f
Trump will claim responsibility for ANYTHING that crosses his mind -- as long as he (1) doesn't have to pay for it, and (2) doesn't have to put much effort into it. It also helps if it (1) gets him public attention and/or (2) puts money in his bank account. Anything good that anyone did on his watch he takes credit for, and anything bad that happened he blames on Hillary, Obama, Biden, Xi, Warren, Wally, or anyone else who critiques him negatively. |
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Post by Dan on Aug 18, 2021 23:00:53 GMT -5
A bit of hyperbole, yes.... Pity, no.... I'm not the one wallowing in self-pity like the extremist who demand non-vaccer's be subordinate to their every whim. If you've got inoculated, your safe, so stop bellyaching and remember to send a thank you note to President Trump for expediting the vaccines that are protecting you. Your not going to die, so its way past time to stop crying in your beer. I'm not bellyaching for any problem or danger for myself at all. I'm decrying the insane disrespect people have for the health of people they associate with. All you want is to do what you want no matter who it might hurt.
The vaccinated are getting the delta variant and spreading it too, which is why they're reinstating the masking rules in many areas. No one is safe, covid is the gift from China that keeps on giving. We might be better served working on viable treatments like Regeneron.
Finally got my vax today on the third attempt. It only took a half hour with only 2 minor incidents. One was when a lady laughed at me for screaming when I got the shot.. Very rude! The other was when I tried to leave afterwards and the woman asked me to stay awhile longer? I was polite and complied because she obviously had a crush on me. The biggest disappointment was that despite not crying, I got no lollipop afterwards. Quite a let down.
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Post by fixit on Aug 18, 2021 23:03:25 GMT -5
The hyperbole of a pity-partier. A bit of hyperbole, yes.... Pity, no.... I'm not the one wallowing in self-pity like the extremist who demand non-vaccer's be subordinate to their every whim. If you've got inoculated, your safe, so stop bellyaching... Lets keep in mind that the US has supplied more vaccines overseas than all other countries combined. Plenty enough to have vaccinated everyone in the USA, in which case Covid-19 wouldn't be a problem anymore. |
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Post by fixit on Aug 18, 2021 23:07:56 GMT -5
I'm not bellyaching for any problem or danger for myself at all. I'm decrying the insane disrespect people have for the health of people they associate with. All you want is to do what you want no matter who it might hurt.
The vaccinated are getting the delta variant and spreading it too, which is why they're reinstating the masking rules in many areas. No one is safe, covid is the gift from China that keeps on giving. We might be better served working on viable treatments like Regeneron. Finally got my vax today on the third attempt. It only took a half hour with only 2 minor incidents. One was when a lady laughed at me for screaming when I got the shot.. Very rude! The other was when I tried to leave afterwards and the woman asked me to stay awhile longer? I was polite and complied because she obviously had a crush on me. The biggest disappointment was that despite not crying, I got no lollipop afterwards. Quite a let down.
I'm proud of you for getting the vaccine Dan. Not proud of you for screaming. But proud of you for not crying. Sorry to disappoint you but the lady had no crush on you. She was doing her job, making sure no idiot leaves early and something goes wrong and social media makes a big deal of it and costs countless lives. |
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Post by dmmichgood on Aug 18, 2021 23:16:48 GMT -5
The vaccinated are getting the delta variant and spreading it too, which is why they're reinstating the masking rules in many areas. No one is safe, covid is the gift from China that keeps on giving. We might be better served working on viable treatments like Regeneron. Finally got my vax today on the third attempt. It only took a half hour with only 2 minor incidents. One was when a lady laughed at me for screaming when I got the shot.. Very rude! The other was when I tried to leave afterwards and the woman asked me to stay awhile longer? I was polite and complied because she obviously had a crush on me. The biggest disappointment was that despite not crying, I got no lollipop afterwards. Quite a let down.
I'm proud of you for getting the vaccine Dan. Not proud of you for screaming. But proud of you for not crying. Sorry to disappoint you but the lady had no crush on you. She was doing her job, making sure no idiot leaves early and something goes wrong and social media makes a big deal of it and costs countless lives.
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Post by Dan on Aug 18, 2021 23:22:14 GMT -5
The vaccinated are getting the delta variant and spreading it too, which is why they're reinstating the masking rules in many areas. No one is safe, covid is the gift from China that keeps on giving. We might be better served working on viable treatments like Regeneron. Finally got my vax today on the third attempt. It only took a half hour with only 2 minor incidents. One was when a lady laughed at me for screaming when I got the shot.. Very rude! The other was when I tried to leave afterwards and the woman asked me to stay awhile longer? I was polite and complied because she obviously had a crush on me. The biggest disappointment was that despite not crying, I got no lollipop afterwards. Quite a let down.
I'm proud of you for getting the vaccine Dan. Not proud of you for screaming. But proud of you for not crying. Sorry to disappoint you but the lady had no crush on you. She was doing her job, making sure no idiot leaves early and something goes wrong and social media makes a big deal of it and costs countless lives.
I forgot to use a happy face, but you realize I was joking? Never screamed and am aware that the 15 minute wait afterwards was to observe for any possible allergic reactions. Would have appreciated a lollipop though . |
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Post by BobWilliston on Aug 18, 2021 23:25:12 GMT -5
I'm not bellyaching for any problem or danger for myself at all. I'm decrying the insane disrespect people have for the health of people they associate with. All you want is to do what you want no matter who it might hurt.
The vaccinated are getting the delta variant and spreading it too,
Of course. We ALL know that. It's like a fire extinguisher -- it won't stop the fire from starting, but it is wonderful at keeping the house from burning to the ground. The you're miles ahead of DiSantis and Abbott and others. China is not responsible for what your well being So far it's like the morning after birth control pill. It's BELIEVED it works in the short term if you've been exposed, but it's not been proven for that purpose. The vaccines have been proven to be the best way to improve your chances of survival Proud of you. You should have charged her for the humor. You shouldn't be so gallant. You'll know that you will have to cry when you get your second shot. |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 18, 2021 23:28:55 GMT -5
I'm proud of you for getting the vaccine Dan. Not proud of you for screaming. But proud of you for not crying. Sorry to disappoint you but the lady had no crush on you. She was doing her job, making sure no idiot leaves early and something goes wrong and social media makes a big deal of it and costs countless lives.
I forgot to use a happy face, but you realize I was joking? Never screamed and am aware that the 15 minute wait afterwards was to observe for any possible allergic reactions. Would have appreciated a lollipop though . Now that you mention it, a lollipop would've been nice. |
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Post by fixit on Aug 19, 2021 0:06:06 GMT -5
Who would pay for these lollipops?
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Post by Dan on Aug 19, 2021 0:18:52 GMT -5
I'm proud of you for getting the vaccine Dan. Not proud of you for screaming. But proud of you for not crying. Sorry to disappoint you but the lady had no crush on you. She was doing her job, making sure no idiot leaves early and something goes wrong and social media makes a big deal of it and costs countless lives.
Hey nurse lady, my left knee hurts, is that a side effect? I don't mean to be a drama king, but if I don't make it through the night, I'm going to hold some of the people here who inspired me to get vaccinated personally responsible for my demise! I'm also having second thoughts about the place I chose to get vaccinated, the serum wasn't even completely thawed out yet!
Just a heads up, you might want to avoid places like this for your covid shots:
The only real cure for covid |
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Post by dmmichgood on Aug 19, 2021 0:52:35 GMT -5
I doubt Dan understood any of what you said or perhaps he was just being a "drama queen"(king in his case.)
Hey nurse lady, my left knee hurts, is that a side effect? I don't mean to be a drama king, but if I don't make it through the night, I'm going to hold some of the people here who inspired me to get vaccinated personally responsible for my demise! I'm also having second thoughts about the place I chose to get vaccinated, the serum wasn't even completely thawed out yet!
Just a heads up, you might want to avoid places like this for your covid shots: The only real cure for covid
 Why would you want to hold any of us responsible for your "demise?"
I wasn't we who "inspired'" you to get vaccinated, -by your own admission that what "inspired'" you was that wanted to go "fly" off somewhere! |
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Post by fixit on Aug 19, 2021 1:14:42 GMT -5
The only real cure for covid The only real cure for Covid is for everyone to be vaccinated. |
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Post by curlywurlysammagee on Aug 19, 2021 1:37:31 GMT -5
The only real cure for covid The only real cure for Covid is for everyone to be vaccinated. The alternative is 1918 style heard immunity. 50 million dead then and today's world population is of course much larger. However that doesn't matter as long as Dan is safe. |
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Post by Dan on Aug 19, 2021 1:44:45 GMT -5
Hey nurse lady, my left knee hurts, is that a side effect? I don't mean to be a drama king, but if I don't make it through the night, I'm going to hold some of the people here who inspired me to get vaccinated personally responsible for my demise! I'm also having second thoughts about the place I chose to get vaccinated, the serum wasn't even completely thawed out yet!
Just a heads up, you might want to avoid places like this for your covid shots: The only real cure for covid
I wasn't we who "inspired'" you to get vaccinated, -by your own admission that what "inspired'" you was that wanted to go "fly" off somewhere!
Of course I was being ridiculous and joking. The only painful side effect I've experienced was taking the Band-Aid off. And your correct, I suspect they'll eventually crackdown and not let unvaccinated people into restaurants, planes, etc. So I went ahead and got jabbed to avoid future inconveniences. Sometimes you need to go along to get along.
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Post by Dan on Aug 19, 2021 1:53:57 GMT -5
The alternative is 1918 style heard immunity. 50 million dead then and today's world population is of course much larger. However that doesn't matter as long as Dan is safe.
Dan is probably the only person on this board who doesn't really give a rats a$$ if he's safe or not... Like I said from the beginning, "Its not that I'm not interested or concerned, I just don't care" |
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Post by curlywurlysammagee on Aug 19, 2021 1:54:02 GMT -5
Why would you want to hold any of us responsible for your "demise?"
I wasn't we who "inspired'" you to get vaccinated, -by your own admission that what "inspired'" you was that wanted to go "fly" off somewhere!
Of course I was being ridiculous and joking. The only painful side effect I've experienced was taking the Band-Aid off. And your correct, I suspect they'll eventually crackdown and not let unvaccinated people into restaurants, planes, etc. So I went ahead and got jabbed to avoid future inconveniences. Sometimes you need to go along to get along.
Yes, but not always. Take for instance the instances of fragging by US troops in the Vietnam war. When a commanding officer ordered out a patrol it was not uncommon that he would be shot. The practice was known as fragging for some reason I don't know of. The troops stayed alive by staying in camp. |
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Post by curlywurlysammagee on Aug 19, 2021 1:54:46 GMT -5
The alternative is 1918 style heard immunity. 50 million dead then and today's world population is of course much larger. However that doesn't matter as long as Dan is safe.
Dan is probably the only person on this board who doesn't really give a rats a$$ if he's safe or not... Like I said from the beginning, "Its not that I'm not interested or concerned, I just don't care" Pass me a Tui. |
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Post by dmmichgood on Aug 19, 2021 11:53:51 GMT -5
Why would you want to hold any of us responsible for your "demise?"
I wasn't we who "inspired'" you to get vaccinated, -by your own admission that what "inspired'" you was that wanted to go "fly" off somewhere! Of course I was being ridiculous and joking. The only painful side effect I've experienced was taking the Band-Aid off. And your correct, I suspect they'll eventually crackdown and not let unvaccinated people into restaurants, planes, etc. So I went ahead and got jabbed to avoid future inconveniences. Sometimes you need to go along to get along.
I realize that the reason you got the vaccine was for your own "convenience!"
For you to get the vaccine for any other reason, -such as attaining herd immunity and helping to keep your fellowmen safe would be completely out of character for you! |
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Post by dmmichgood on Aug 19, 2021 12:07:50 GMT -5
The alternative is 1918 style heard immunity. 50 million dead then and today's world population is of course much larger. However that doesn't matter as long as Dan is safe. Dan is probably the only person on this board who doesn't really give a rats a$$ if he's safe or not... Like I said from the beginning, "Its not that I'm not interested or concerned, I just don't care"
Who do you think that you kidding in trying to convince anyone that you don't care if you are safe or not?
  Please don't do that!
I can't laugh too much or I pee my pants!
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Post by Annan on Aug 19, 2021 12:46:09 GMT -5
I can't laugh too much or I pee my pants!
One reason I wear bladder control pads.  |
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Post by Dan on Aug 19, 2021 20:59:37 GMT -5
Well, of course.
I realize that the reason you got the vaccine was for your own "convenience!"
For you to get the vaccine for any other reason, -such as attaining herd immunity and helping to keep your fellowmen safe would be completely out of character for you!
I already attained herd immunity from having had covid and beating it, and I didn't need the vaccine since I already have natural immunity. So getting vaccinated was not for my personal convenience, but to satisfy the Gestapo when they say, "Papers Please".
Your idea of helping your fellowmen is completely different than mine. Your under the impression that confining people to their homes, keeping their children out of school, shutting down businesses, forcing people onto unemployment, and destroying their livelihood is somehow a nice thing to do. But these punitive measures are economically destructive and over-reaching, its like using a shotgun to kill a fly. More freedoms have been lost under the guise of public safety than anything else. Its more about control than safety.
You've been fully vaccinated and are safe, you were allowed to weigh the risk and decide for yourself, but your socialistic tendencies won't let you extend that same courtesy to everyone else.
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Post by dmmichgood on Aug 19, 2021 23:01:56 GMT -5
Well, of course.
I realize that the reason you got the vaccine was for your own "convenience!"
For you to get the vaccine for any other reason, -such as attaining herd immunity and helping to keep your fellowmen safe would be completely out of character for you! I already attained herd immunity from having had covid and beating it, and I didn't need the vaccine since I already have natural immunity. So getting vaccinated was not for my personal convenience, but to satisfy the Gestapo when they say, "Papers Please".
Your idea of helping your fellowmen is completely different than mine.
Your under the impression that confining people to their homes, keeping their children out of school, shutting down businesses, forcing people onto unemployment, and destroying their livelihood is somehow a nice thing to do.
But these punitive measures are economically destructive and over-reaching, its like using a shotgun to kill a fly. More freedoms have been lost under the guise of public safety than anything else. Its more about control than safety.
You've been fully vaccinated and are safe, you were allowed to weigh the risk and decide for yourself, but your socialistic tendencies won't let you extend that same courtesy to everyone else.
Second: You right on this one. Indeed my "idea of helping my fellowmen is completely different than yours!"
Third: Those measures were not "punitive," -they necessary especially before we were able to have a vaccine in order to stop a air born virus that was carried on water droplets from the breath of one person to another.
Fifth: How long so you think that the "economy" would have remained strong if everyone were getting sick & many were dying? How long would people been able to keep on buying?
Sixth You don't know and nether do I know that because I've "been fully vaccinated that I am safe."
I only know I am less apt to get the virus and spread it to others.
Seventh: What has "socialism" got to with just allowing people to do anything they want, -committing acts that imperil the lives of their fellowmen?
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Post by BobWilliston on Aug 20, 2021 0:43:34 GMT -5
I already attained herd immunity from having had covid and beating it,
There is no such thing as individual herd immunity. Herd immunity happens when a necessary proportion of the entire community are sufficiently immunized. But you have indeed contributed to the immunity of the herd. Unfortunately "having had covid and beating it" doesn't offer the same measure of protection as receiving the recommended dose of vaccine. There is more to covid-19 that the immediate illness -- there's the possibility of "long-haul" aftereffects. It's a relief to know that you're more concerned with improving yourself than stubbornly refusing people whose advice you find threatening to your self esteem. You over-generalize. Those measures are only necessary for "caring for others" when a plague is being addressed. When it comes to caring for your young daughter, putting the toilet seat down when your done in the bathroom may be satisfactory to a different kind of consideration. True, a fly swatter would suffice. Ironically, in this society, such destruction and over-reach can be justified if it's a handgun and an annoying type of human. The cost of public safety is the cost of freedom. "We the people" have consented to the authority of those who are accountable for our safety. If you need something changed, I can advise you on how to get that done. Ironically, part of her decision to be immunized is the benefit to you and others. If everyone were immunized as she is, your chances of never getting covid-19 would eliminate any need for you to be vaccinated. But we don't have that luxury in this country. That's not the fault of people who elect to get vaccinated. It's not her socialist tendencies that required you to get vaccinated. Neither was it the government or any government agency to required you to be vaccinated. It was a private capitalist entity that was practicing it's freedom (and right) not to expose their employees to "plagues" in the work place who made you decide to get vaccinated. You didn't have to get vaccinated at all. You could get in your car and drive anywhere in the country that you want. But for the sake of your own convenience and creature comfort you consented to get the shots. No one owes you your conveniences or your comforts -- you earn them, and sometime it means something as simple as getting a vaccine. PS: You may just have avoided dying a slow death gasping for breath in an ICU where none of your family could go to comfort you. I'm glad for you. |
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Post by Pragmatic on Aug 20, 2021 0:45:52 GMT -5
Well, of course.
I realize that the reason you got the vaccine was for your own "convenience!"
For you to get the vaccine for any other reason, -such as attaining herd immunity and helping to keep your fellowmen safe would be completely out of character for you!
I already attained herd immunity from having had covid and beating it, and I didn't need the vaccine since I already have natural immunity. So getting vaccinated was not for my personal convenience, but to satisfy the Gestapo when they say, "Papers Please".
Your idea of helping your fellowmen is completely different than mine. Your under the impression that confining people to their homes, keeping their children out of school, shutting down businesses, forcing people onto unemployment, and destroying their livelihood is somehow a nice thing to do. But these punitive measures are economically destructive and over-reaching, its like using a shotgun to kill a fly. More freedoms have been lost under the guise of public safety than anything else. Its more about control than safety.
You've been fully vaccinated and are safe, you were allowed to weigh the risk and decide for yourself, but your socialistic tendencies won't let you extend that same courtesy to everyone else.
Firstly, did you have a PCR test to confirm you had Covid?
Secondly, you have only built up an immunity against the strain you had, if you were positive. You are still susceptible to Delta, Lambda and other strains.
mRNA style vaccines work in a different way to ordinary vaccines, and seem to be effective against all known strains, although the severity of symptoms may be more in the case of Delta.
No, it's not about control, in most cases, although some opportunistic politicians might try to exploit it.
I have a mother in a rest home, where there was an outbreak of RSV. I am more than happy to mask up when visiting, because I would not want to risk passing that on to an of the dear old souls there. One who are someone else's parents.
With Covid being even worse, why would I not care for my fellow man, be happy to mask up, and lockdown when required?
We have seen here in the last few days, what just one infected person's reach can be. Whether we like it or not, vaccination and other measures, given that Delta is a game changer too, is the only way forward, short of letting all our vulnerable, and some fit and healthy people become victims.
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Post by fixit on Aug 22, 2021 22:15:08 GMT -5
The politicising of Covid response makes no sense to us who are outside of the US.
Today I received an email from the New Zealand leader of the National Party Opposition. They support some of the government's decisions yet hold the government to account as well. That's how democratic government should work. Anyway, here it is...
I hope you are all safe and well at home as the Level 4 lockdown continues.
Like me, you’re likely feeling anxious about what’s happening and how we’ll get through this new challenge.
First, caucus and I are absolutely clear that decisive action is needed to prevent further community spread of the Delta variant and the need to act decisively to curb this outbreak.
We will support the Government to do what’s needed to get New Zealand back to some degree or normality as soon as possible.
But we will – and must – continue to hold the Government to account for decisions it has made that have led us to where we are now.
National has strongly and consistently advocated a faster and more widespread Covid vaccination programme. Only by vaccinating as many Kiwis and quickly as possible will we stand any chance of regaining the freedoms we all cherish.
But there’s a long way to go and a lot of work to be done.
Our mantra is: vaccinate, vaccinate, vaccinate.
If you have an existing vaccination appointment, please keep it. If you are able to book a vaccination, it’s imperative you do so.
In the meantime, if you have visited any locations of interest or have cold, flu, or Covid symptoms, call Healthline on 0800 358 5453 or your doctor or Iwi health provider. They will tell you if you should get a Covid test.
If you do need to go out, wear a face covering and stay 2 metres from others.
You can go for a walk, run, or bike ride in your local area ensuring to keep 2 metres from anyone who isn’t in your ‘bubble’. Exercise is good for your mental health.
We know how difficult this is for everyone and encourage you to reach out to friends, family and whānau via phone or online to check in and support one another. Stay safe, New Zealand.
Financial Support for Business
Small and medium-sized businesses make up a huge proportion of our economy. These businesses are also the most likely to be put under financial stress by the lockdown.
I urge business-owners to learn about assistance that is available to those that need it:
The Wage Subsidy Scheme (WSS) allows eligible employers anywhere in the country to apply for the WSS if they expect a loss of 40 percent of revenue as a result of the lockdown.
The Resurgence Support Payment (RSP) is available if firms incur a loss of 30 percent of revenue as a result of the lockdown.
The Leave Support Scheme (LSS) provides a two-week lump sum payment of either $585.80 per week for fulltime workers, or $350 per week for part-time workers, who must self-isolate and cannot work from home.
The Short-Term Absence Payment (STAP) provides a one-off (once per 30 days) $350 payment for workers who must miss work due to a COVID-19 test and cannot work from home.
Please don’t hesitate to contact your local electorate office by email if you need to learn more about these assistance programmes.
What we are doing
Even though we’re in lockdown, caucus and I are meeting regularly via Zoom to talk about developments and plan for a safe and speedy exit from lockdown.
At this stage we will remain in our electorates, though we may be required to return to Wellington if circumstances demand.
In times of crisis like this, it’s vital we keep a close eye on what’s happening and the decisions being made by Government. Our focus is on ensuring the Government makes the right decisions, at the right times, for the right reasons.
Rest assured that while we are supportive of actions that will end this lockdown, we will be questioning and testing the Government ‘s rationale all the way.
In a democracy, it is important that there is effective scrutiny of Government. We believe that if other parliaments are able to operate under lockdowns, then the Government should enable opportunities for Parliament to exercise its democratic duty. Arguably, given the failures at the border, and of the vaccine rollout, that scrutiny is needed more than ever.
Judith Collins
Leader
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Post by Pragmatic on Aug 22, 2021 23:06:26 GMT -5
The politicising of Covid response makes no sense to us who are outside of the US. Today I received an email from the New Zealand leader of the National Party Opposition. They support some of the government's decisions yet hold the government to account as well. That's how democratic government should work. Anyway, here it is... I hope you are all safe and well at home as the Level 4 lockdown continues. Like me, you’re likely feeling anxious about what’s happening and how we’ll get through this new challenge. First, caucus and I are absolutely clear that decisive action is needed to prevent further community spread of the Delta variant and the need to act decisively to curb this outbreak. We will support the Government to do what’s needed to get New Zealand back to some degree or normality as soon as possible. But we will – and must – continue to hold the Government to account for decisions it has made that have led us to where we are now. National has strongly and consistently advocated a faster and more widespread Covid vaccination programme. Only by vaccinating as many Kiwis and quickly as possible will we stand any chance of regaining the freedoms we all cherish. But there’s a long way to go and a lot of work to be done. Our mantra is: vaccinate, vaccinate, vaccinate. If you have an existing vaccination appointment, please keep it. If you are able to book a vaccination, it’s imperative you do so. In the meantime, if you have visited any locations of interest or have cold, flu, or Covid symptoms, call Healthline on 0800 358 5453 or your doctor or Iwi health provider. They will tell you if you should get a Covid test. If you do need to go out, wear a face covering and stay 2 metres from others. You can go for a walk, run, or bike ride in your local area ensuring to keep 2 metres from anyone who isn’t in your ‘bubble’. Exercise is good for your mental health. We know how difficult this is for everyone and encourage you to reach out to friends, family and whānau via phone or online to check in and support one another. Stay safe, New Zealand. Financial Support for Business Small and medium-sized businesses make up a huge proportion of our economy. These businesses are also the most likely to be put under financial stress by the lockdown. I urge business-owners to learn about assistance that is available to those that need it: The Wage Subsidy Scheme (WSS) allows eligible employers anywhere in the country to apply for the WSS if they expect a loss of 40 percent of revenue as a result of the lockdown. The Resurgence Support Payment (RSP) is available if firms incur a loss of 30 percent of revenue as a result of the lockdown. The Leave Support Scheme (LSS) provides a two-week lump sum payment of either $585.80 per week for fulltime workers, or $350 per week for part-time workers, who must self-isolate and cannot work from home. The Short-Term Absence Payment (STAP) provides a one-off (once per 30 days) $350 payment for workers who must miss work due to a COVID-19 test and cannot work from home. Please don’t hesitate to contact your local electorate office by email if you need to learn more about these assistance programmes. What we are doing Even though we’re in lockdown, caucus and I are meeting regularly via Zoom to talk about developments and plan for a safe and speedy exit from lockdown. At this stage we will remain in our electorates, though we may be required to return to Wellington if circumstances demand. In times of crisis like this, it’s vital we keep a close eye on what’s happening and the decisions being made by Government. Our focus is on ensuring the Government makes the right decisions, at the right times, for the right reasons. Rest assured that while we are supportive of actions that will end this lockdown, we will be questioning and testing the Government ‘s rationale all the way. In a democracy, it is important that there is effective scrutiny of Government. We believe that if other parliaments are able to operate under lockdowns, then the Government should enable opportunities for Parliament to exercise its democratic duty. Arguably, given the failures at the border, and of the vaccine rollout, that scrutiny is needed more than ever. Judith Collins Leader And this too:
ēnā katoa tātau i roto i ngā tini whakawai o te wā. Ko te mate korona e whakararuraru ana i a tātau e noho motu ana ki ngā wā kāinga, heoi mā te ū ki ngā tikanga e ora ai tātau, haere ake nei.
E tangi ana ki ngā mate e hinga tonu ana i te pō, i te ao, e moe, e oki. Hoki tonu mai ki a tātau te kanohi, tēnā tātau. E rere ana ngā mihi ki tō tātau Kīngi, ki a Kīngi Tūheitia Pōtatau VII i whakanuia i tōna rā koroneihana ngahuru mā rima i te rāhoroi 21 o Akuhata nei.
Kia ora whānau
As the motu returns into what life is like under lockdown, we though it was a good chance to connect in with you and check that everyone is well.
Lockdown 2.0 still has a heap of unknown factors but it’s also a chance for us to share some of the key things to ensure we are looking after ourselves to ensure we protect our whakapapa.
To help us through the lockdown period, our comms team has set up a social media LIVE programme called Māori On Lock. We will be running daily sessions on our facebook platforms throughout the week. You can find the schedule here Māori on Lock
As we all know, we will be informed of the status of our lockdown this Tuesday 24 August, but no matter what happens, we must continue to #ProtectOurWhakapapa and remember that Level 4 means:
Stay home (unless you are an essential worker);
Maintain your bubble and don’t mix with others;
Safe recreational activities like walking and running in your local area is allowed;
No gatherings are allowed including: hui, events, tangihanga or funerals;
Select one person to be your shopper; and
Check in on your whānau or neighbour by giving them a phone call or calling out from over the fence to check they are ok.
Remember, you can always reach out to your local Whānau Ora provider, Iwi Office or other local entities in your rohe to ask for help. Please reach out for help if you need it or even ring our MPs on:
Rawiri on: 0800WAIARIKI
Debbie on: 0800WHAEADEB
Stay safe whānau and you can renew or become a member here or koha here. We are also revamping our website and will have a volunteer page soon.
Arohanui
Che Wilson
NZ Maori Party |
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Post by fixit on Aug 23, 2021 3:05:15 GMT -5
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Post by BobWilliston on Aug 23, 2021 17:11:32 GMT -5
Typical ignorant understanding of mutations. The greater the vulnerable population to infect, the better chance viruses have to mutate into more powerful versions. Survival of the fittest, just like it is among humans. |
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Please don't do that! 
