Tamati Coffey Labour List MP

Welcome to 2022! I hope you've had a good time with your whānau and found some time to rest and relax in this stunning summer we've had so far.

This year we are on track to open our borders and reconnect to the world – albeit safely and with caution. Keeping people safe has always driven our Covid response, and now that we're facing Omicron our focus is no different.

That's why, ever since this new variant emerged overseas, we've been preparing for its arrival by getting a head start on boosters, fine-tuning our testing, tracing and isolation strategy, and ensuring our traffic light settings are fit for purpose.

Living with Covid in the community means looking out for each other by getting vaccinated and getting boosted. To double down, we also have to mask up, scan in, keep a safe distance and use vaccine passes.

At red, these behaviours become even more important to slow the spread, keep each other safe and reduce pressure on our health system, which needs to keep operating for all of us, alongside managing Covid.

We know that here in the Bay of Plenty DHB region, we're likely to see considerably more cases than we have previously, but there are ways we can all help to protect each other.

You've probably heard that mask requirements have been strengthened, because we know from the experience of countries overseas that wearing a mask, when done right, has a significant role to play in managing Omicron.

Stronger requirements include wearing an actual mask, not wrapping a bandana, scarf or t-shirt around your face. This is because evidence shows that masks that fit properly around the nose and mouth help to reduce the spread of Covid. The widely available blue medical masks are a great choice.

We'll also need to mask up in more places, including restaurants and cafes when we're not eating or drinking. As a simple rule of thumb, aim to wear a mask whenever you leave home and might not be able to keep a safe distance.

By using masks effectively, we can minimise the risk of Omicron and safely continue to roll out booster doses. That's essential, because the data shows that boosters can provide better protection against Omicron, making you less likely to get seriously ill or end up in hospital.

If you're over 18 and it's been four months since your second dose, you're now due for your booster. I encourage you to get it as soon as you're able to. You can book it today, or find your nearest walk-in or drive-through clinic, by visiting: www.BookMyVaccine.nz or by calling: 0800 28 29 26.

More than one million Kiwis are already boosted, and most of us will be eligible by late February. Thanks to everyone in the Western Bay who've already stepped up to get that extra layer of protection.

Children aged 5-11 are also now eligible to get vaccinated. This is a great way to keep tamariki as safe as possible and minimise their likelihood of passing Covid on to vulnerable whānau. If you're a parent or caregiver, I encourage you to seek out information to help you make this decision.

Over the past two years our community has pulled together to respond to Covid-19. Our approach has worked: New Zealand has some of the lowest rates of cases and deaths in the OECD, as well as a stronger-than-expected economy.

It's been a huge team effort, and together we can all help to reduce the risk of Omicron. The best way we can each play our part now is by getting boosted and protecting ourselves and those around us.