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I have been saying for a few weeks now that I think there is no need for the continuation of this lockdown, or indeed even a lockdown on a lower rung. So let’s look at just what these levels are, or at least what they currently are, as I do not believe that this government knows what it is doing and I think they are simply making this all up as they go along. Therefore, expect to see changes depending on which way the wind is blowing.
The definition for Level Four is that
• Community transmission is occurring
• There are widespread outbreaks and new clusters
Right, so we clearly don’t have that. At this point, community transmission is highly debatable and there are simply no widespread outbreaks or new clusters, and there haven’t been for some time. Their own stats prove this to be true. So that’s level four gone, there is clearly no reason to still be under this ridiculous home detention.
Level 3.
• Community transmission might be happening.
• New clusters may emerge but can be controlled through testing and contact tracing.
Ok, so you could make a claim for this as it is pretty vague, and of course vague is good as that means that your government can make things up as they like. But remember what the restrictions are for Level 3. The main one is that you are still forced to stay at home, you are “instructed” no less. You are still under lockdown, meekly awaiting permission from “Dear Leader” Jacinda Ardern to make a living, as under this level it will still be virtually impossible to generate enough income from most businesses to pay the rent let alone buy your family food. Of course, your provisional tax is still due on May 7th so that will probably have to come before food anyway.
And all this because community transmission might be happening and new clusters may emerge! Clearly Level 3 is also not warranted.
Level 2
• Household transmission could be occurring.
• Single or isolated cluster outbreaks.
Again, there’s those vague words, household transmission could be occurring. You might think that when making decisions to destroy people’s livelihoods the government might like to use actual measurable science. Oh well, at least we will be able to kind of go to work as most businesses will be able to open, and if you’re safe, you might even be allowed to talk to a customer face to face. Of course if your business isn’t one of the ‘most’ businesses, you can go and get stuffed; you will find an application for the dole on the website. The good news is you only have to stay one metre away from everyone under level two so you will at least be able to converse without shouting. Don’t even think about hugging your friends though, that’s still right out.
Level 1
- The disease is contained in New Zealand.
- COVID-19 is uncontrolled overseas.
- Isolated household transmission could be occurring in New Zealand.
Now I’m no scientist, and if you ask my long suffering wife, she might say that I think too much, but isn’t this actually where we are right now? Why aren’t we at level one already?
Under Level 1, there are still plenty of requirements and regulations:
• Border entry measures to minimise risk of importing COVID-19 cases.
• Intensive testing for COVID-19.
• Rapid contact tracing of any positive case.
• Self-isolation and quarantine required.
• Schools and workplaces open, and must operate safely.
• Physical distancing encouraged.
• No restrictions on gatherings.
• Stay home if you’re sick, report flu-like symptoms.
• Wash and dry hands, cough into elbow, don’t touch your face.
• No restrictions on domestic transport – avoid public transport or travel if sick.
Probably all pretty sensible but still being controlled by Ms Ardern and her friends, so I ask this. At what point do we no longer need to be under a State of Emergency, and perhaps more importantly, when do we go to Level Zero?
Do we really need to be in a State of Emergency under Level 3 where we might have a problem? How about under Level 2 where we could have household transmission and we’re only getting single cases popping up?
And there must be a Level Zero, because a few months ago we had no border restrictions. I could jump on a plane, go on holiday overseas and not be subject to harrassment on the way back in. I didn’t have the State declaring that I should still not shake hands with my mates or business acquaintances. I would like to know what the criteria are for getting back to that state, our natural state if you will?
Do Ms Ardern, Mr Peters, and Mr Robertson actually have a plan for when and how we will return to freedom? Is there a document somewhere that says when we can go back to relying on the rights ensrined in the NZ Bill of Rights and not having to just accept that the Police Commissioner and Head Health Guy know what’s best for us?
So an open request to the Prime Minister. Please explain exactly what scenario must exist for you to give up all these controls on our liberty, and when can we expect to live with the amount of freedom that we used to have?
I shall humbly and meekly sit locked up in my house, still under the extremely onerous Level 4 restrictions while you formulate your reply. Please be quick, my wife is sick of me.
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