What a month it has been!
The time in lockdown has certainly been a journey for my family,
but ultimately we have come out stronger for it. I do hope that you
and your family are still in good health and staying safe and counting
down the days to our 'new normal'.
For me, a new normal includes returning to Parliament sitting this
week, albeit driving not flying to Wellington and a very limited
amount of time in the House.
We must focus on recovery from this health crisis while mitigating
its effects and the harm it has caused in so many other ways. In
addition to the economic costs, the social and other health costs have
been immense and we will be dealing with those for some time to come
still.
It's been proven that unemployment or a loss of income has impacts
on people’s health and psychosocial wellbeing.
In addition to some people losing their jobs and businesses losing
their livelihoods, lockdown for many families whether together or
separated meant additional stress, anxiety and associated issues like
family violence and addiction problems.
However, COVID-19 has also shown that we as a nation have no
hesitation to report rule-breakers.
I can only hope that we can continue that trend and in particular
call out those in our communities who cause harm in our families as
ultimately we are all in this together.
My
latest newsletter topics include:
- Where to from here and what alert level 3 means
- Shop local, eat local, stay local - where to find opportunities to
support local and also showcase your business
- Education - online support tools and a new initiative for children
with disabilities and learning support - Awhi at home
- The Epidemic Response Committee and how you can watch live
interviews and recordings of past meetings
- MSD's Rapid Return to Work Service employment initiative and Keep
New Zealand Working recruitment tool.
Finally, the road to recovery over the next few weeks, months is
laden with hurdles and obstacles, make no mistake.
We must start by creating business growth and employment
opportunities, to stimulate economic growth and thereby ensuring
resilient families and communities.
While I've been keeping in touch weekly during April, my
newsletters will return to fortnightly and I'll be back in touch when
we move to alert level 2.
Stay safe, stay healthy.
Regards
Hon Louise Upston http://louiseupston.national.org.nz/
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