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Dear John --
I hope you are safe and well as we begin this Level 4 lockdown.
While both disappointing and frustrating, it’s clear that decisive
action is needed to prevent further community spread of this Delta
strain and it is better to stamp it out now than play around with
half-measures that ultimately won’t work.
In accordance with Level 4 regulations, my electorate office is
closed. My staff and I will, however, be available via email [email protected]
and I encourage you to find me on Facebook
where I will be posting updated information as it comes to hand.
On that note, below are key information sources that may be of use
to you, particularly if you own a business and employ staff.
1. General COVID-19 Information:
Unite Against COVID-19 Website: https://covid19.govt.nz/
Alert Level 4: https://covid19.govt.nz/alert-levels-and-updates/alert-level-4/
Vaccinations
at Alert Level 4: https://covid19.govt.nz/covid-19-vaccines/
Doing business at Alert Level 4: https://covid19.govt.nz/business-and-money/businesses/doing-business-at-alert-level-4/
Get
a COVID-19 Test: https://covid19.govt.nz/health-and-wellbeing/covid-19-testing/get-tested-for-covid-19/COVID-19
Health advice and information: 0800 358 5453 or 64 9 358 5453
COVID-19 queries: [email protected]
NZ COVID Tracer App Queries: [email protected]
Ministry
of Health: https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-novel-coronavirus
Ministry of Social Development: 0800 559 009 and https://workandincome.govt.nz/covid-19/index.html?fbclid=IwAR2Cy8O_MLz3YDu-2euMz_aP9qYqtxpk7G-ec2EYW8oReQ586GJwCVDZlmU
Advice for older people and their family: https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-information-specific-audiences/covid-19-advice-older-people-and-their-family-and-whanau
2. Financial Support for
Businesses:
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The Wage Subsidy Scheme
(WSS) allowseligible employers anywhere in
the country can apply for the WSS if they expect a loss of 40
percent of revenue as a result of the Alert Level increase
announced today. The WSS rates have been increased to reflect the
increase in wage costs since the scheme was first used in March 2020.
Businesses will be eligible for $600 per week per full-time equivalent
employee, and $359 per week per part-time employee. The Wage Subsidy
will be paid as a two-week lump sum. Applications open on Friday 20
August with the first payments usually available after three days.
More info here: https://www.msd.govt.nz/about-msd-and-our-work/newsroom/2020/covid-19/index.html
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A Resurgence Support Payment (RSP) is
availableif firms incur a loss of 30 percent
of revenue as a result of the Alert Level increase. The RSP
is worth up to $1500 plus $400 per full-time equivalent employee, up
to a maximum of 50 full-time employees (so up to a total of $21,500).
More info here: https://www.ird.govt.nz/covid-19/business-and-organisations/resurgence-support-payment
If you have visited any locations of interest or have cold, flu, or
COVID-19 symptoms, call Healthline 0800 358 5453 or call your GP. They
will tell you if you should get a COVID-19 test.
If you do need to visit an essential service like the supermarket
or pharmacy, the latest advice is to wear a face covering and keep two
metres distance from others. You can go for a walk, run, or bike ride
in your local area ensuring to keep two metres from anyone who isn’t
in your ‘bubble’.
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.
Please look after yourself and your family, and don’t hesitate to
contact me should you need anything.
Kind regards,
Nicola Grigg
http://nicolagrigg.national.org.nz/
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