Everyone concerned enough to be tested for Covid should likewise be concerned enough to be vaccinated. Photo / Brett Phibbs, File
How excellent it would be if the thousands of people queuing up for Covid testing could show the same enthusiasm and attend vaccination centres for their "jab" - thereby helping everyone else in New Zealand?
With a large outbreak of the virus in Melbourne, people in intensive care, with some dying, have too late, sadly been begging for vaccination. This provides a simple message, to those in New Zealand not vaccinated. They are playing "Russian roulette" with their lives.
The ridiculous situation of those resisting vaccination is that, unknown to them in early childhood, most had multiple vaccinations against the common childhood illnesses that used to haunt our society. How fortunate they were.
It is long past the time, except in exceptional circumstances, for everyone to be double-vaccinated.
Dr Hylton Le Grice, Remuera
Inconvincibles
Esther Haver (NZ Herald, October 4) is spot on when she writes: "The people who choose not to be vaccinated do not read the NZ Herald or watch the news..."
They do not read reputable newspapers because they are "part of the conspiracy" or "have their own agendas". I have tried to dissuade several of them from this point of view but it is like talking to a brick wall. Their prejudices are part of their security blankets.
They insist that they have arrived at their anti-vaccination stand because they have thoroughly researched the subject. What a joke this is.
Given the importance of getting at least 90 per cent of our population double-vaccinated, I am in favour of some form of compulsion. Our health and our economy demand this.
Roger Fea, Pāpāmoa.
What science knows
Raglan has a reputation as an anti-vax community. This reputation was deserved. We even managed to fill the town hall to hear Billy Te Kahika.
It is now reassuring to note our community rallying to be tested and vaccinated. I estimate the car line to the testing station on Monday to be 400m long. The car line to get vaccinated at Raglan Area School was about 100m long. The school principal, Louisa Barham was welcoming people. Good on her.
Perhaps more of our community and around New Zealand are realising that science never has to shout or hold a placard, especially in the Covid crisis we are all in.
Steve Horne, Raglan.
Freedom for all
There are any number of mandated behaviours already in place in New Zealand. Road rules are a obvious example, the side of the road we drive on is not a personal choice as are road signs and traffic lights. We also do not have a choice if we wish to pay taxes or not. My concern is that these misinformed unvaccinated folk are quick to rock up to hospitals when sick, and will start to fill up the hospital beds pushing out those vaccinated people who have serious injury or illness. We, the vaccinated, have endured a lot in Auckland in the main part lately due to the unvaccinated. Freedom is only freedom within limitations, or one impinges on the freedom of others.
Marie White, Pukekohe.
Chocks away
It is very commendable that Air New Zealand says only fully vaccinated people will be able to fly on their aircraft. This seems sensible and logical. It also sends a great message for people to stop procrastinating and get the jab.
Why on earth though, would they say the policy will only come into effect in February of next year? Surely this could be implemented immediately or at the very least on November 1st?
People don't need five months to get vaccinated. They can do it today or tomorrow. It's never been easier.
Glen Stanton, Mairangi Bay.
Missed chance
After creating a culture of fear (stay in your bubble!) for the past eight weeks, there has been a u-turn on messaging and plan. We are now expected to be okay with the sudden change and the risks to our under 5-year-old (unvaccinated) children.
No admission that elimination is now impossible, despite our sacrifices, nor an apology for squandering an amazing opportunity to quash the virus had we stayed in level 4 for another week or two. Disappointed and disheartened.
Andrea Downs, Parnell.
Level tweak
Remember the Claytons advertisement: "The drink you're having when you're not having a drink"?
What the Prime Minister announced as Lockdown 2.9 is the Claytons version of a level reduction.
Most will see the announcement is a sop to those who have been demanding a down level and an overt political attempt to head off further disobedience and to hide the fact the Government has failed in its most recent attempt to contain the virus in the community and MIQ.
Rod Lyons, Kumeu.
Help each other
Cartoons often confirm what we're all thinking about current situations.
Thanks to Guy Body (NZ Herald, October 4) we see the ridiculous stance of a self-styled church leader endangering the future of his followers - a destiny we, as the team of five million, are working patiently to protect.
As Christians, we seek to follow teachings that are very clear; love your neighbour, care for the disadvantaged, do nothing to cause others to stumble.
In Auckland, we now have a road map and a toolkit to fight the virus. Let's get on with it.
Diana Burslem, Karaka.
Gotcha moment
The recent protest by some guy that drew in some 2000 people - many, I assume, unvaccinated - was a perfect opportunity missed.
There should have been a couple of the vaccination buses there to offer the hesitant and slack the chance to get done.
I hope this will be done at the next protest.
Brian Gore, Pyes Pa.
No business
Sir Ian Taylor's plan for managing Covid border protection is clear and practical. More importantly, it looks far safer than the present MIQ system, which has had its share of failures.
I wonder why the cause of the lockdowns in February and August this year have never been explained to us? Is this because they would expose poor management of MIQ?
The sad question is why does the Government refuse to accept any ideas or help from experienced business people?
Janie Weir, Newmarket.
On stages
I would much rather support my local businesses than go hunting or on a picnic. Richard Murray, Henderson.
It is unbelievable that the Government can come up with little else in Step One for Auckland than playdates in the park and picnics on the beach. These people are running our country. Help. Janet Boyle, Ōrewa.
On vaccine
The easiest way to "encourage" people to become vaccinated would be to allow only vaccinated people into supermarkets. Ray Peel, St Heliers.
How about: No vax - no media coverage? P K Ellwood, Beach Haven.
On Tamaki
Around 2000 people rallied at Tamaki's event on the weekend but more than 40,000 people have signed a petition to have him charged. That's an epic fail. Glenn Forsyth, Taupō.
On name
Forget becoming Aotearoa, New Zealand has become Hotel California: "You can check-out any time you like, but you can never leave." Martin Adlington, Browns Bay.
Easing restrictions
Feels like I have been slapped with a wet bus ticket. Give us a date Jacinda, at least NSW and the UK had or have a date. You give us nothing, yet our case numbers are the lowest in the world. David Q.
Elimination is dead, long live elimination. How long did it take to admit what everyone already knew, and Ardern's denials just lost her credibility. This will upset many of her supporters, but seems to be a clear reality, vaccinate or face the (Covid) consequences. Kim C.
What a joke. Great plan, clear as mud. We are still being held hostage by anti-vaxxers and vaccine-hesitant. No guidelines for businesses or any certainty of anything. Gary R.
So we have a slight change to Level 3 which most were already doing, by meeting outside, and then two more Level 2s with no dates. Ridiculous. Jacinda Ardern calls this a "plan"? Steve S.
It's Level 3, only with picnics. Lame. Ray S.
Totally ridiculous policy decision. Far too complicated! No other country has made such a complicated plan. Perhaps Gladys could immigrate here and take over the ship which is quickly sinking? Elizabeth J.
Is this the best they could do? This is not going to satisfy people in Auckland. Level 3 for at least three more weeks with sweeteners. Judith B.
I think the roadmap ran out of paper. Stephen P.
'You don’t want to be doom and gloom your whole life. That's just a miserable way to live'