The Post Covid Blues

Written By: - Date published: 2:01 pm, May 4th, 2020 - 26 comments
Categories: capitalism, class war, covid-19, health and safety, workers' rights - Tags: , ,

There are no new cases of Covid 19 in NZ today.

That’s a significant milestone in our fight against the virus. However, we’re not there yet, despite the ‘lets do level 2 now’ media release Simon Bridges’ staff are writing for him as we speak.

Cabinet are meeting today and are expected to spell out a more responsible and graduated path to the new normal.

As someone who makes part of his living in hospitality, I’m hanging out for the re-opening of cafes and pubs. However, the kind of greedy, self centred idiots we saw crowding an Auckland burger bar last week have probably cost me another week’s income.

I expect cabinet to announce that there will be a controlled and limited re-opening of social spaces, but not for a fortnight.

I reckon we have royally earned the chance to lift a pint again or sip an espresso.

But, please, people, take it easy. Keep your distance, wash your hands, and treat the staff with respect. We want hospitality, not more hospitalised victims, thanks.

And, if we don’t behave as adults, we will be back at Level 3 before we know it. And we do not want that.

UPDATE: The PM has said that there will be no immediate change to the nature of level 3, with a decision to be made next Monday about the next steps. Tomorrow, Jacinda Ardern makes some more history, attending by video a meeting of the Australian cabinet. I’d expect the trans Tasman bubble to be on the agenda.

26 comments on “The Post Covid Blues ”

  1. Ovid 1

    I am really proud of New Zealand today. I do expect to see the occasional new case pop up over coming days, but I think this is the first zero day of many more to come. I just hope we continue to remain vigilant.

  2. mickysavage 2

    Woohoo. Thanks everyone, particularly Jacinda and Ashley, but no reason to slack off…

  3. observer 3

    There will certainly be new cases. Not looking forward to the "Oh noes! Going backwards!" headlines when the DG announces them. Basic grasp of maths and science required.

    As for Level 2/3, it's not the rules, it's the people ignoring the rules. That is likely to happen much more in a casual, social setting than in a regulated environment (library, church, shop). I'd be fine with a carrot/stick combo: move to Level 2 on schedule for businesses etc that have processes to control the flow and proximity of people, but come down hard on those who don't or won't. Close them down, without punishing everyone else.

  4. mary_a 6

    Zero cases todayyes It's a step forward in the right direction.

    With the exception of those selfish ignorant fools breaking the rules to satisfy themselves, well done so far Aotearoa/NZ.

  5. bill 7

    self centred idiots we saw crowding an Auckland burger bar last week

    What? And is the same judgement to be thrown at those whose sense of familiarity and comfort comes from a latte?

    And why are kids looking for a 'burger hit' selfish and greedy? Those labels, if they're going to be handed out, ought surely to be hung on the business owners who opened up looking for a buck and gave not one toss over the fact they were operating in a way that trashed social distancing measures. (If they did, they would have closed their doors).

    On that front, I could also wonder if many fast food businesses are giving a crap about worker safety. I'll wager those burger and nugget orders won't be on any rejigged time schedule that takes the workers' social distancing into account – workers who were getting 80% of an already inadequate wage and who have essentially been arm twisted into the workforce again.

    By way of contrast, the professional middle classes aren't exactly beating down any doors to get back to the workplace – it seems they're happy enough to be esconced at home 'shifting widgets' on full pay, or for some, getting 80% of 'plenty enough' to not bother. (Many are probably ahead of the game given they don't have daily travel and/or parking and lunch expenses to deal with, yes?)

    So paint me surprised that the working class employed in the service sector were the first to be shoved into general contact, and not those professional office dwellers who have very limited exposure to the general public. Nothing odd about that being a way to 'test the waters' all things being equal – because bugger all is equal.

    • Descendant Of Smith 7.1

      "the professional middle classes aren't exactly beating down any doors to get back to the workplace"

      Some of them would have to leave their baches they've made their way to – apparently they have really good night vision some of them.

    • RedBaronCV 7.2

      +100%. I really doubt that too many of the upper level management in any of these burger chains did more than issue some useless pieces of paper and then demand the same or greater level of productivity without ever leaving their lovely little closed bubble. There should have been much stronger enforcement around shutting down the offenders as promptly as parks and other public gatherings were cleared.

      As for the bach dwellers – these are people with the money and other resources to know better and to have other choices. They deserve far more condemnation than some of the young and stupid.

      Personally I'd have been in favour of quite a few more permanent road blocks. Wairarapa wanted one one the rimutaka hill but it was denied.

  6. anker 8

    A real milestone!

    Incredible what NZders achieved lead by Jacinda and Ashleigh

  7. bwaghorn 9

    The squeaking from bridges and his parrots is going to be deafening tomorrow.

    Level to will very quickly decend into life as normal with regards to distancing etc .

    But it does appear we've knocked the bugger off .

    To you city people who truly were locked down (unlike us lucky country folk who had farms to roam on)

    I say your fucking o for awesome , I would hate to think how I would have coped .

  8. David Mac 10

    Of course it's early days but if we play our cards right we have the potential to attract all kinds of international Marquee attractions.

    I think it's a master stroke by Cindy and Ash, bring your FA Cup Final down here. Run an F1 event around Pukekohe, we got no 19 here.

    • Andre 10.1

      How long do you reckon we'd keep our USP of "no 'rona" if we have these massive events bringing lots of people here from infected places?

  9. Incognito 11

    Merely differences of opinions?

    The Prime Minister:

    Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says while Kiwis can take heart in recording no new cases of Covid-19 on Monday, she stresses that it was a reflection on the success of efforts at level 4, rather than level 3.

    Ardern told New Zealanders to stay the course as we could not afford to squander the good work when the end goal was so close.

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/300004326/coronavirus-jacinda-ardern-says-zero-cases-reflects-success-at-level-4-not-level-3

    The Epidemiologist:

    One epidemiologist says having no new cases strengthens the argument to be in level two.

    https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/simon-thornley-zero-cases-supports-argument-to-enter-level-two/

    The Leader of the Opposition:

    "This has gone on too long," he told Newshub. "We need to get New Zealand working again. Quite simply we've got to end lockdown because it's so much easier to keep someone in a job."

    https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2020/05/coronavirus-bridges-urges-shift-to-level-2-saying-more-covid-19-cases-possible-at-any-alert-level.html

    The Show Host:

    Until there's a vaccine, people will keep on dying, new cases will pop up, people will recover and life goes on.

    The alert levels worked going into lockdown, but they're now irrelevant and worse, could be making us sicker.

    https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2020/05/duncan-garner-the-covid-19-alert-levels-are-now-irrelevant-and-level-3-is-the-worst.html

    Was going to post this in OM but why not under this Post?

    • I guess the PM has a wide variety of opinions put to her, Incognito, though I reckon the advice of Ashley Bloomfield trumps the rest.

      I was optimistic that we would be given a heads up on the next step yesterday, though I gather the decision about the shape of Level 2 was made in the cabinet meeting. Looking at the nay sayers (or now sayers in National's case), it looks to me that the Government is simply following its own strategy and Staying the Course.

      • Incognito 11.1.1

        Indeed, the PM (and Dr Bloomfield) takes advice from a range of experts and has to weigh many consequences. The Leader of the Opposition is not walking in her shoes. The PM made that very clear today during QT.

        The other two I mentioned have very different agendas and responsibilities.

        AFAIK, the PM will give an outline of Level 2 this Thursday and Cabinet will make a decision on Monday. I’d say it is looking encouraging so fingers crossed.

    • peterh 11.2

      And that is why people a not sticking to the rules, they think the wankers that think we should be in leval 2know more than Bloomfeild

      • peterh 11.2.1

        Could someone tell these fools Ausse infection rate going up every day for last 5 days

  10. David Mac 12

    Anybody that ever studied USP tips their hat to the concept.

    A 'Unique Selling Point', something that makes me want to dismiss others and shop with you.

    If we got no 19 down here we're sitting on a major USP.

  11. Bridges seems to think that we open and the jobs will be there. He completely ignores what is happening elsewhere. In any situation 10% of people think the rules don't matter or that they can bend them "Because". Australia has instant fines of $1000. We could have done that with the money going to Food banks or Refuges

    People not at their usual home going to batches or remote places?…. My husband's brother did this, going to his new pad on Waiheke. We were shocked as this is not where they live. They felt smug to have done this before lock down. Stupid isn't just the young.

    • Tricledrown 13.1

      We have similar fines here to but Australia spends far more on public healthcare 30% to 40% more not to mention private healthcare probably double what we do.

      But even Australia has had trouble with Covid 19 breaking out in the most unlikely places and ways.Their infection rate on the same methodology as ours is 10% higher than us.

  12. Tricledrown 14

    Australia charges those without a medicre card have pay to be tested

  13. Ad 15

    Zero new cases two days in a row!

    C'mon team we're doing good.

  14. "We are doing this!! So let's see it through as a team."

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the Philippines
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.  The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 hours ago
  • Government commits $20m to Westport flood protection
    The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    9 hours ago
  • Taupō takes pole position
    The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    11 hours ago
  • Cost of living support for low-income homeowners
    Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners.  “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    12 hours ago
  • Government backing mussel spat project
    The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    13 hours ago
  • Government focused on getting people into work
    Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    16 hours ago
  • Clean energy key driver to reducing emissions
    The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    17 hours ago
  • Earthquake-prone buildings review brought forward
    The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    21 hours ago
  • Thailand and NZ to agree to Strategic Partnership
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Government consults on extending coastal permits for ports
    RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Inflation coming down, but more work to do
    Today’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • School attendance restored as a priority in health advice
    Refreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Unnecessary bureaucracy cut in oceans sector
    Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Patterson promoting NZ’s wool sector at International Congress
    Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is speaking at the International Wool Textile Organisation Congress in Adelaide, promoting New Zealand wool, and outlining the coalition Government’s support for the revitalisation the sector.    "New Zealand’s wool exports reached $400 million in the year to 30 June 2023, and the coalition Government ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Removing red tape to help early learners thrive
    The Government is making legislative changes to make it easier for new early learning services to be established, and for existing services to operate, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. The changes involve repealing the network approval provisions that apply when someone wants to establish a new early learning service, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • RMA changes to cut coal mining consent red tape
    Changes to the Resource Management Act will align consenting for coal mining to other forms of mining to reduce barriers that are holding back economic development, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The inconsistent treatment of coal mining compared with other extractive activities is burdensome red tape that fails to acknowledge ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • McClay reaffirms strong NZ-China trade relationship
    Trade, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has concluded productive discussions with ministerial counterparts in Beijing today, in support of the New Zealand-China trade and economic relationship. “My meeting with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao reaffirmed the complementary nature of the bilateral trade relationship, with our Free Trade Agreement at its ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Prime Minister Luxon acknowledges legacy of Singapore Prime Minister Lee
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon today paid tribute to Singapore’s outgoing Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.   Meeting in Singapore today immediately before Prime Minister Lee announced he was stepping down, Prime Minister Luxon warmly acknowledged his counterpart’s almost twenty years as leader, and the enduring legacy he has left for Singapore and South East ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • PMs Luxon and Lee deepen Singapore-NZ ties
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. While in Singapore as part of his visit to South East Asia this week, Prime Minister Luxon also met with Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and will meet with Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.  During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Antarctica New Zealand Board appointments
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has made further appointments to the Board of Antarctica New Zealand as part of a continued effort to ensure the Scott Base Redevelopment project is delivered in a cost-effective and efficient manner.  The Minister has appointed Neville Harris as a new member of the Board. Mr ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Finance Minister travels to Washington DC
    Finance Minister Nicola Willis will travel to the United States on Tuesday to attend a meeting of the Five Finance Ministers group, with counterparts from Australia, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.  “I am looking forward to meeting with our Five Finance partners on how we can work ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Pet bonds a win/win for renters and landlords
    The coalition Government has today announced purrfect and pawsitive changes to the Residential Tenancies Act to give tenants with pets greater choice when looking for a rental property, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Pets are important members of many Kiwi families. It’s estimated that around 64 per cent of New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Long Tunnel for SH1 Wellington being considered
    State Highway 1 (SH1) through Wellington City is heavily congested at peak times and while planning continues on the duplicate Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve project, the Government has also asked NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) to consider and provide advice on a Long Tunnel option, Transport Minister Simeon Brown ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • New Zealand condemns Iranian strikes
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters have condemned Iran’s shocking and illegal strikes against Israel.    “These attacks are a major challenge to peace and stability in a region already under enormous pressure," Mr Luxon says.    "We are deeply concerned that miscalculation on any side could ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Huge interest in Government’s infrastructure plans
    Hundreds of people in little over a week have turned out in Northland to hear Regional Development Minister Shane Jones speak about plans for boosting the regional economy through infrastructure. About 200 people from the infrastructure and associated sectors attended an event headlined by Mr Jones in Whangarei today. Last ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Health Minister thanks outgoing Health New Zealand Chair
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has today thanked outgoing Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora Chair Dame Karen Poutasi for her service on the Board.   “Dame Karen tendered her resignation as Chair and as a member of the Board today,” says Dr Reti.  “I have asked her to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Roads of National Significance planning underway
    The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has signalled their proposed delivery approach for the Government’s 15 Roads of National Significance (RoNS), with the release of the State Highway Investment Proposal (SHIP) today, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.  “Boosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of the Government’s plan to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Navigating an unstable global environment
    New Zealand is renewing its connections with a world facing urgent challenges by pursuing an active, energetic foreign policy, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.   “Our country faces the most unstable global environment in decades,” Mr Peters says at the conclusion of two weeks of engagements in Egypt, Europe and the United States.    “We cannot afford to sit back in splendid ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • NZ welcomes Australian Governor-General
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced the Australian Governor-General, His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley and his wife Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley, will make a State visit to New Zealand from Tuesday 16 April to Thursday 18 April. The visit reciprocates the State visit of former Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Pseudoephedrine back on shelves for Winter
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced that Medsafe has approved 11 cold and flu medicines containing pseudoephedrine. Pharmaceutical suppliers have indicated they may be able to supply the first products in June. “This is much earlier than the original expectation of medicines being available by 2025. The Government recognised ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • NZ and the US: an ever closer partnership
    New Zealand and the United States have recommitted to their strategic partnership in Washington DC today, pledging to work ever more closely together in support of shared values and interests, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “The strategic environment that New Zealand and the United States face is considerably more ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Joint US and NZ declaration
    April 11, 2024 Joint Declaration by United States Secretary of State the Honorable Antony J. Blinken and New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs the Right Honourable Winston Peters We met today in Washington, D.C. to recommit to the historic partnership between our two countries and the principles that underpin it—rule ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • NZ and US to undertake further practical Pacific cooperation
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced further New Zealand cooperation with the United States in the Pacific Islands region through $16.4 million in funding for initiatives in digital connectivity and oceans and fisheries research.   “New Zealand can achieve more in the Pacific if we work together more urgently and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Government redress for Te Korowai o Wainuiārua
    The Government is continuing the bipartisan effort to restore its relationship with iwi as the Te Korowai o Wainuiārua Claims Settlement Bill passed its first reading in Parliament today, says Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith. “Historical grievances of Te Korowai o Wainuiārua relate to 19th century warfare, land purchased or taken ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Focus on outstanding minerals permit applications
    New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals is working to resolve almost 150 outstanding minerals permit applications by the end of the financial year, enabling valuable mining activity and signalling to the sector that New Zealand is open for business, Resources Minister Shane Jones says.  “While there are no set timeframes for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Applications open for NZ-Ireland Research Call
    The New Zealand and Irish governments have today announced that applications for the 2024 New Zealand-Ireland Joint Research Call on Agriculture and Climate Change are now open. This is the third research call in the three-year Joint Research Initiative pilot launched in 2022 by the Ministry for Primary Industries and Ireland’s ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Tenancy rules changes to improve rental market
    The coalition Government has today announced changes to the Residential Tenancies Act to encourage landlords back to the rental property market, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “The previous Government waged a war on landlords. Many landlords told us this caused them to exit the rental market altogether. It caused worse ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Boosting NZ’s trade and agricultural relationship with China
    Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay will visit China next week, to strengthen relationships, support Kiwi exporters and promote New Zealand businesses on the world stage. “China is one of New Zealand’s most significant trade and economic relationships and remains an important destination for New Zealand’s products, accounting for nearly 22 per cent of our good and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Freshwater farm plan systems to be improved
    The coalition Government intends to improve freshwater farm plans so that they are more cost-effective and practical for farmers, Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay have announced. “A fit-for-purpose freshwater farm plan system will enable farmers and growers to find the right solutions for their farm ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New Fast Track Projects advisory group named
    The coalition Government has today announced the expert advisory group who will provide independent recommendations to Ministers on projects to be included in the Fast Track Approvals Bill, say RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones. “Our Fast Track Approval process will make it easier and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-04-18T14:11:17+00:00