Stuff Digital Edition

Carry on and be kind, says Nelson community

Carly Gooch carly.gooch@stuff.co.nz

As Nelson announces more positive Covid cases, the community is coming to terms with reality that the virus is on their doorstep.

On Thursday, the number of cases in the region rose to 14. The first case since 2020 was announced on Monday, and on Wednesday that number grew to four, with a further 10 on Thursday.

Ministry of Health data shows 85 per cent of Nelson Marlborough is fully vaccinated, with 92 per cent having their first dose, but there is still a lot of anxiety and worry in the community.

Stuff took to the streets of Nelson to test the mood.

Angela Hunter said she was ‘‘just a little bit more aware of it now’’ and was being more diligent when it came to taking precautions compared to when there were no cases in Nelson.

However, it was inevitable Covid would come, she said.

Natalie Bird had biked to the supermarket to get dog bones to distract her pet while she was working from home, she said.

‘‘It seems to be hitting home for people. It’s a real concern, and it’s now here on our doorstep.’’

She said she was keen to do what she could to protect herself and those around her, including being fully vaccinated and wearing a mask in public.

Anne Purvis said she knew it was going to come, ‘‘I just didn’t realise it was going to be this soon’’.

She was ‘‘a little bit anxious’’ due to having a young child ineligible for vaccination.

She wished school would finish up for the year so families could ‘‘manage our holidays ourselves’’.

‘‘We’re okay, we’ll just trudge on, just be aware of it, and carry on.’’ She said Auckland had done it tough ‘‘so it’s probably our turn now’’.

Lauren Wilson’s reason for getting out was to buy ‘‘treats’’ from the supermarket for the festive season.

She said the effects of Covid-19 were out of our control. ‘‘If you’re going to live, you’ll live, if you’re going to die, you’ll die. It’s really up to the Lord.’’

Meanwhile, Anne and Michael Doyle said they had just received their booster shots.

Michael said they were ‘‘not happy’’ about the cases in Nelson, but hoped the virus would be contained.

‘‘I’m sure everyone is doing their best, but it is a worry.’’

Anne said life would change considerably with Covid arriving but having their third jab, the couple was ‘‘all OK and good to go’’.

Others wanted to remind the community that it was a time to show kindness to others.

‘‘Respect one another,’’ said Michael Tei, who was trying to carry on the best he could.

Tracey Deane was getting a few groceries for an elderly neighbour and said everyone needed to ‘‘look after one another, be kind. Be courteous’’.

‘‘It’s something we’re going to have to live with now.’’

News

en-nz

2021-12-04T08:00:00.0000000Z

2021-12-04T08:00:00.0000000Z

https://fairfaxmedia.pressreader.com/article/281646783423887

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