I am becoming increasingly aware that far from being in control of the COVID-19 pandemic the Government, as in most areas of governance, is showing itself to be painfully lacking in the ability to do what is needed. It has got to the point where, unless you have a propensity for self-harm, the COVID-19 briefing on TV One is anything but a must-watch. The constant blatherings provided by those given the ghastly job, do nothing to instil confidence that everything that can be done is being done.
The Prime Minister still insists that we went early and we went hard. It beggars belief that she continually hammers this point when everyone knows the opposite is the case. This is borne out by the numbers we are now seeing. Only now is there talk of the testing being ramped up. Depending on your point of view this is either too late or better late than never.
The testing of incoming airline passengers has been woeful. My understanding is there has only been testing of those showing symptoms but we have been told that countless numbers can carry the virus without presenting any symptoms. Therefore, for the last month, all incoming passengers should have been tested. Updated figures show that of the approximately 5,100 arrivals from overseas last week 3,600 were not tested. The fact that they weren’t shows either a lax approach or a non-preparedness in terms of the equipment required.
Both could be to blame. Right from the start the Government, far from going early and hard, dithered. Unfortunately for Jacinda, although this was a health issue, it wasn’t one where hugs and kisses were allowed. I am sure had they been we would have immediately witnessed a mobile replica of Florence Nightingale moving amongst the sick. What they did move quickly on was the one thing they are good at, dishing out the equivalent of welfare cheques. In this case, they were needed and the Government should be given credit for ensuring prompt payment.
However, in virtually all other areas they are falling short. Answers given by Ministers to the Epidemic Response Committee are either given in general terms, eg. we can’t be specific, we’re looking at that, or we might look at that, or as in the case of Phil Twyford they have been, not unsurprisingly, contradictory. He said there was no evidence of price gouging but there was a means of reporting it and some people had. I also have reservations as to the capability of Health Minister David Clark. DHBs were in financial straits before this happened and now I read nurses are being abused because they’ve run out of the flu vaccine. Sheer incompetence. Listening to Newshub it’s a real mess.
The Prime Minister, due to her closing down of a fruit and vegetable shop in our rural community, has meant everyone is forced to drive fifteen to thirty minutes or more to the nearest supermarket, mingling with hundreds of others instead of just a few locally. The result is far more vehicle movements than would otherwise be the case.
In my view, she is also politicising the situation. The virus is known to create breathing difficulties but she allows a cigarette company to continue manufacturing with the lame excuse they supply supermarkets. I suspect the more likely reason is they supply her voter base. She, of course, is also very concerned about her Muslim friends and their situation with regard to halal meat. Mike Hosking also commented on the politicising, asking why the modelling the Government has relied on for this mess was not released publicly, asking is it right and how do we know?
To be fair, the Government are looking at implementing measures to help businesses and the overall economy. My fear is that they are not up to the task. I think those from the National Party on the Epidemic Response Committee are already making this apparent along with David Seymour. There is still confusion as to what constitutes an essential business.
My conclusion is that the government was largely unprepared for this event and, as a result, dithered. This does not bode well going forward.
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