Last week I printed that John was asking questions which many older members of our community are asking. Here’s the questions again:
The omicron virus has arrived and apparently, it’s going to get much worse before it starts getting better. It’s all going to happen very soon and very quickly so here are a few questions that come to mind
How will people of the older generations living on their own or with a partner but no family and who are not used to modern technology keep up to date with what’s going on?
- Will they know if they are symptomatic – to most of us that’s a new word
- Will they know they should have a test if they are symptomatic?
- Will they know where to go and what to do if they need a test?
- Will there be assistance if they need transport?
- Will they be visited at their home regularly and by whom?
- What plans have been made to check the welfare of old people living on their own?
- Many of us older people have lived through WW11 and pandemics (yes we have had them before) this is not new.
- One thing that disgusts me is listing to our politicians with their party political ramblings when they should be all working together to lead us through this pandemic and get us back to some kind of normality as soon as possible.
I received an email from the CDHB (after closing time) on Thursday saying that they would reply to me sometime next week. I replied as soon as I received it that there’s a supposed epidemic coming our way and simple answers should surely be available before the Tuesday Club notes are sent out this weekend.
Just after 5 on Friday I received another email from the “Senior Media Advisor” from the “Communications” team at CDHB saying:
Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to get the response to your questions fully signed out today. I will be back in touch on Tuesday once I have everything pulled together for you.
Is this how the CDHB responds to queries? What needs to be “fully signed out” for these simple questions?
Sorry John. You will have to wait another week to get an answer to all your questions. The CDHB is too busy to answer them. I guess CDHB don’t see old people are an issue which needs urgent answers.
I received a response from somebody from a community agency who offered her suggested answers:
- How will people of the older generations living on their own or with a partner but no family and who are not used to modern technology keep up to date with what’s going on?
- This is a good idea for the student volunteer army. You could suggest this to them as they have done similar things in the past.
- Will they know if they are symptomatic – to most of us that’s a new word
- CDHB’s advice is sore or scratchy throat and a runny nose: https://www.facebook.com/CanterburyHealthSystem/posts/309704944531600
- Some other symptoms found here: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/covid-19-omicron-sore-throat-most-common-symptom-that-could-be-warning-youre-infected/344GJ5YJL7LCWAGNWJGZ22VWAQ/
- Will they know they should have a test if they are symptomatic?
- Again, as per CDHB’s Facebook post today, if someone has a sore or scratchy throat and a runny nose they should get tested
- Will they know where to go and what to do if they need a test?
- Canterbury testing locations: https://www.healthpoint.co.nz/covid-19/canterbury/
- Will there be assistance if they need transport?
- Need CDHB official comment
- Will they be visited at their home regularly and by whom?
- Need CDHB official comment
- What plans have been made to check the welfare of old people living on their own?
- Need CDHB official comment
- Should retired people go into voluntary lockdown to protect the workers who we all need?
- I doubt CDHB will comment on that, but my personal view is that it is not necessary.
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