Senior Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) member Dr Collin Tukuitonga has urged the Pacific community to keep using the NZ Covid Tracer application as the country transitions to Alert Level Three for Auckland and Alert Level Two for the rest of the country.
When speaking with Dr Tukuitonga, he used the recent Northland case as an example of the effectiveness and efficiency of using the NZ COVID Tracer app. Dr Tukuitonga recognised the infected woman’s diligence after she completed her two-week quarantine as she used the NZ COVID Tracer app and visited 32 locations over nine days, which included cafes and supermarkets. Because of this, health officials were able to track her movements quickly and notify those who may have come in contact with her immediately.
In light of the current Alert Level changes for Auckland and the rest of the country, Dr Tukuitonga says the woman’s actions demonstrate how effective the NZ COVID Tracer app is and encourages the Pacific community to keep using it whether you are at Alert Level Three or at Alert Level Two with greater access to churches and other public venues.
“She has taught us all a lesson about using the NZ COVID Tracer app and its effectiveness.
As we have seen, after she had left the isolation hotel, she travelled around and visited several places. It would have been impossible for her to remember all the cafes and stores that she visited and the days and times.
It re-emphasises to our people why we should remember to use the app. It’s summer, it’s the holidays and people are having a good time and the last thing that they want to remember is using the app. But this current change in Alert Levels shows why it’s very important.”
Dr Tukuitonga also reiterates the importance of following further health guidelines, such as wearing masks, washing hands regularly and getting a Covid-19 test if experiencing symptoms, like coughing and a fever.
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Date: Monday 15 February 2021