Increased demand for the 2500 Pacific nurses across the country to work during the Covid-19 crisis has meant the Pasifika community is being well looked after, says a senior nursing director.

A Pasifika health boss in New Zealand is warning of the importance of keeping on top of the medical requirements of older family members.

Samoan grandmother Christina Toleafoa, who is currently being treated for cancer, is like many in the community who is concerned with the threat of Covid-19.

“I’m not lonely but I am alone,” says JaeD Victor, describing what it’s like during the Covid-19 lockdown period while living alone.

For three Fijian youngsters – Zion, Israel and Jeda’iah – there’s been a silver lining during the Covid-19 lock down period – no school.

Samoan GP Dr Maryann Heather has been working extremely long hours on the frontline during the Covid-19 crisis, tending to patients at the South Seas Clinic in Otara.

The latest data from the Pasifika Medical Association through Pasifika Futures – the Whānau Ora commissioning agency for Pacific families – shows that 7,692 Covid-19 Support Packages have been delivered to families across New Zealand since the mandatory lock down was announced. A total of 7,497 families have received the packages, supporting 40,231 individuals.

A Foundation North grant of $100,000 was made to Pasifika Futures this month to support the current Covid-19 Packages of Support that are currently being distributed to vulnerable Pacific families in Auckland.

The Pasifika Medical Association through Pasifika Futures (PFL) – the Whānau Ora commissioning agency – is aware of multiple Pacific groups currently displaced in New Zealand due to the nation’s level four lockdown and the closures of neighbouring Pacific borders. The organisation has been working with their Covid-19 Support Partners across the country to ensure these groups are being kept safe and are supported during the lockdown.

With many office workers forced to work from home during the Covid-19 crisis, it’s important that good posture and work conditions are maintained to prevent serious injuries, says a leading Pacific physiotherapist.

A total of 5166 Covid-19 Support Packages have been delivered to vulnerable families across New Zealand, providing support to 27,829 individuals. Eighty-two percent of families who received support packages reside in the North Island.

The COVID-19 testing station in Otara has become one of the busiest in Auckland, with large numbers from the Pacific community getting tested since the facility opened on Saturday 4 April.