This is a Twitter thread I wrote this morning in response to Laura Ingraham’s views on what’s going on down here in NZ. It won’t get any attention, but that’s ok. Its riddled with grammatical errors. This might be, too.
Whatever. I just wanted to get this off my chest so I could get back to relaxing and catching up on a few things while I have the time:
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I’m currently in #NewZealand in what @IngrahamAngle calls “quarantine camps”. I knew long before I returned to NZ, that this would be a requirement before I was allowed to move freely through the country.
I willingly, voluntarily entered what is actually known as Managed Isolation when I arrived in NZ. I gave up a small portion of my freedom for two weeks (just two weeks) to ensure that I was not bringing Covid here from the U.S.
I am more than happy to do my part to help keep all New Zealanders safe.
We are well looked after. I’m in a nice hotel room with one of the most comfortable beds. The food (three meals a day) is delicious and nutritious. I’m free to purchase more food or order what I need online and have it delivered. I want for nothing. Families stay together.
Everyone in isolation is making a small sacrifice to safeguard the freedom of the 4+ million other people who live here. In NZ, kids go to school, people go to work, go shopping, keep appointments. They gather with family and friends
Everyone working in these facilities, the hotel staff at every level, the military personnel, the nurses, the security personnel, is making a sacrifice and putting themselves at some risk to look after everyone in isolation.
The first word that comes to mind whenever I interact with staff is kindness. And then patience.
And then ease and simplicity. Information shared is clear and to the point. Every process, while necessarily taking some time and waiting, is uncomplicated. I could never thank all of these people enough for what they do.
I willingly submitted to a Covid test. More than happy to have that constant question, that doubt, taken from me.
Anyone who tests positive for Covid is taken to a quarantine facility where their health is monitored. If they need medical assistance, its provided. Once they have recovered (if symptomatic) and tested negative, they are free to go.
New Zealand has built systems to track the virus and take necessary steps to contain it when needed. That includes social safety nets to help the population
Has the New Zealand economy taken a hit over the past 8 months? Are people having a harder time getting by? Of course. Is there a country that hasn’t seen some economic downturn? Has the govt here made mistakes?
Yes. But from what I see, the NZ govt is learning as it goes and making needed corrections. And listening. The compassion is refreshing.
@IngrahamAngle and her ilk don’t know what it means to make small sacrifices for the greater good. They whine and tantrum throw at every perceived inconvenience.
They willingly give up freedoms to get what they want, while actually losing liberties at every turn. They have no sense of community. Such small efforts are needed to protect the vulnerable.
What’s going on in #NewZealand is hardly frightening or threatening. Its protective and caring. Managed Isolation is a small sacrifice to make to keep everyone here safe and healthy.
