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This story was originally published on RNZ.co.nz and republished with permission.
The head of New Zealand’s largest Pacific health service says that the Pasifika community is not only at the center of this latest Covid-19 outbreak, it is most likely the hardest hit financially.
Pasifika Futures
Tevita Funaki.
There are now at least 131 active Covid cases with 11 people in hospital due to the Auckland outbreak.
Fono Executive Director Tevita Funaki says they are mobilizing medical support and other resources for Pacific families who have tested positive, including those with whom they have been in close contact.
“We only provide these families with basic needs, such as food. We are also analyzing an assessment of the difficulties with these families, whether they are close contacts (with those who tested positive) or whether they are members of these families,” said.
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“I think the economic impact on the Pasifika families will be quite high. People are losing their jobs and working in industries that will have a great impact on them.”
With the alert level due to drop from level 3 to level 2 at midnight on Sunday, Tevita Funaki says that Fono will continue to help those affected by the pandemic in the community.
The Fono has almost 260 references for Pasifika families who tested positive for the coronavirus and their close contacts.
Funaki said his staff is in daily contact with those who have tested positive. These people need reassurance and comfort during this difficult time.
“Families are nervous and there is a level of anxiety there,” he continued.
“They need to know that this is not their fault. They should be applauded for getting tested and protecting our community.
“We are here to make sure that families are well and that their financial and personal needs are met during this time.”
Funaki said Whānau Ora’s provider assisted with contact tracing and mobile testing, visiting homes and examining people who had been in close contact with those who tested positive.
For the 259 families forced into self-isolation and quarantine, he said the Fono is accessing each family and providing the various resources they need.
“Because these families have to stay at home, they can’t go out and shop. So part of the immediate assessment is basic needs like food, so we provide them with food packages so they can survive.
“The next concern is not being able to work and worrying about paying bills. We can provide immediate financial support until we can connect them with services that can help them in the long run.”
Funaki said that the Fono can also help families with children by providing diapers, disinfectant products and resources to help with their remote learning.
The government said it continues to work with Maori and Pacific agencies in Auckland to ensure communities have the best possible health outcomes.
This story was originally published on RNZ.co.nz and republished with permission.
