Covirus 19 coronavirus: deaths show Kiwis ‘agitated and bored’ why blockade remains crucial

Covid-19-related deaths show the importance of an increasingly “agitated, frustrated, and bored” audience that sticks to the closing rules, experts say.

Clinical psychologist Jacqui Maguire said the four deaths so far, two of which were announced today, underscored the need not to start ignoring the restrictions and move away from the “bubble” of social contact.

“It could be assumed that declining daily numbers of Covid-19 cases will act as a collective motivational boost … for some, this positive reinforcement will help them stay on track.”

“However, these projected victories also coincide with the ‘middle ground’ of our four-week lockdown and Easter weekend. A period where many now agitated, frustrated and bored Kiwis are experiencing real loss: no family reunions at the bach, religious gatherings or community egg hunts.

“There is a risk that these declining case numbers will provide a false sense of security … moreover, with the four deaths in the age group over 70, useless beliefs that Covid-19 is just a risk for ‘them’ – the elderly – not ‘us’ can be strengthened. “

Dr. Dougal Sutherland, a clinical psychologist at Victoria University of Wellington and Umbrella Health, said the anxiety generated by the deaths could be helpful.

“Anxiety tells us that there may be danger present and that we must take steps to reduce our risk. And right now our anxiety is real and we must listen to it.”

“Our work is not yet over. The lives of the vulnerable and the elderly depend on us staying home in our bubble. We must listen to our anxiety and then choose to respond, not with fear or suspicion, but with kindness and compassion.”

Associate Professor Arindam Basu of the University of Canterbury School of Health Sciences said the deaths announced today were a “clear reminder” of why the blockade was crucial.

Growing numbers in Singapore showed that, in the absence of complete mitigation, the virus would keep coming back, and that should make officials think long before schools reopen.

“With no effective drugs and vaccines in sight, we will have to step forward and strive to stay the course: stay indoors, wear protective gear when we need to be outside, be very careful with our elderly and those with predisposing conditions” .

“In particular, we must be especially careful with situations and homes where children and the elderly (over 65 years old) live together and have the possibility of mixing, so before reopening schools and kindergartens, these factors should possibly stay perspective. “

• Covid19.govt.nz – The official government Covid-19 advisory website

Public Health Director Caroline McElnay confirmed the two new deaths at a press conference today, saying they were both elderly and had underlying health conditions.

One was a man in his 80s who passed away at Wellington Public Hospital yesterday. He first felt bad on March 26 and was admitted to the hospital two days later.

The second was a man in his 70s who died at Burwood Hospital, Christchurch, after being among the transferred group from the Rosewood Rest Home to isolate himself from other residents.