Source: New Zealand Parliament – Hansard
ORAL QUESTIONS
QUESTIONS TO MINISTERS
Question No. 1—Health
1. WILLOW-JEAN PRIME (Labour) to the Minister of Health: What is the Government doing to keep the public informed of the steps they can take to protect themselves against COVID-19?
Hon Dr DAVID CLARK (Minister of Health): Yesterday, I launched the Unite against COVID-19 public health campaign, alongside the influenza vaccination drive. The $10 million COVID-19 public health campaign has a simple call to action. It asks New Zealanders to support each other and to do everything they can to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Willow-Jean Prime: What does the public health campaign ask people to do?
Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: The campaign has four very simple messages that everyone needs to follow. Firstly, wash your hands with soap for 20 seconds, then dry them. Do this often. This kills the virus by bursting its protective bubble. Secondly, stay home if you’re sick. If you have a fever, a cough, shortness of breath, sneezing, or a runny nose, don’t go to work or school. Thirdly, self-isolate for 14 days if you have been overseas or if you have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19. And fourthly, be kind. Check in on your neighbours, especially older or vulnerable people. Make sure they have what they need to get through this.
Willow-Jean Prime: How will people hear or see these public health messages?
Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: Every single New Zealander must and will see these messages. We have an initial spend of around $10 million to ensure this happens. The campaign began yesterday and is already appearing on social media, radio, TV, in newspapers, and on billboards, and will increase in coming days.
