Covid 19 coronavirus: Grey Power group tells senior Hawke's Bay residents to stay at home

Hawkes Bay Today

8 Apr, 2020 04:54 AM2 mins to read

Taradale Senior Citizens President Isabel Wood said it is seniors' responsibility to stay at home during the Covid-19 pandemic. Photo / Supplied

Senior residents of Hawke's Bay are reiterating the importance of staying at home during the Covid-19 pandemic.

It was something that had "never been more important", Napier and Districts Grey Power President Bruce Carnegie said.

Carnegie said senior citizens may feel fit and healthy, but were in the highest Covid-19 risk category.

Napier and Districts Grey Power President Bruce Carnegie said part of staying at home was a responsibility to model correct behaviour to younger people. Photo / Supplied

"Frontline services are risking their lives to keep us safe, and the least we can do is follow their advice and not be seen out shopping.

"We also have a responsibility to model appropriate behaviour to younger people by staying home. How can we criticise them for breaking out of their bubble if we are ignoring the public health messages and going shopping on pension day, as if nothing has changed?

Carnegie asked people to not go to the supermarket when they get their pension this week.

"There are well-organised reputable welfare services operating in Hawke's Bay who will do all that for you," he said recommending those in need of assistance call the Age Concern hub on 0800 243 266.

Taradale Senior Citizens President Isabel Wood agrees and said it was seniors' responsibility to stay home.

"Police, supermarket workers, truckies, doctors and nurses are some of the heroes who our lives depend on.

"They appreciate how special we seniors are and are doing all they can to keep us alive.

"It's our responsibility to do our bit and stay home," she said.

Napier City Councillor Maxine Boag, who is in her 70s, urged seniors to stay home.

"It will save lives," she said.

She has been conscientious about staying home since level 2 and has been meeting with other councillors on Skype and Zoom.

"We all have a role to play, even if it looks like we're doing nothing," she said.

Both Grey Power and Taradale Senior Citizens have emailed or rung all their members and found them to be in good spirits and committing to staying home until the lockdown ceases.