Letters to the editor: We need to home the homeless to protect everyone

We need to house the homeless in order to protect each other in this pandemic, says a reader. Photo / Getty Images

I read the Premium Debate (Opinion, December 1) in which most correspondents bemoan the use of motels to house the homeless in Rotorua.

I was interested to note that of the 15 correspondents, only two made any reference to the fact that we are living in a global pandemic.

Since the end of World War II in 1945, a generation of New Zealanders has led, generally speaking, sheltered and protected lives, in comparison to other OECD countries.

Now, however, we are faced with the task of housing large numbers of homeless and vulnerable people, some losing a home for as simple a reason as a spike in their weekly rent.

This is required to protect not only the homeless but other New Zealanders, in a pandemic environment.

In my view, correspondents should be thankful that we have a Government with a desire to protect New Zealanders from the perils of not only Covid 19 but also the looming risk of the Omicron variant, which, inevitably, will arrive on our shores.

Jackie Evans
Pukehangi

No alternative

In the several groups to which I belong, the question often comes up: What to do about attending if you are not vaccinated?

Most people I come across are vaccinated, most having had two jabs, some even have had the booster already.

The problem crops up when one or two have not been able, for various reasons.

This is unfortunate. Most of these people are nice, wholesome, law-abiding citizens.

They are good people, friendly, gentlefolk, but, without a vaccination, they present a real and present danger to the rest of us, who, although fully vaccinated, may still be able to carry the virus to others, vulnerable elderly and many youngsters.

For this reason alone it is essential that unless you have a dire medical reason to not be, you must get vaccinated - or, sadly, stay well away from those who have.

There is no alternative.

Jim Adams
Rotorua

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