Zizi Sparks: Covid 19 coronavirus Delta variant: Lockdown should be extended by week at a time

Jacinda Ardern needs to extend lockdown by weeks not days. Photo / Getty

OPINION

This alert level 4 lockdown feels like a constant state of limbo. Like we're running towards a constantly moving finish line.

At first, the finish line for most of the country was August 21, then it moved to August 24. Now it is August 28. It could move again.

Once we eventually reach that finish line we will change in alert levels and start chasing a new finish line.

It is frustrating.

Last March, when Prime Minister Jacinda Arden first announced a nationwide lockdown we immediately knew it would be for at least four weeks.

We knew we were in it for the long haul and we were prepared. Gyms distributed gear, work from home stations were established, schools set up online learning.

This time, with just hours to prepare for an initial three-day lockdown for most of the country, some schools didn't bother with online learning initially, gyms played it by ear, workplaces scrambled.

It would only be for three days, we thought.

But here we are a week later and the finish line has moved again.

I would rather be told we will be in lockdown for two weeks than be told every three days it is being extended.

Having your routine thrown out could affect the hardiest of minds.

According to online mental health charity Just a Thought, the number of Kiwis searching for mental health services online skyrocketed during the first few days of lockdown.

Daily registrations doubled in the first two days for Just a Thought's online courses aimed at helping people experiencing anxiety and low mood.

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Research showed a 630 per cent increase in people accessing its courses, and a 185 per cent increase in people signing up for help with anxiety and depression, during New Zealand's first extended lockdown last year.

One of the things I love about lockdown is people seem to come together and support each other more than normal. People are more likely to check in on friends and reconnect online.

However, I also think it's important to switch off. This week when Ardern was getting ready to announce her latest lockdown extension decision, I went and worked out sans phone. I've also put my phone on do not disturb so I can choose when to read messages from friends and avoid the barrage.

I also believe having a fixed finish line will be a big help.

In my view, Cabinet should fully commit to a lockdown and extend it by a week at a time not days at a time.