My work can be adequately undertaken from home. It doesn't affect my income and I have a safe, warm, dry home – I know how lucky that makes me. Lots of people don't have the choice.
For those who can, slowing the spread of Covid cases will reduce pressure on our health system. We've seen what's happened overseas with ambulances queued up, people turned away from hospitals, and refrigerated trucks acting as overflow morgues. That may not happen here because of our high vaccination rates, increasing mask use and keeping a distance.
It will hit our hospitality industry hard as more of us stay home, whether cautious or isolating or unwell. I've ordered meals online from Honest Kitchen, and am prioritising my favourite cafes that have great outdoors areas like The Yellow House, The Rutland and Momiji. And there are still takeaways – we had Domino's delivered via electric bike this week!
Overall I'm not feeling anxious and do understand Covid in Whanganui is coming, but I'm going to do my best to avoid it like the plague it is for as long as I can.
• Nicola Patrick is a mum of two boys, a Horizons councillor, leads Thrive Whanganui, is a Green Party member and has a science degree.