Look for the positives during lockdown, says cop

Kelley Tantau Reporter from Hauraki Herald

As you all know and have heard, these are unprecedented times for all of us.
Please don't panic! Remain calm and carry on – just do it from home!
Yes it is worrying and it is normal to feel anxious, especially if you or close family members are in the at risk group.
There is so much information out there through the media and social media, but the main points remain the same – good hygiene and social distance.
As we move from Alert Level 3 to 4 the majority of us should be at home and remain there as much as possible. The only way to stop further contamination is through reducing our interaction, short term pain for long term gain. We need to do this to look after the more vulnerable members of our community.
Essential services will continue, we will not run out of food!
Try to find some positives in this situation, for me it was strangely having nothing else to do other than be with my family.
This meant I could actually sit down and talk to my kids, play a game and go for a walk with them without distraction and the constant nagging, guilty feeling that I should be doing something else.
I had time to exercise and read a book. I've made a list of all the other jobs around home I can get done, all those things I have put off for so long.
Some may be concerned about their children's schooling or the prospect of home schooling. I know most schools have provided learning plans to students and/or advised of a number of websites to visit for further online learning.
Reality is we can also use this time for some real life learning experiences – budgeting, changing a tyre, gardening, collecting firewood, baking, art – drawing/painting amongst a few ideas.
Remember these are uncertain times for your children too so it may be more beneficial to allow some down time – watching a documentary on Netflix or listening to an e book. Only do what you can do.
It is important to remember some members of our community have lost their jobs while others continue to work. Please be empathetic and kind to each other.
From a policing perspective, our focus remains on maintaining public safety, security and public order. We are here for you – if there is an emergency ring 111, if you need help but it's not an emergency ring 105.

We are stronger together, help and support each other.

- Sergeant Rachel Holmes is the officer-in-charge of the Strategic Traffic Unit in Thames-Coromandel and Hauraki.