Stay safe and stay calm as Omicron spreads

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Omicron is here and Upper Hutt Mayor Wayne Guppy is reminding locals to stay calm and be safe.
Earlier in the week two locations of interest were posted in Upper Hutt and last week St Patrick’s Silverstream sent 100 boys home after they were deemed close contacts of a year 12 student, who was a positive case. Guppy says it “is only a matter of time” before Omicron becomes widespread in the community.
He is reassured by the high vaccine numbers and is confident the city will cope.
“Our people have generally been very good at following the precautions and public health measures. Upper Hutt has strong vax numbers and people are getting boosted.”
He says it is more important than ever that people now do the right thing.
“We’ve started talking to our community, through our social media channels, about self-isolating at home when the time comes, things to prepare in advance, that kind of thing.”
He says people should not be panicked by Omicron.
“We do not need to be anxious or frightened. This next phase is about getting on with life.”
The reality, he says, is that we need to learn to live with Omicron. It is already having a negative impact on the local economy and “where possible” he urges people to continue to shop local.
“Our retailers, particularly in the hospitality, are noticing a drop in foot traffic with everyone working from home so if you can still pop in and get your takeaway coffee as an example, they’d love your support.”
It is important to remember to wear a mask, social distance and always scan in, he says.
He has one final plea for locals – get vaccinated and if you have not already done so, get your booster.
The reality is, he says, that the best way to beat Omicron and get back to normality is to get vaccinated.