Conny with a Y

Lifelong learner, wife, mother, languages nerd
– interested in education, science, climate action, women's health, neurodiversity, disability advocacy and the great outdoors. (she/her)

Not living in fear but not living in denial either. 😷
#BringBackMasks
#CovidIsNotOver

Toitū Te Tiriti ✊ Tangata Tiriti

#TransRightsAreHumanRights

💚 NZ Greens 💚

Avatar: Brown chicken, head tilted to the side, looking inquisitively
Background: Coastal landscape with rocks and a white lighthouse

Location: Aotearoa New Zealand

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npub1fnmanf02yewjelr88puygm7vlc6yq0njd08876l93gyq8ku8n9vqacrkf4

NIP-05 Address

connychiwa_at_mastodon.nz@momostr.pink

Profile Code

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Publishing to

relay.damus.io

nos.lol

Author Public Key

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Last Notes

2026-04-20 05:42:23 UTC

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I hope you're doing alright. Poison helpline 0800 764 766 is also a good option for taking a wrong dose. I only had to call them once when I accidentally overdosed and they were super helpful and had a much shorter wait time to get through than healthline.

2026-04-17 03:49:44 UTC

#CovidNZ
It's really baffling in light of these alarming Long Covid numbers that no one in charge feels the need to act!
It's climate change all over again, only it's much more personal and disabling.
The Public Health Communication Centre is asking the right questions:
Why are there no Long Covid programmes?
Why did the govt recently stop recommending six monthly boosters for those under 65 despite the known benefits?
Why isn't more done to prevent transmission like cleaning indoor air?
Long Covid has high prevalence and impact: Where is the Government response? | PHCC
https://www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/long-covid-has-high-prevalence-and-impact-where-government-response
#LongCovid
#NZpol

2026-04-08 07:41:44 UTC

#sewing
At the moment, I practice making patterns from clothes I own. I trialled making a skirt from a pattern, using an old bed sheet. It turned out nice enough that I thought it would be a shame not to wear it, only it had some stains and discolourations. So I dug through my box of scraps to cover those and found a piece of fabric I bought years ago for making a kids mermaid costume. Never knew what to do with the leftover piece until now: JELLYFISH!
The more hostile the world gets, the more whimsy I've introduced to my life as a coping mechanism. So here we are, my new jellyfish skirt! 🪼
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/116/367/924/279/344/019/original/7d22a7d92f168f37.jpg

2026-03-17 00:57:59 UTC

While our govt doesn't give a fig about (Long) Covid, the NZ Health survey has at least added questions about Covid and LC. With a bit of prompting and a new wave hitting the motu, they've finally published the results. The data relies on self-reporting as getting a formal diagnosis of LC is often not possible or complex.
Key findings:
- Nearly 4 out of 5 adults reported ever having COVID-19.
- About 1 in 11 of all adults reported ever having long COVID symptoms (11.9% of those who had Covid).
- Women (14.9%), Māori (15.5%), and disabled adults (22.8%) were more likely to report ever having long COVID symptoms.
- Approximately 185,000 adults were experiencing long COVID symptoms in 2024/25.
This is affecting a lot of people. With the damage and the risk of LC increasing with every infection, this number is only going to grow.
The really frustrating part is that it doesn't have to be this way. We have the knowledge how to limit transmission but hardly anything is being done.
https://www.health.govt.nz/publications/covid-19-and-long-covid-202425-new-zealand-health-survey#finding2
#NZpol
#CovidNZ
#CovidIsNotOver

2026-03-13 03:18:33 UTC

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Oh no! How devastating! 🫂

2026-03-03 05:34:44 UTC

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Fingers crossed they can provide assistance, Angela. I really hope you can get a break to recharge. 🫂

2026-02-24 06:28:44 UTC

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😞 🫶

2025-12-04 10:48:17 UTC

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That's a tricky situation. We used to have a sensor on the path to the house that would sound a bell in the house. But of course, as soon as the kids found out where the sensor was, it became a game not to get caught by it.
They're too clever for their own good. 😕

2025-12-04 08:24:34 UTC

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Oh yikes! If only there was a way to protect people from catching nasty bugs...
Shamelessly leaving this here 😇: https://our.actionstation.org.nz/petitions/a-call-for-safe-air-and-masking-in-healthcare-settings

2025-12-04 07:58:57 UTC

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Oh boy, that's a worry. On the one hand, it might be progress but I know what that's like when your child finds their independence and just explores the neighbourhood or walks home with a friend and loses track of time until you message all their friends' parents.
Could you hang a bell over the front door with the clapper jingling it when it's opened?
I know that could be annoying but may be better for your nerves than having to keep track of your escape artist.

2025-11-20 09:52:32 UTC

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As kids, we used to eat peeled rhubarb raw, dipped in sugar. Not the best idea for young teeth so here's a nice cake recipe. I haven't tried this particular one but it sounds very similar to how I'd do it from memory.
https://www.daringgourmet.com/rhubarb-buttermilk-streusel-cake/

2025-11-19 04:22:56 UTC

My Covid-conscious friends in Pōneke and the Hutt, are you up for a round of pinball this Sunday?
Aotearoa Covid Action is hosting this irl event. Respirator masks (KN 94 or better) are required and there'll be an air purifier running.
DM me for details. 😷✊

2025-11-01 03:03:12 UTC

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Don't beat yourself up, Angela. Apart from the extremely specific costume request (great imagination, kiddo, but yikes, what does that even look like?!), there's only so many hours and spoons in a day to spend on such extras. You've been through a lot and it can't be all on you to make those things happen.
I've made quite a few costumes for my tamariki over the years and it takes an incredible amount of time to create something from scratch. Sometimes it's just not possible.
Sending some aroha down South. 🫶

2025-10-25 03:30:29 UTC

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I'm so sorry, Angela. 🫂 if you like.
I hope you find another support person soon!

2025-09-26 22:11:51 UTC

Aotearoa Covid Action is in the process of setting up a #maskbloc in Wellington.
This mask bloc can't run without the generosity of donors. Every dollar counts so we can provide masks for people who otherwise cannot afford them. If masks are free, more people are likely to grab one and wear it when sick.
Please boost for reach!
https://chuffed.org/project/151076-wellington-mask-bloc
#MaskUp
#CovidNZ
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/272/878/464/069/268/original/f9e54a746ed9a5e4.png

2025-09-06 21:29:24 UTC

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I'm so sorry, Angela. Sending aroha your way. 💖🫂

2025-07-08 02:36:30 UTC

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I had a cringe moment looking at that, too. But then there's also heaps of people with Long Covid who don't mask anymore and you'd think they know better.
Once again I'm asking myself how humans made it this far, how we haven't eradicated ourselves with reckless behaviour like we're seeing around Covid.

2025-07-08 02:30:49 UTC

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Yeah, I know. It's unfathomable.
I had a quick poke around re EDS and Covid. I found two EDS associations that only provide outdated advice on Covid. You'd think that advocates for a syndrome with the most prominent symptom being weak blood vessels would keep a bit better up to date with a virus that causes vascular issues. 🤷🏻‍♀️

2025-07-07 22:56:28 UTC

If you need yet another reason to avoid Covid:
Teen was told the crippling stomach pain she suffered was in her head - it wasn’t | RNZ
https://www.rnz.co.nz/life/people/teen-was-told-the-crippling-stomach-pain-she-suffered-was-in-her-head-it-wasn-t
Way too often women have worse health outcomes because in the 21st century we're still not being believed when we talk about our pain.
The fact that these young women had to fly to the other end of the world to get treatment because our politicians are sitting on their hands is outrageous. It means that only those who can afford to pay or raise enough money, will get treatment. The rest will be doomed to a life in crippling pain or worse. The cost of that is much higher than hiring and training doctors to offer treatment here.
#NZpol
#CovidIsNotOver
#WomensHealth

2025-06-10 23:22:01 UTC

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Hey Angela, I've checked with a friend who said the local Learning Support Coordinator (contact via MoE) should be able to advise you on the process. They've suggested sounding out multiple schools on their experience with PDA as inexperience or lack of knowledge about it would be a red flag for them.
I hope you'll find the support you need. It's not fair that you have to fight for an education for your child.
Best wishes!

2025-05-31 00:03:29 UTC

Amazing interview with epidemiologist Dr Amanda Kvalsvig about the importance of #CleanAir in schools, why you should protect yourself from Covid-induced brain damage and the unfathomable impact of #LongCovid.
The fight for clean air in NZ schools | RNZ
https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/saturday/audio/2018989567/the-fight-for-clean-air-in-nz-schools
If you haven't signed the petition yet, please do. We only need a small critical mass to initiate the change we will all benefit from.
https://our.actionstation.org.nz/petitions/clean-air-in-schools
#NZpol
#CovidIsNotOver
#yallmasking
#CovidNZ

2025-05-22 01:25:16 UTC

Pharmac is currently reviewing the access criteria for antivirals. They're proposing to lower the minimum age to anyone aged 50 or over who is deemed high risk.
While this is an improvement, it's not going far enough. Anyone should have access to antivirals, especially as they're also lowering your risk of getting Long Covid.
Aotearoa Covid Action has already made a submission. You can find their position and more information about the consultation on their website, including links to relevant studies:
https://covidaction.nz/en/PharmacAntiviralsConsultation
Submissions close by 5pm on Friday 30 May:
https://www.pharmac.govt.nz/news-and-resources/consultations-and-decisions/2025-proposal-to-amend-access-to-covid-19-antivirals-and-change-supply-and-reimbursement-arrangements
#NZpol
#CovidNZ
#CovidIsNotOver
#LongCovid
#AotearoaCovidAction

2025-01-20 23:48:36 UTC

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Not sure this is the vibe you're looking for but you asked for silly!
This is what we watch when my kids are in a bad mood (bonus German language lesson for you 😉):
https://youtu.be/vWLiLy9QwOc?tOYwphuBpB4h0eg9

2024-12-30 07:44:35 UTC

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Looks lovely! 🧡
After decades of dress and skirt avoidance, I've also entered that phase in recent years. I wonder whether it's an age thing... 🤷🏻‍♀️

2024-12-29 04:17:53 UTC

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That is one fierce looking duck! 😍

2024-12-27 23:37:37 UTC

Now that the Christmas frenzy is over, I've finally found the time to write my submission on the Treaty Principles Bill.
Have you done yours yet? You have until 7 January and there's no better time to do it than right now. 😉
You can find a handy guide here https://togetherfortetiriti.nz/make-a-submission/
but most importantly, just say you oppose it. If you can, make it personal. You don't have to write much.
#NZpol
#ToitūTeTiriti :tinoflag:

2024-12-25 04:26:13 UTC

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I was just thinking the same thing. You've got to be truly committed to your furry to showcase it in this heat.
My friend's kid just now was just wearing a tail. Very sensible decision!
But I can imagine the full suits would look magnificent. 😊

2024-12-24 04:06:05 UTC

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Awesome suits! They look amazing! Santa needs to up his game! 😂

2024-11-26 22:26:13 UTC

Please boost! Petition to keep Estradot HRT patches funded. 50% of Aotearoa's population will be going through #perimenopause and Hormone Replacement Therapy is often the only way to keep our sanity, and live a healthy and fulfilled life thoughout that period which can last a decade or longer.
Estradiol is a far less effective patch that many can’t use or have used and experienced worse debilitating symptoms from them. This is both dangerous and crippling.
https://www.change.org/p/mandate-government-funding-for-keeping-estradot-hrt-patches-for-menopausal-women
#NZpol

2024-11-23 21:06:53 UTC

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Ata mārie Angela, I have some extenders lying around somewhere that could work. You'd have to cut the ends off as they can be annoying and look a bit funny when sticking out:
https://maskedup.nz/index.php?route=product/product&path=61&product_id=92
Also can send you a couple of hooks similar to these, only 3D printed.
https://maskedup.nz/index.php?route=product/product&path=61&product_id=90
Just DM me which of the masks and hooks you want and where to send them.

2024-11-23 04:41:42 UTC

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Oh no! How frustrating! Do you think he'd change his mind for a mask featuring some rubber duckies? I've got 11 left and would be happy to send them to you at no cost.
They officially expired in May but have been stored in a dark, cold room and look fine. They don't have a nose wire but fit the kids okay when they were younger bc they had a flat nose bridge anyway. Better than nothing, I guess? I also have some with robots. Happy to send those, too.
https://mastodon.nz/system/media_attachments/files/113/530/421/726/318/415/original/ed8d87bebe8d5c69.jpg

2024-11-20 02:22:39 UTC

I just wrote to the PM to tell him:
- how disappointed I am about his handling of the Treaty Principles Bill & the Hīkoi mō Te Tiriti.
- that he cannot hide behind MMP when he negotiated the deal & accepted the bill (& the fallout) as a price to become PM.
- that he needs to do better for Māori
- that he will forever be remembered as the PM who didn't have the courage to face a crowd of 40,000 Kiwis who united to tell the govt they're wrong!
Maybe you can write him, too?
#NZpol
#ToitūTeTiriti

2024-11-19 10:22:21 UTC

I was a bit sad that while I was at the hīkoi, I didn't see any of the action at pāremata and didn't hear any of the kōrero. Watching the footage and commentary tonight, I realised that I was exactly where I needed to be as #TangataTiriti: showing support on the fringes and giving Māori the space to express their mana and have their voices heard on the main stage.
:tinoflag:
#NZpol
#ToitūTeTiriti

2024-11-18 10:30:58 UTC

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Tiriti Action Group Pōneke will provide a livestream. Just scroll down on their homepage:
https://tiritiactiongroup.nz/

2024-11-07 00:20:40 UTC

Just leaving this here for no reason at all...
https://youtu.be/CrGHGwH2wlg?hedNjKeXP5WGcD6l
✊
#ToitūTeTiriti
#TangataTiriti
#NZpol

2024-11-03 09:33:26 UTC

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I was told it can take 4 - 6 months to take full effect and even though I'm past that period I'm still dealing with a number of symptoms every now and then. I guess HRT is a solution for some symptoms and for others it's just a crutch, and of course it works differently for everyone.
Did they give you the AMS score card? I found that quite helpful to track changes.
https://www.menopause.org.au/images/stories/education/docs/AMS_Diagnosing_Menopause_Symptom_Score.pdf

2024-10-22 23:55:16 UTC

Hey Pōneke, there's still heaps of space on the Parliament lawn. Let's fill it! There's still time to make your way here if you work/live in the CBD
#FightBackTogether
#MarangaAke
#NZpol

2024-10-18 20:32:31 UTC

Does anyone have a foolproof recipe for barista-style oat milk that doesn't require half a dozen ingredients I have to order online?
I've managed to make a lovely creamy oat milk that's fine for mueslis but it doesn't froth.
So far I have tried adding canola oil and salt to the basic oat and water mix. Do I need to use a different oil? My usual milk lists hi-oleic sunflower oil but I wouldn't know how to determine whether the oil in the store is of that quality or not.
Boosts welcome!
#vegan

2024-10-14 07:36:41 UTC

Bless Prof Michael Baker for once again talking to the media and explaining the issues arising from yet another subvariant (#XEC) arriving in Aotearoa.
He says we need:
- a comms strategy to inform ppl about the ongoing Covid risk
- free RATs (because low-income kiwis will suffer from inequity)
- remind ppl to isolate when sick
- wider eligibility of boosters so U30 are better protected
- awareness re Long Covid
- investment in prevention
https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/checkpoint/audio/2018959735/nz-ill-prepared-for-covid-variant-due-to-cost-cutting-expert
#CovidNZ
#CovidIsNotOver

2024-10-12 19:12:27 UTC

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You're speaking from my heart! They have no vision, no idea how learning actually works. 🤷🏻‍♀️
Did you see there's a consultation underway to prioritise attendance and achievement over all other aspects of a healthy learning environment?
Submissions close tomorrow!
https://mastodon.nz/@ConnyChiwa/113268665127219882

2024-10-12 04:25:08 UTC

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Well, most adults these days do online shopping. Would that be an option he'd accept? Obviously, you'd need to agree on an appropriate budget first, as you do when you're an adult.
Being able to buy something with their own money provides a new level of agency for tamariki. I had underestimated how important it was for them.
A nice budget rule is: whatever money you get in a week/month is yours to decide about. Anything that costs more than that has to be discussed with parents.

2024-10-10 03:15:08 UTC

Not gonna lie, that second #LongCovid article by @npub1gkk…kuw3 is a hard read. It also makes me so angry that our politicians chose their power and their wish to be (re-)elected over #PublicHealth and our wellbeing. How many people will have their lives ruined because of the minimisation of a dangerous virus that has the potential to attack the entire human body?
How long will it take to get permanent mitigations like #CleanAir signed into law?
https://newsroom.co.nz/2024/10/09/the-burden-kiwis-with-long-covid-speak-out/?utm_source=Newsroom&utm_campaign=63a20e7860-Daily_Briefing+10.10.2024&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_71de5c4b35-63a20e7860-97988926&mc_cid=63a20e7860&mc_eid=1f12a1c916
#CovidNZ
#NZpol

2024-09-28 01:05:30 UTC

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🫂

2024-09-18 05:13:56 UTC

Fight Back Together -
Maranga Ake
"On the 23rd of October, the NZCTU are hosting hui across the country to fight back against the Government’s ongoing attacks on workers’ rights. We are calling on working people to stand with us and send a strong message to those in power.
When working people unite and fight back against anti-worker policies, we create change and transform society for the better. When we fight back together, we win."
More info to come:
https://www.together.org.nz/fight_back_together_maranga_ake?utm_campaign=fight_back_together_first_emai&utm_medium=email&utm_source=together
#NZpol

2024-09-17 02:20:41 UTC

You can still get free RATs until the end of the month. Make use of it while you can!
Collection points have been reduced - at least where I live - so check here where to find one near you:
https://www.healthpoint.co.nz/covid-19/?covidTesting=rats
#CovidNZ

2024-09-01 23:21:11 UTC

Let's right a wrong! Early Pākehā settlers had trouble spelling Pito One correctly and so over the past 180 years multiple wrong spellings have been in use.
Pito One refers to "burial of pito [umbilical cord] in the One
[sand/earth] as an expression of their ahi kā [occupation] and mana whenua, being the ‘symbolic tethering of a newborn to the land and their tūrangawaewae’."
You have until 10 Sept to make a submission:
https://www.linz.govt.nz/consultations/pito-one
Some background info:
https://www.linz.govt.nz/sites/default/files/2024-06/nzgb_board-proposal-report-pito-one_20240606.pdf

2024-09-01 03:25:21 UTC

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Greater Wellington is in the process of ordering new trains and there are no IAQ mitigations planned nor are there any standards they need to follow! This is setting us up for filthy train air for the next 30 years! Buses today are set up to keep air pollution from cars out of the bus, therefore they're practically sealed off. No solution in sight yet although GW has at least trialled a few things. Still so frustrating!
They have learnt nothing!!! 🤬

2024-09-01 03:14:38 UTC

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Still one of the funniest scenes they ever made! 🤣 It cracked me up so hard the first time, knowing the struggle from own experience!

2024-08-31 02:41:27 UTC

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A friend gave it to me. Just found it on etsy:
https://www.etsy.com/nz/listing/1492805698/anatomical-lung-enamel-pin-lung-pin?click_key=7eef2e9d5e962b4326569d9e7e09fc773b79227f%3A1492805698&click_sum=9a809f77&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=Pin+lung&ref=sr_gallery-1-1&organic_search_click=1&pro=1&sts=1&content_source=b1c63d9fa033ec693b6dc24819c799a0a0999d58%253A1492805698

2024-08-30 23:45:17 UTC

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✅
I wish more people would know and understand the importance of clean air. *sigh*
But yes, I have a CO2 monitor attached to my bag when I go into busier spaces. I've also started wearing my 'beautiful lung' lapel pin that a dear friend gave me a couple of years ago. So far no one has dared ask me about it or commented on my mask. Guess they can't risk facing reality beyond thinking 'that person with the mask must be a weirdo'. I'd have a lot to say to them. 🤷🏻‍♀️ 😷
https://mastodon.nz/system/media_attachments/files/113/053/606/136/221/591/original/f8e29bdec3e3ef95.jpg

2024-08-30 00:46:40 UTC

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Btw, if you ever need an air purifier for an event, I can recommend hiring one from
https://coolbreeze.co.nz/product/restoration/air-scrubbers.html
I'm not affiliated with them, just think it's great this is an option.
You can use this calculator to find out which one would be a suitable size for the venue.
https://learnmetrics.com/air-purifier-room-size-calculator-what-size-air-purifier-do-you-need/#Air_Purifier_Size_Chart
#CleanAir
#CovidNZ

2024-08-29 09:51:39 UTC

I spent my evening celebrating a milestone of a research project I've contributed to over the past 18 months. So great to see it all come together. Even better, they had invited two special guests on my request (meet air purifier cb660 and its twin) and managed to keep the CO2 under 800ppm throughout the event.
Love it when an event about health takes actual measures to protect the health of the attendees. 💖
#CleanAir
#WomensHealth
https://mastodon.nz/system/media_attachments/files/113/044/667/570/605/002/original/a610c07008e2970b.jpg
https://mastodon.nz/system/media_attachments/files/113/044/675/903/166/119/original/451c746dc4bf8191.jpg

2024-08-28 08:13:45 UTC

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Sending a virtual shoulder to lean on. 😕

2024-08-25 09:53:26 UTC

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That sucks! 🫂

2024-08-23 21:12:48 UTC

Aotearoa we need your help! We've put together a map of covid-safe services, retailers and hospitality venues. Some are absolute superstars with air purifiers, masking and CO2 monitoring, others are simply cafés with outdoor seating.
Now it's your turn: do you have a favourite venue or service that is covid-safe? Tell us about it! We'd like to know the name, website and what precautions are in place.
https://covidaction-nz.codeberg.page/map/
Have a great weekend!
#CovidNZ

2024-08-06 21:58:56 UTC

#CleanAir in schools is possible! Sharing a good news story about a school in Aotearoa that is achieving exactly this. They have a great setup that is fit for the future, they educate their staff & involve their students in ventilating their shared spaces.
Yes, they still get sick from time to time because people socialise outside school but they prevent bigger outbreaks & teach their students healthy practices, leading by example!
https://covidaction.nz/en/news
We have the tools!
#CovidIsNotOver

2024-08-06 21:34:32 UTC

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Should have added this: https://covidaction.nz/en/

2024-08-06 21:25:21 UTC

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Thanks for sharing this, Stephen. It's frightening how effective that method is & how easily some people are giving up critical thinking.
Now, is it possible to turn this around and use the same method to draw people into good causes? Or are we bad actors trying to entice people into healthy habits that way?
At Aotearoa Covid Action we're trying to come up with new ways to achieve clean indoor air and convince people to take precautions, find allies. Would you be up for a chat with us?