Fakaalofa lahi atu,

Thank you for giving me this time every day to check in with you.

Hold on, hold strong

As expected, the number of COVID-19 cases in the community has increased again, with another 62 people testing positive over the past 24 hours.Dr Ashley Bloomfield gave our Pacific communities a big shout-out in today’s daily briefing, for having the highest rates for COVID testing.As we all know, many of the people who have COVID as a result of the recent outbreak are from our Samoan community.Along with Dr Bloomfield and millions of others in Aotearoa, I feel disappointed at the way our Samoan community is now the target of racist remarks. I totally support Dr Bloomfield’s call of "gutless" about those who have this perspective.The Government has got our back and work is underway to continue to counter all racist backlash with messaging focusing on the virus as the problem rather than people.We are also reinforcing that narrative across our digital channels, with our We got your back, Aotearoa video campaign.Other agencies including the Ministry of Health are also sharing our videos.Check out the MPP website for our latest videos, with important COVID-19 messages.

Youth Zoom Fono

On August 27, from 6pm until 7:15pm, the Ministry for Pacific Peoples and the Ministry of Health will host the second #RepYourVillage Pacific Youth Zoom Fono. This talanoa is to engage and empower Pacific Youth with trusted information about COVID-19 and the delta variant, wellbeing and social services support. Register HERE.   

Bubble life

It is essential, for our safety and that of others, that we stay in our own bubbles. This means staying home unless it is to go out for one of the Level 4 sanctioned activities, such as shopping for groceries or exercise. Everything you can leave your bubble for is listed on the COVID-19 website. Using the COVID—19 tracer app when you go out is also really important. Again, I encourage anyone who is feeling unwell with cold or flu-like symptoms to get a COVID-19 test. If you are concerned or want additional advice, please call Healthline on 0800 358 5453. 

COVID vaccination helplineWe are supporting a COVID-19 vaccination health line specifically for Pacific people living in Auckland. The number is 0800 21 12 21. You can book your vaccination by calling this number seven days a week, from 8am–8pm.

COVID-19 testingCommunity testing centres and pop-up Community Testing Centres in the Auckland region can be found through the Auckland Regional Public Health Service website. Testing centres across the country can be found through Healthpoint. 

Track yourselfPlease stay in touch with the Locations of Interest list, which is updated regularly on the Ministry of Health website. For up-to-date information on COVID-19, visit HERE. 

Article added: Thursday 26 August 2021