500 signatures reached
To: Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Minister for COVID-19 Response Chris Hipkins
Free N95 Masks For All!
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Time and again, the COVID-19 pandemic has shown our wellbeing is deeply interconnected with those around us. When everyone has the resources they need to keep themselves well, our whånau, neighbourhoods, and communities stay well together.
But right now, unequal access to effective masks is creating an unfair risk to the wellbeing of people who can’t afford to pay for them. Considering the significant rise in inflation (1), stagnant wages, and skyrocketing rents (2), many families are struggling, despite their best efforts. As a result, having good quality masks is well out of reach for many.
That’s why we’re calling for the Government to provide free N95 or equivalent quality filtration masks to everyone in Aotearoa, with urgent priority given to those who need them most - parents of young children, students, people in prison, and public-facing workers.
Everyone, no matter who we are or where we live, deserves to be able to look after ourselves and our loved ones. A universal approach will be efficient, fair, and effective at distributing urgently needed masks and ensuring the people who need them most receive them.
But right now, unequal access to effective masks is creating an unfair risk to the wellbeing of people who can’t afford to pay for them. Considering the significant rise in inflation (1), stagnant wages, and skyrocketing rents (2), many families are struggling, despite their best efforts. As a result, having good quality masks is well out of reach for many.
That’s why we’re calling for the Government to provide free N95 or equivalent quality filtration masks to everyone in Aotearoa, with urgent priority given to those who need them most - parents of young children, students, people in prison, and public-facing workers.
Everyone, no matter who we are or where we live, deserves to be able to look after ourselves and our loved ones. A universal approach will be efficient, fair, and effective at distributing urgently needed masks and ensuring the people who need them most receive them.
Why is this important?
Given the extra risk of exposure and infection because of the recently announced changes, it is becoming increasingly urgent that N95, P2, or equivalent quality masks are available and universally accessible.
The Government has said that all healthcare and border workers have access to N95 or equivalent masks. But as the Government opens up the border and eases restrictions internally, the general public of Aotearoa New Zealand need quality masks. These masks are comfortable and breathable, they prevent transmission and save lives.
Prevention of infection is the best course of action.
Along with concern for the capacity of our health system, we are extremely concerned about the wellbeing of people who cannot social distance or properly ventilate their spaces at work, where they live, or where they study.
Good quality masks are vital for our wellbeing. Masks For All!
References:
1. https://www.stats.govt.nz/news/annual-inflation-hits-a-three-decade-high-at-5-9-percent
2. https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/homed/renting/127544121/rents-still-rising-as-supply-pressures-remain
The Government has said that all healthcare and border workers have access to N95 or equivalent masks. But as the Government opens up the border and eases restrictions internally, the general public of Aotearoa New Zealand need quality masks. These masks are comfortable and breathable, they prevent transmission and save lives.
Prevention of infection is the best course of action.
Along with concern for the capacity of our health system, we are extremely concerned about the wellbeing of people who cannot social distance or properly ventilate their spaces at work, where they live, or where they study.
Good quality masks are vital for our wellbeing. Masks For All!
References:
1. https://www.stats.govt.nz/news/annual-inflation-hits-a-three-decade-high-at-5-9-percent
2. https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/homed/renting/127544121/rents-still-rising-as-supply-pressures-remain