With the Coronavirus Crisis, the world has reached another “new norm” and how long this “norm” is going to be, cannot be pre-determined. 

It depends on how much ordinary citizens take the crisis seriously, observe hygiene, self isolation and quarantine protocols.

Although the mortality rate of between 2-5% might seem low, it’s likely that if numbers of patients balloon, the number of serious cases that will require hospitalisation will quickly overwhelm the health system’s capacity to cope.  

Therefore:

1. We urge everyone to take this crisis seriously. 
2. NZFOI is cancelling all meetings for April and May.
3. A decision whether meetings will be held in June will be made in late May.
4. We urge all our members to observe extraordinary hygiene protocols:  Wash your hands frequently and regularly, if you have a cold or flu, self-isolate.  Don’t wait for a diagnosis or testing.
5. Don’t shake hands or hug when greeting others.  A smile and a wave is sufficient.  
6. Throw away ideas that persevering with work even though you are feeling unwell shows a good work ethic.  If unwell or you have had contact with someone recently returned from abroad, don’t go to work.
7. If you have a fever, or shortness of breath, notify the authorities ph 0800 611 116.  Self-isolate everyone in your household and don’t send your children to school.
8. If your role permits it, talk to your employer about working from home.
9. Don’t panic but do take everything seriously and act conservatively.
10. If you are over 60, have a pre-existent lung condition or a compromised immune system, then stop hosting Israeli travellers.  Your health and well-being is more important at this time.
11. For those who believe in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, it is not a lack of faith, if you take practical steps to prevent infection for both yourself and others.  
12. There is no clash between Science and G-d.  Science is the pursuit of truth; and G-d is truth.
13. Look out for your neighbours, especially the elderly and infirm.  Offer to help them out.
14. All these things may seem inconvenient and over the top, in this instance, a little short term pain results in much long term gain.