Opinion: We need to work together to beat Covid-19

The Government launched a realistic and sensible package this week to help workers and businesses to weather what is going to be a savage ride over winter.

There will be very few businesses and people who will be untouched by the economic fallout from Covid-19.

What I wanted to hear, though, was strong support from the Opposition for the package, a clear message to the fearful public that it would work and support the Government for the greater good, and put politics (there is an election later this year) aside.

But I didn’t get that clear message from Simon Bridges when he spoke after Finance Minister Grant Robertson released details of the $12.1 billion package on Tuesday.

New Zealand needs the Government and the Opposition to be seen to be working together as one, fighting the virus and its economic effects.

New Zealand is better placed than most to weather the pandemic and hold on through the tough economic times ahead. Our health system is good, unlike other western countries where privatisation and profits have led to the failing of national health systems.

A relative of mine in Scotland says it is carnage there.

The rate of infections in her city is rocketing up, there is little food left in the supermarkets and there is widespread panic and fear. The National Health Service is not in the same league as Covid-19.

There are idiots, too, like a university student who has been exposed to the virus but refuses to take any notice of pleas to self-isolate. A recent trip he and his mates were on may well have infected a whole community. Getting through this pandemic involves common sense and doing exactly the opposite of the guy in Scotland.

And it is so simple: We must keep washing our hands, stay a reasonable distance from people, cover the coughs and sneezes and stay at home if you are not feeling good. If you can’t get hand sanitiser don’t stress, soap is very effective.

And keep trying to spend – it is vital to keep the wheels of the economy turning. Every time a dollar is spent, it helps keep a person in a job. Every time a job is lost, it affects the tax take, which in turns affects how much the Government can spend.

In The Star today, the Chinese Consul General in Christchurch, Wang Zhijian, talks about the virus in the consulate’s regular advertisement.

He shares some good advice: “One of the most important lessons learnt from Covid-19 crisis is that more international co-operation, not less, is needed since no single country can deal with such global challenges alone or shut them out.

“Unilateralism, finger-pointing and stigmatization must be rejected, and more positive energy galvinized for international cooperation.

“We are one in the face of adversity. The international community needs to strengthen unity and get fully prepared before the next global challenge comes.”

Jacinda Ardern and Simon Bridges need to do the same at a New Zealand level. Help each other for a good outcome, please.

barry@starmedia.kiwi