Breaking the chain before popping the bubble
Lakes DHB Infectious Disease and Sexual Health Physician Dr Massimo Giola says the lockdown for Covid-19 presents a once in a lifetime opportunity to minimise the transmission of serious sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Dr Giola says if people have been serious about Alert Levels 4 and 3, they should not have had sex in six weeks with anyone outside their bubble.
“If people get tested for all STIs now; before social (and sexual!) interaction resumes and they pop the bubble open, we have a serious chance of diagnosing and treating STIs before they are passed on. We might not be able to eliminate STIs and HIV, but we have a serious chance of flattening their curves,” he says.
Dr Giola says 56 Dean Street in Soho (United Kingdom) the biggest sexual health clinic in the UK has seen an 80 per cent fall in gonorrhoea cases and requests for PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis – antiretroviral drugs taken after unprotected sexual intercourse to prevent the acquisition of HIV) under lockdown in London. Now they are calling for everyone to get tested before they resume casual sex, to break the chain of transmission.
Dr Giola encourages the public to contact their GP for an STI check, or to call the sexual health clinic for an appointment if they are uncomfortable about speaking to their GP.
In Taupō individuals can contact 0800Anamata 0800 262 6282.
Poll: Should drivers retake the theory test every 10 years?
Drivers get where they need to go, but sometimes it seems that we are all abiding by different road rules (for example, the varying ways drivers indicate around a roundabout).
Do you think drivers should be required to take a quick driving theory test every 10 years?
Vote in the poll and share any road rules that you've seen bent! 😱
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48% Yes
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50.1% No
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1.9% Other - I'll share below
Stay sun-safe and well-read this spring
Longer days and warmer weather are fast approaching!
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The Gypsy Fair
The Gypsy Fair is a nationwide travelling event, bringing family fun, live music and an unbeatable vibe to each town we visit. Being on the road for over 45 years, it’s safe to say our roots run deep!
Come for a browse, let the kids loose on our rides, park up with some food and coffee, or watch our blacksmith tinker away, either way we would love to see you! Come & hang out for the day, we’re sure to bring smiles to your faces, and create lifelong memories.
Tongariro North Domain
Sat 28th and Sun 29th September
9am to 5pm
Free entry for everyone, see you there!
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