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For this Nelson collector, houseplants help her cope with health challenges. "It’s been proven that distraction is a really good pain relief and the plants gave me something to focus on and interrupt the pain pathways.”
Realistically, the Govt had two options: either try to constrain the virus, or try to continue as normal in the (forlorn) hope of keeping the economy ticking along, while hoping that our immune systems would develop antibodies leading to herd immunity. The first option has so far, shown itself … View moreRealistically, the Govt had two options: either try to constrain the virus, or try to continue as normal in the (forlorn) hope of keeping the economy ticking along, while hoping that our immune systems would develop antibodies leading to herd immunity. The first option has so far, shown itself (Worldwide) to be the most sensible. The Countries that went down this path have had the best outcomes to date, even though some have struggled even with this approach.
The problems with the latter approach were:
a) no-one knew for certain that natural immunity would develop
b) the infection fatality rate was unknown and unpredictable
c) there could be a high to very high number of dead before the necessary 60% of the population had been infected for 'herd immunity' to effectively control the virus.
d) there was no guarantee that herd immunity could develop nor how long it might take.
e) the rapid spread of the virus indicated that its contagion rate was dramatic, and it was evolving very, very rapidly, making it much harder to predict, control, or develop a vaccine against.
f) it was/is closely related to two previous viral diseases for which there is still no vaccine nor treatment, and both of which have very high IFR's.
*a) Even as I write, there is no positivity about immunity. There are signs (which are to be expected) that some of the recovered persons have developed antibodies, but there are also indications that these antibodies may be quite short lived. Thus any vaccines developed may need to be supported with an ongoing revaccination program to be effective. And while there is one drug (Remdesivir) which has been shown to be of some assistance in the recovery of some of those in intensive care, there is no drug available which gives certainty to recovery. Furthermore, at the time of our lock-down, there was no known beneficial drug available at any level.
*b) Even now, the IFR varies wildly across the Globe. The US, for instance, has an IFR of 3.4%, the UK's IFR is 13.1%. Brazil is 3.2%. China is 5.5%, Spain 6.4%, Italy 13.4% Ours is currently 1.3%. And while considering & digesting these numbers, keep in mind also that there have been many deaths (in the USA in particular) where the suspected cause is Corvid, but because of a shortage of tests & testing facilities available (testing the dead uses a test which can be better used among the living) to confirm positivity, these have not been recorded as Covid deaths. So the real figure is in fact, relatively actually unknown. covid19info.live...
*c) Professor William Hanage is a professor of the evolution and epidemiology of infectious disease at Harvard University and wrote an article published in The Guardian on April 16th 2020 about the UK path of herd immunity, estimating that at least 600,000 (out of a population of almost 68,000,000) in the UK would probably have to die in order to reach a realistic Herd Immunity level that might succeed. Using the same percentages, we would be looking at around 38,000 deaths in NZ to achieve a similar result. I suspect that the cacophony of screams would be so loud, we'd all need ear protection. www.theguardian.com...
*d) Because the virus is so novel, there is no guarantee of Herd Immunity, and because of its close relationship to SARS & Mers (78.9%), for which there is still no vaccine nor efficacious treatment, there may never be such a Utopia.
*e) Our current resurgence has two quite different strains of the same virus, and that is only from two other countries.
*f) SARS, from 2003-2004, had an IFR of about 9.56%, Mers has demonstrated an IFR of between 20% & 44% in the two countries that have had the most appreciable outbreaks. Fortunately, these two variations of Corona Virus have shown relatively low rates of infection transfer. But at the time of our lock-down, no-one knew with any degree of certainty, what the IFR for Covid-19 would be, other than that it was abundantly clear that its infection transfer rate was dramatically higher than that of its cousins.
The bottom line is therefore, that in the light of what was (and still is) known about Covid, our Govt did the most practicable & sensible thing by instituting a lock-down. The World's Nations Economies have all 'taken a bath' because of this pandemic: who will come out in better economic shape when the pandemic is finally behind us (which, incidentally, could be several years), is more a matter for the Gods than it is for Mortal Man. But on the face of it, we, as a Nation are doing better than most right now.
The 'Black Death of the 14th Century in England almost halved the population. They didn't have any “White Knights' in the form of Scientists & Pharmaceutical Giants able to throw massive resources at trying to solve the problem. All they had was horses & carts to haul away the dead. Imagine what that would do to our Society & our Economy. The influenza outbreak of 1918, commonly known as the Spanish flu, also came before there were any remedies or vaccines available. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this pandemic infected about a third of the world’s population and killed at least 50 million people even though by then there were Pharmaceuticals & Scientists (as infant industries). Rather than bandying around (ridiculous, for the most part) conspiracy theories about 'Big Pharma' and business tycoons & Govts wanting to 'control' us, we should be bloody grateful that there are people and businesses willing to gamble huge amounts of money in an extremely chancy exercise hoping to find either a vaccine or a treatment. Hopefully, both, but the odds are not wonderful as the common cold has been around for a very long time and still no real cure, let alone a prevention.
In the final analysis, it is not just New Zealand's Society & Economy; the World's economy and its Societies are all suffering. When it is all over, we will be living in a Brave New World. Hopefully, wiser and better prepared, and without doubt under a new World Order. Particularly as far as World Economics are concerned.
Meantime, all the people moaning & complaining about 'restrictions on their freedom' should reflect upon the dire situations in Countries such as the USA & Brazil, and thank their lucky stars that our current Govt had sufficient sense to listen to some experts and act upon those experts advice. Mull over the situation that we might have been in had the previous Govts idiot of a Health Minister still been in charge.
Key tips for a warmer, drier home, Mould, 8 of 9, 2015.
Use bleach or white vinegar to remove mould from ceilings and walls.
Created by New Zealand's Ministry of Health.
www.youtube.com...
Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is urging the 620,000 motorists with temporary Warrant of Fitness extensions to get their vehicles checked before October 10.
The NZTA issued an extension to WoFs during COVID-19 Alert Level 4, allowing motorists to operate their vehicles during this time.
What you need to … View moreWaka Kotahi (NZTA) is urging the 620,000 motorists with temporary Warrant of Fitness extensions to get their vehicles checked before October 10.
The NZTA issued an extension to WoFs during COVID-19 Alert Level 4, allowing motorists to operate their vehicles during this time.
What you need to know:
- Book a WoF as soon as possible with your local mechanics to avoid delay.
- In a statement, MTA reported that there here may be a higher fail rate with some vehicles not been checked for over 12 months.
- Other documents with temporary extensions: CoFs, regos, vehicle certifications, and driver licenses.
- MTA reports that a total of 1.62 million inspections need to be completed between now and October 31.
For more information on temporary documentation extensions, see the NZTA Website.
Click here for more information on the WoF inspection process.
Kia ora Neighbours!
Have you noticed something a little different on Neighbourly today? To celebrate Māori Language Week, we’ve given our logo a little update.
'Haporitanga' means ‘the many principles and actions of being a community’ and we think it’s a great way to … View moreKia ora Neighbours!
Have you noticed something a little different on Neighbourly today? To celebrate Māori Language Week, we’ve given our logo a little update.
'Haporitanga' means ‘the many principles and actions of being a community’ and we think it’s a great way to express what Neighbourly is.
Want to get involved in Maori Language Week? Here are some ideas to get you started.
Competition alert! Father's Day is just around the corner and we're giving away a $100 Prezzy Card for your Dad to spend on the things he really wants!
All you've got to do is tell us something you most love about your dad. So, take a trip down memory lane and share with us your … View moreCompetition alert! Father's Day is just around the corner and we're giving away a $100 Prezzy Card for your Dad to spend on the things he really wants!
All you've got to do is tell us something you most love about your dad. So, take a trip down memory lane and share with us your moments that have become memories.
Comment below to enter, hurry though, entries close this Sunday 6th September 2020. T&C apply.
The weather's warming up and it's time to get your pool ready for swimming. Sign up for a 6 month service program and get the last month FREE! Contact us for more details 021 781 286 or email bayofplenty@poolwerx.co.nz.
You could be in with a chance to win one of our 10x $50 Prezzy Cards. Simply complete our Neighbourly survey before 14th September 2020, 9am.
Click below to take part and good luck!
2020 has been challenging and especially hard for small businesses. If you’re a small business owner looking to get back to business, then talk to Prospa, New Zealand’s small business lending specialist. Prospa offers business loans up to $300K with a fast decision and funding possible in 24 … View more2020 has been challenging and especially hard for small businesses. If you’re a small business owner looking to get back to business, then talk to Prospa, New Zealand’s small business lending specialist. Prospa offers business loans up to $300K with a fast decision and funding possible in 24 hours.
Apply in as little as 10 minutes so you can get back to business sooner.
Join the Yates Growing Community – a free online blog to share successes, get advice & win prizes in fun challenges along the way!
A great place for gardeners of all skill levels, including newbies, to come together. You just need a passion for gardening, and a willingness to share your … View moreJoin the Yates Growing Community – a free online blog to share successes, get advice & win prizes in fun challenges along the way!
A great place for gardeners of all skill levels, including newbies, to come together. You just need a passion for gardening, and a willingness to share your journey.
The current challenge running is the Vegie Growing Challenge, and there are over $4000 worth of Go Gardening vouchers and Yates goodies up for grabs
Check out this gorgeous boy - Thunder 😍
Thunder is an energetic and playful Labrador RetrieverX. He would love to learn how to sit, stay and fetch, so someone who can tech him the ropes would be best 🙌
He is looking for a home that will love him as much as he will love you 💕
Come down … View moreCheck out this gorgeous boy - Thunder 😍
Thunder is an energetic and playful Labrador RetrieverX. He would love to learn how to sit, stay and fetch, so someone who can tech him the ropes would be best 🙌
He is looking for a home that will love him as much as he will love you 💕
Come down and meet Thunder at the TCC Pound - 88 Hewletts Road, Mount Maunganui between 2pm and 4.30pm on weekdays. For more information or to get in touch, visit our website.
Animal-based fibres are wool, fur, and excretions, such as silk.
Alpaca: Alpaca is a very exclusive fibre, hollow in part of its structure, and it comes naturally in twenty-three different colours. It is extremely lightweight, has great insulation properties and is stronger than sheep’s wool. … View moreAnimal-based fibres are wool, fur, and excretions, such as silk.
Alpaca: Alpaca is a very exclusive fibre, hollow in part of its structure, and it comes naturally in twenty-three different colours. It is extremely lightweight, has great insulation properties and is stronger than sheep’s wool. Alpaca is mixed with other natural fibres such as mohair, silk, or wool to make luxurious garments of the highest quality, both in knitted and flat fabrics.
Alpaca fibres of higher quality coming from the shearing of pups and younger specimens are considered smoother, softer, and warmer than cashmere. It is currently being used to manufacture sportswear. The leading brands in sports have been seduced by this fibre due to its insulation qualities in cold weather.
Angora: Angora is a natural animal-based fibre that comes from the Angora rabbit. It is silky, thin, and soft. This “ultra-silky” white hair from the Angora rabbit is a hollow fibre classified as wool. The hair is light, with great water absorption and quick dry.
Extremely light but very warm, angora is used mainly to make woven clothes such as pullovers, vests, sweaters, and fashion accessories for winter season. Flat fabrics with angora are used to manufacture thermal garments. Angora is mixed with wool to create greater density and elasticity in the fabric, especially for the production of suits and blazers. It also used to make high-quality and luxurious garments.
Cashmere: Cashmere comes from the Kashmir goat, a native of the Himalayas.
Cashmere is a very expensive and exclusive fibre. It is extremely soft and has great thermal properties; cashmere is used to manufacture high-quality sweaters and children’s warm clothes. The well-known “pashmina” is a type of cashmere used in shawls and scarves, produced in the Kashmir Valley. More robust cashmere is employed to manufacture high-quality rugs and carpets.
Sheep wool: A limited supply and its exceptional qualities have made wool the most widely used animal-based textile fibre in the fashion and textile industry.
Wool is a fibre with curly appearance, elastic, soft to the touch, which easily absorbs moisture and has an extremely low rate of heat release. These last few characteristics make woollen garments comfortable and warm.
Wool is a fibre of multiple functions and a wide range of diameters that make it perfect for manufacturing clothing items and fashionable accessories. It is mixed with other natural and synthetic fibres to increase strength. Wool is also used in household textile products as well as in industrial developments such as thermal and acoustic insulation.
Mohair: Mohair is the hair of the Angora goat from the Tibet. It is a very shiny, insulating type of wool, softer and stronger than sheep wool. Mohair is white and dyes with exceptional ease. It has excellent absorption capacity and is mainly used to make knitted garments and crochet accessories. Mohair is also utilized in household textiles to make luxurious beddings and upholstery.
Camel hair: Obtained from Bactrian camels with two humps, it is a fine, soft fibre that is used exclusively in luxurious textiles due to its quality and small supply. To manufacture ultra-exclusive items, camel hair is mixed with cashmere and, in other cases, due to its high cost, it is combined with wool to reduce the final price tag of the garment.
This fibre is employed to manufacture a wide variety of clothing items –suits, coats, sweaters, and jackets—and other accessories for winter season such as gloves, hats, and scarves.
Silk: In many people’s eyes, silk is still “the queen of fabrics”.
Silk is a protein filament produced by the silkworm. Feeding on mulberry leaves, the worm produces liquid silk that once solidified forms the filaments to build its cocoon. Then, once the larva is dead, heat is used to soften the hardened filaments and to unroll them. These individual filaments are later intertwined into one single filament to form the silk yarn.
Silk is a lightweight, lustrous, and soft fibre. It is highly resistant to tensile strength with little or no elasticity. Silk is very glossy because of the triangular prism structure of the fibre and this causes garments made of this fabric to refract incoming light into different angles.
Naturally, silk is used in high-quality textile industry to produce exquisite accessories as well as luxurious, haute couture garments. Additionally, it is utilized in a wide range of home décor items.
Thanks for all of your entries in our Father's Day giveaway! It was great to see all the love that Dads were getting across the nation.
It was a very difficult decision, but we want to say a massive congratulations to Elvi from Eden Terrace who took out the competition!
Don't worry … View moreThanks for all of your entries in our Father's Day giveaway! It was great to see all the love that Dads were getting across the nation.
It was a very difficult decision, but we want to say a massive congratulations to Elvi from Eden Terrace who took out the competition!
Don't worry if you missed out, there's plenty more where that came from. Keep your eyes peeled for our next giveaway.
Brighten up a corner of your garden with this easy-to-build bird bath and paint it in a Resene colour to suit your exterior colour palette.
Make the most of this weekend with this easy step by step project idea from Resene. Find out how to create your own
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