Covid-19 lockdown: The questions that matter for the Kiwi-Indian community?

As New Zealand slowly moves closer to the deadline of Wednesday, 11.59 pm, March 25, many in the Kiwi-Indian community, like other New Zealanders are confused with a lot of questions. 

The Indian Weekender, in consultation with experts and authorities, is here attempting to provide answers to some of the questions relevant to our migrant Kiwi-Indian communities. 

Question: I am an international student, and do flat sharing with others for short periods. I am not sure where to live during the period of coronavirus lockdown.

IWK: Given that the deadline for going into lockdown is fast approaching, it should be your topmost priority to identify a house where you have to go in lockdown. If you are moving into a new household just for the lockdown period, please ensure you adhere to strict physical-distancing and social restriction rules. This is not just about your health and safety but also about the well-being of the entire community. It is time to be safe and responsible. It is also time for being calm. You will be well looked after by our health system, in any uneventful scenario of illness. However, it is your civic responsibility to kill the cycle of coronavirus. So stay in physical isolation, but remain socially connected on phone, internet, social media and other digital technologies. 

Question: I drive Uber for a living, can I work normally?

IWK: Public transport and shared rides are currently being considered essential services and therefore allowed to work normally. However, things can change fast, as and when government and health officials continue to reassess the situation, so keep an eye on authentic media, including the Indian Weekender and we will keep you updated if anything changes. 

Question: I am an international student and work in a dairy/convenience store, can I continue to work normally?

IWK: Like all supermarkets, dairy stores are also considered essential services as they provide the community with food and other essential services. Speak to your employer, they will have better information by now. If your work is affected in any manner, in terms of reduction of the number of hours or redundancy then the government's economic package and wages support will be able to assist you. Your employer will be able to apply on your behalf and get a wage subsidy from the government. Read more info here. 

Question: I am worried about my work visa that expires at the end of March 2020. I work as an IT specialist in a non-essential business that will be closed in the Covid-19 lockdown. What are my options?

IWK: Ideally, this is the time to park your visa concerns for some time and focus on a far bigger goal of keeping you and every New Zealander safe. Please understand that this is an unprecedented global pandemic taking place, and New Zealand is fighting on a war footing to break the cycle of virus spread. Everything is coming to standstill at the moment, except essential services, and let's keep focussing on that. The government is aware of the potential crisis situation of about 200,000 temporary workers if businesses struggle to employ them, and the Indian Weekender is regularly in touch with officials to get more clarity as and when it develops. For now, your safety, and everyone else's safety should be the ONLY goal. 

Question: I am an international student and was working part-time in a book-stationery shop. I am not sure if my business will be open or not, but I am worried about how I will manage my expenses in the event of its closure as I solely relied on those earnings to pay for food and bills.

IWK: If you are facing a job-loss because of Covid-19, then you will be eligible for the government’s wage subsidy support. Your employer will be able to apply on your behalf. Please speak to your business before lockdown and get absolute clarity on how you will be supported. More info is available here. 

Question: I am an Indian visitor currently stranded in NZ with limited cash supply and am really nervous about what I am going to do next?

IWK: The office of the Indian High Commission in Wellington has already reached out to all Indian nationals (and OCI card holders) who are currently stranded in New Zealand. Please contact them directly at visa@wellington.mea.gov.in. Right now your focus should be on preparing for the lockdown that starts in less than 48 hours.

Please find an appropriate place where you can self-isolate during the next 4 weeks. Also, do not indulge in panic buying, as we are repeatedly told by the authorities that there is enough food in New Zealand for everyone. Moreover, anyone rushing to supermarkets in hordes defeats the very purpose of social-distancing and risks themselves and others from the dreaded Coronavirus.

Question: I am a retired pensioner, living alone ever since my wife passed early this year and my children just having returned overseas recently to start their lives again. I have been spending all my time out in the community and religious centers and am finding the idea of living alone by myself a little bit daunting.

IWK: We acknowledge that your situation could be daunting and isolated, however, going through the lockdown is absolutely unavoidable, and more especially for protecting our elderlies and other New Zealanders with compromised immunity. There would be enough social support resources available online and over the phone to assist you during these demanding times. Additionally, as a precaution, please remain socially-connected with few prominent charity organisations within our Kiwi-Indian community like Bhartiya Samaj, Shanti Niwas, Women Care Trust and many more over the phone, who might be able to assist you through during this physical-distancing period in a more culturally appropriate manner. Remember, the lockdown is all about physical-distancing and NOT social isolation.