I’m reporting here three very different types of local businesses, and how differently they had to deal with level 3 and 4 lockdown.
Deanna reported that it is impossible to do dentistry on line. She conducted a few phone calls, but patients just had to wait until level 2 for personal service. The family enjoyed meals together.
This report was received before yesterday’s new cases (18 June). Deanna declared she was worried about a second wave, and effective isolation at the border. Prescient comments. Deanna also declared Ponsonby a strong community which will bounce back, particularly if we all “support local”. People in Ponsonby are positive and innovative”, she added, “so I really hope that will help many businesses through these tough times.”
Mark Grzybowski is a European stone mason, who builds and installs high-end stone kitchens and other stone features. He was able to retain his experienced staff of 23, at home on 80% pay. Mark was able to do some work online with architects, designers and clients, but was itching to get back to work. He would like to have come out of lockdown a little earlier, but understands the government’s caution.
Mark told me he is not worried about a second wave as long as the border remains closed. “A second wave would be a disaster,” he said. Like Deanna Nelson, Mark Grzybowski argued for a strong border control nearly a month ago. As I write this (19 June) the border seems extremely porous, and we appear in danger of a second wave.
My third interview was with Shona and Drew Rishworth. They are in the aged-care sector, and own and run a rest home. They told me they had to put in numerous strategies pre-lockdown, knowing what was occurring globally. During the lockdown they had no visitors, contractors, family members or friends. The Rishworths were able to organise some face time online and they had zoom meetings with colleagues. Their weekly doctor’s meeting was conducted by phone.
Shona also urged that the border remain closed securely, with controlled quarantine.
Shona also told me that the shutdown period had been the hardest work they had ever done. No time for family dinners and down time there. But fortunately they came through it with no covid cases among their elderly, and when I spoke with them Shona and Drew both looked in good shape. Like the others I interviewed they called on locals to shop and eat locally to help local businesses get back on their feet. (John Elliott)