Two years ago the government asked us to "Unite Against Covid-19". The government is now asking us to take individual responsibility for managing our own Covid-19 risk. Individuals cannot control their environments and many cannot afford to protect themselves. We are asking for basic help to protect New Zealanders and make this a safer place for people to live, work and play.

We are calling on the government of New Zealand to make New Zealand a safe place for people. In particular, we are asking the government to protect children in learning institutions and protect vulnerable community members from COVID-19.

Reducing the spread of COVID-19 will reduce sickness and death, improve equality for all New Zealanders, and encourage people to feel safe and resume their normal daily activities.

We ask that the government take the following steps with urgency:

1. Inspection and assessment of shared spaces in every school and university by a qualified expert in ventilation and airborne transmission; install ventilation, CO2 monitoring and air filtration for each room as recommended by the expert before winter 2022.
2. Facilitate the inspection and assessment of shared spaces in early childhood education centres; facilitate installation of ventilation, CO2 monitoring and air filtration as recommended by the expert.
3. Provide free N95 (or equivalent) masks to all people so those who cannot afford masks are not disadvantaged.
4. Retain the Red COVID-19 Protection Framework mask settings in Orange, including in schools and universities. 
5. Undertake an extensive print, digital and mainstream media campaign to educate the public about airborne transmission of COVID-19 so individuals and businesses can better manage their risk.