Louise Upston MP has called on the Government to put Cambridge into alert level 2 or release its health advice that justifies the town remaining at alert level 3.

“Cambridge has only had three cases since 6 October this year. It’s been three weeks since and one case and one location of interest remain.

“As of last week Friday, the recorded vaccination rates for the Waipa District was 73.5% fully vaccinated, with 90% of people having had a first dose.” Ms Upston says.

“The Waikato DHB’s projections of attaining a 90% vaccination rate by mid-December also suggest that it will be a very long time before Cambridge will be able to move according to the traffic light system.

“The Minister has publicly said policing of Waikato boundaries was difficult, so it doesn’t make sense that Cambridge remains at alert level 3 while people are moving freely in and out of other areas in the region at alert level 2.

“To add to the confusion, Christchurch and Northland both have more cases than Cambridge, yet they remain at alert level 2, which doesn’t make sense.

“Lockdown and alert level boundary rules are decisions made by the Government. Yet instead of the Government bearing the cost of these decisions, many small and large enterprises in the regions are doing the heavy lifting,” Ms Upston said.

“Every day that we remain at alert level 3, Cambridge businesses and families are suffering unnecessarily.

“It’s time the Government recognised the stress and challenges faced in our regional economies whose businesses are often dependent on Auckland for supply chains, staff and customers.

“In addition to the growing damage to our regional economy, the anxiety in our communities and families including those with children who cannot go back to school is growing too.”

Ms Upston says urgent clarity and honesty from the Government is needed so that businesses, communities and schools can plan a little further ahead than just one week at a time.

“This is not the actions of a kind government, and I am asking that the Prime Minister officially release the health advice she has received that justifies Cambridge remaining at alert level 3.

“Our regions cannot wait for the new traffic light system and an eventual vaccine certificate. Those on the brink need a boost right now.”

ENDS

Media contact: Louise Upston 027 476 7887