23 Mar 2020
Dear Jennie Martinez,
This is a note to let you know that your daughter, Sister Carly Martinez, is safe. The New Zealand government announced yesterday that New Zealand will go into a four-week lockdown to prevent the spread of COVID-19. At this writing, New Zealand has witnessed slightly over 100 confirmed cases of COVID-19. All except two of those cases are related to international travel. However, two confirmed cases of COVID-19 cannot be traced back to international travel. Therefore, there is a concern that community spread of COVID-19 may have commenced in New Zealand. In an attempt to eliminate further spread of COVID-19 and in an effort to stamp out the virus, the government of New Zealand has taken the unprecedented step to lockdown the entire country beginning midnight, Wednesday, March 25, 2020 (New Zealand Time). In response, the New Zealand Auckland Mission has asked all missionaries to commence lockdown immediately. People in New Zealand will still be allowed to shop for groceries during the lockdown and our missionaries will do likewise. Please know that Sister Martinez will be sufficiently funded at all times.
Previous to the lockdown announcement, each missionary in the New Zealand Auckland Mission was funded an additional $190 to purchase nonperishable goods for emergencies or a possible lockdown. Missionaries who have not yet made these purchases will do so today and tomorrow before the lockdown goes into place.
While Sister Martinez isolates in her mission flat with her companion, she will be using technology to carry out missionary work. She will also use this time to study, exercise, and keep in contact with family.
Missionaries will be allowed two calls home per missionary per week during the lockdown. Missionaries are to initiate these calls. In case of emergency please contact me directly instead of reaching out to Sister Martinez.
Here are some key points about the New Zealand government mandated lockdown:
New Zealand will enter a coronavirus lockdown for the next four weeks after the prime minister lifted the alert status.
• The New Zealand coronavirus alert level moved up to Level 3 on Monday.
• Alert Level 4 will take effect from 11.59pm on Wednesday.
• Schools, childcare centers and universities will be closed from Tuesday.
• All non-essential businesses or services must shut by 11:59 pm Wednesday.
• Those living in New Zealand must stay at home unless visiting an essential service.
Schools and non-essential services across New Zealand will be closed for at least the next four weeks.
We love Sister Martinez and will continue to do everything in our power to keep her safe. We appreciate the constant love and support you show your daughter, Sister Martinez.
If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me. Things could change quickly. I will do everything in my power to keep you abreast of any changes.
Sincerely,
President J. Alan Walker
New Zealand Auckland Mission
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