New Zealand has now moved to the second phase of its Omicron response, and that means measures to slow the spread of the coronavirus rather than stamp it out.

As we work, live and move about the Ashburton district, it means continuing to scan into the places that we visit, wearing a proper mask and getting your booster, if you haven’t already.

In Canterbury, 98 per cent of our eligible population is double-vaccinated and so for most of us Omicron will result in mild to moderate symptoms. But remember, we are following the rules because we want to protect the most at-risk in our communities and not overwhelm our health services.

In phase 2, people need to be prepared to isolate if they are test positive and to largely look after themselves, except if they are very ill. There is also a greater use of rapid antigen testing, and these will keep critical workers at work if they test negative – and that is important to businesses and supply chains in our district.

So buckle up, be prepared and keep an eye out on people close to you who might need a hand as Omicron washes through.

If you are isolating, make good use of digital messaging to keep in touch: Send a text, make a call or catch up on a video call.

The use of digital messaging, like a text straight to your cellphone, is also a fast and easy way for authorities to share important information.

Council used text messaging at the weekend to advise that precautionary boil water notices were in effect for Mt Somers and Methven drinking water schemes following heavy rain in the foothills that caused rivers to rise. Those schemes take their water from rivers.

If you haven’t signed up already, then all you have to do is text your postcode to 4196 and you will receive important alerts. The text alert service is free and signing up gives you an important head start in the case of various emergencies.

For the people of Methven, it may have felt like “here we go again”, but they should remember that work has begun on two projects that will upgrade their drinking water scheme and bring an end to boil water notices in big rain events.

Contractors are already doing groundwork for a new water reservoir and tenders will be awarded next month for contractors to supply and install membrane equipment for both Methven and Mt Somers water treatment plants. That work should begin at the start of next year.