19 March 2020
Covid-19 – Update on Chamber Situation – WE’RE STILL HERE TO SUPPORT YOU
Firstly, thank you to all those who have been in touch with messages of support.
Since I met with Chamber President Neil McAra at the Esk Street office on Thursday 12th March, he has been confirmed as having the Covid-19 virus. Please see a statement below from Findex in relation to this.
The Chamber team are all well and working from home in self-isolation as a precaution only. The advice from the Ministry of Health at this time is that unless you were in close contact with Neil you do not need to self-isolate. We’ve had a few concerned phone calls and can assure you that our offices have been thoroughly cleaned and we’ll be back in the arcade as soon as we’re able.
In the meantime, we’re here to help and support Southland businesses through these unprecedented times.
If you require assistance navigating your way through the Government’s Business Support Package please email me sheree.carey@commercesouth.com or call 029 214 6900.
General enquiries & Certificates of Origin: Nikki 03 218 7188
Events info: Michelle 021 797 017
Membership, YES & Leadership Academy: Jo 027 733 1959
SIT Centrestage Theatre: Lynn 027 223 3113
Our events for the next three weeks have been postponed after which we’ll reassess the situation.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any queries.
Take care,
Sheree Carey
CEO
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Findex Invercargill Office
A member of the Findex Invercargill team was yesterday confirmed as Southland’s first case of COVID-19.
Findex Invercargill Managing Partner, Neil McAra, had the previous week returned from a business trip to Australia where he travelled to the Gold Coast and Sydney, before returning home on March 10th.
McAra began feeling unwell earlier this week, and although his symptoms were not consistent with the New Zealand health authority’s guidance, on his insistence he was tested for and confirmed with COVID-19. By the time he was notified by local health authorities, McAra was already in self-quarantine.
As a precautionary measure, the Findex Invercargill team are now in self-isolation and will not return to the office for a 14 day period, continuing to working from their homes. When asked how his colleagues reacted to the news, McAra says ‘everyone has been really supportive and wants to make sure I’m ok and I’m looking after myself. I’ve received lots of calls and emails, I’m really appreciative of the messages and support. I’m feeling 85% normal and looking forward to a full recovery’.
McAra, who outside of his role with Findex is also a prominent member of the business community including chair of Southland Chamber of Commerce, urged his local community to band together, suggesting ‘we need each other now more than ever, given the global uncertainty for our overall economic and small business landscape. It’s important to remain calm, listen to government advice and prepare ourselves in the best way possible.’
At this time, there are no other confirmed cases throughout the Findex network.
For any further enquiries please contact zoe.paule@findex.com.au.