As New Zealand gets ready to move into the COVID-19 Alert Level 4 the Wairoa District Council is preparing to ensure all essential services remain functioning.

New Zealand is currently at Level 3 with the Council using the next 24 hours to transition into the next phase of ensuring essential Council services are maintained.

Mayor Craig Little said the Council has been preparing for this type of situation, but it should also be noted this is unprecedented and patience and support from members of the public will be appreciated.

“Our priority is to keep our district running so we can ensure the safety of our community. I urge everyone to keep calm, follow the advice and look after yourselves and each other.”

The customer services team at Council will be available on 06 838 7309 until Wednesday 1.30pm, after that calls will be transferred to the after-hours service team.

The Council offices will be closed for walk-in customers from today (Tuesday).

The country will move into Alert Level 4 from 11.59pm on Wednesday (25.03.20) and from then onwards only Wairoa District Council essential services will be available.

Essential services are:

• Drinking water, wastewater
• Landfill and recycling centre
• Rubbish and Recycling kerbside collection
• Rubbish collection from public bins
• Roading
• Public Toilets and maintenance thereof
• Cemeteries and Council owned open spaces
• Animal Control
• Civil Defence

Members of the public are asked to please comply with the 2-metre social distancing request when utilising public facilities, such as the landfill.

Effective immediately the Wairoa i-Site, library and Gaiety Theatre and Community Centre are closed for business.

Other non-essential services will be shut down over the next 48-hours to comply with Alert Level 4 restrictions.

Alert Level 4 means that if you are working outside of essential services, you must stay at home and stop all interactions with others outside of those in your households.

“We know this is a big ask, but by complying with these rules we will have the best chance of eradicating this virus as soon as possible.”

If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early by phoning the Healthline team (for free) on 0800 358 5453 or phoning your local GP practice.

Visit www.covid19.govt.nz for up to date information and watch the live updates on tv or listen to the radio.

24 March 2020

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