New Zealand has now moved to the red setting under the Government’s COVID-19 Traffic Light system.

This protection framework aims to safeguard at-risk populations and the health system from facing an unsustainable number of hospitalisations. It also aims to protect as many people as possible to ensure our country can continue to function.

Wairoa Mayor Craig Little said the spread of the Omicron variant is expected to be very disruptive and whānau need to be prepared to stay home for longer periods of time than usual.

“Double vaccination, booster shots, being prepared and following the Government’s safety guidelines are our best forms of defence.

“Wairoa is now at 89% single vaccination which is a great result, and we look forward to celebrating the milestone 90% single vaccination rate. Don’t forget children aged 5-11 years of age are now also eligible to be vaccinated.

“The Red Traffic Light system is designed to limit the spread of COVID and protect communities.

We are familiar with the red traffic light settings and the restrictions that come with them.

“The Government has advised the best defence for us and our whānau is to be vaccinated and I encourage anyone who is due for their Boosters to please get this done.”

Wairoa District Council Chief Executive Officer Kitea Tipuna said the Red Traffic Light setting is not new for Wairoa. “We were one of the few districts in the country, and the only district in Hawke’s Bay, that was placed within the Red Traffic Light setting when the traffic light system came into effect on December 3 last year, so we are familiar with how it works. We are a resilient community and hopefully people can switch back to the protocols they had in place, and back to their Business Continuity Plans, while operating under a Red Traffic Light.

“Although we can be informed by our past learnings, now is not the time to be complacent, now is the time for all whānau to look after themselves and each other.”

“The shift from orange to red traffic light settings will mean further restrictions when attending Council facilities, local businesses and anywhere away from your home. Following these guidelines will keep staff and members of our community safe.

“Vaccine passes will be required to gain entry to Council’s sites, specifically Council’s main office, the library, i-Site and Gaiety Theatre. The Museum and Community Centre will also require vaccine passes. The Red traffic light setting will mean fewer people will be able to gather together at any one time and there will be precautionary health requirements in place. Schools and early childhood centres can open but with public health measures in place.

“Library staff are supporting vaccinated people by helping them print off their vaccination passes. Call into the library and staff will help you apply for your vaccine pass and assist with printing and laminating your card.

“Support will also be provided to unvaccinated members through the Wairoa Library app, the eBook Library, provision of weeded books made available for public, and a click and collect service.”

Under the Red Traffic Light management system

With my vaccine pass the following restrictions apply:

· Hospitality (e.g. cafes, restaurants, bars) – up to 100 people, based on

1m distancing, seated and separated

· Gatherings at your home – up to 100 people

· Other gatherings (e.g. weddings, tangihanga, places of worship, marae,

social sports) – up to 100 people, based on 1m distancing

· Gyms – up to 100 people, based on 1m distancing

· Events (indoor/outdoor, e.g. concerts, cinemas) – up to 100 people based

on 1m distancing, seated and separated for service of food and drink

· Close-proximity businesses (e.g. hairdressers, beauty salons) – public

health requirements in place

· Outdoor community events (e.g. a community fair) - up to 100 people,

based on 1m distancing

· Tertiary education – open onsite with capacity limits based on

1m distancing

If My Vaccine pass is not used the following restrictions apply:

· Hospitality (e.g. cafes, restaurants, bars) – contactless only

· Gatherings at your home – up to 25 people

· Other gatherings (e.g. weddings, tangihanga, places of worship, marae,

social sports) – up to 25 people, based on 1m distancing

· Close-proximity businesses (e.g. hairdressers, beauty salons), events

(indoor/outdoor, e.g. concerts, cinemas) and gyms are not able to operate

· Tertiary education – distance learning only

· Outdoor community events (with uncontrolled access, e.g. a public

parade) - up to 25 people, based on 1m distancing

Please continue to scan and keep a record of where you are visiting and wear your facemask and social distance.

25 January 2022

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