Covid-19 Level 2 - What does it mean for council services?

POSTED ON: 16 March 2020 | IN: News

Covid-19 Level 2 – What does it mean for council services?

We’ve been planning for this. We’ve been here before. We got rid of the virus, and we can do it again!

As a Council, we’re following Government advice and protocols to reduce therisk of community spread.

See here for full Covid-19 Level 2 measures atWhat you need to know on the Government Covid-19 website.

While we’re in Level 2, here is what to expect from Council:

There are not many changes – most relate to contract tracing, physical distancing and increased hygiene measures. Please be patient when accessing our buildings.

Visiting our offices:

Opening hours as per Level 1
We ask you to adhere to the physical distancing tape that has been laid on the floor in reception
Screens have been re-installed at the counters
Please use the hand sanitizer available at the counter
Please sign into the contact tracing register at the counter, or
Use the Government contract tracing app if you have it – a QR code sign is available
Cleaning protocols have been increased.

Libraries:

Opening hours as per normal
Returning items – we encourage customers to use the after-hoursreturns dropbox rather than your counter, if possible
Public PCs are available to use – with a cleaning regime in place between each user
People in each library building (staff and customers) will be limited to 100
We ask you to adhere to the physical distancing tape that has been laid on the floor
Screens have been re-installed at the counters
Please use the hand sanitizer available at the counter
Please sign into the contact tracing register at the counter, or use the Government contract tracing app if you have it – QR code signs areavailable in each location
Cleaning protocols have been increased.

Public Meetings/venues:

Our venues will not be available for gatherings of more than 100 people
Council meetings scheduled in the Council Chambers have been relocated to the Waihinga Centre to provide more room for physical distancing, which for our public venues is 2 metres
Please use the hand sanitizer available on entry
Please sign into the contact tracing register at the counter, or
Use the Government contract tracing app if you have it – QR code signs are available
Cleaning protocols have been increased.

Parks, transfer/recycling stations and public toilets:

All open as normal but with extra cleaning in place, as per protocols
Please practise physical distancing – 2 metres
Contactless payment at transfer stations/recycling centres is strongly encouraged.

Offsite council appointments:

Visiting council staff will be following protocols, including using hand sanitiser, masks and keep a 2-metrephysical distance.

Communications:

Council’s Response Team has been re-activated andwill communicate and coordinate with the Civil Defence Emergency Management, and the other two Wairarapa district councils where appropriate
Council’s website, Facebook and Neighbourly will be used to share updates on COVID-related information.

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Government update at 9am 12 August 2020– Outside Auckland

Auckland has at least onenew case of COVID-19 and moves to Alert Level 3
The rest of New Zealand moves to Alert Level 2
There will only be essential travel to/from Auckland
Don’t panic buy, all businesses outside Auckland are open with social distancing in place.
Keep a 2-metre physical distance and wear a mask when in public when you can’t distance.
Stay home if you’re sick, wash your hands, cough or sneeze into your elbow, clean surfaces
If you are sick call your GP or Healthline to book a free COVID-19 test, and get tested if asked
Keep a record of where you have been, use NZ COVID app.
The latest information can be found onwww.covid19.govt.nzor the Unite Against Covid social media channels

These measures are temporary to stop the spread of COVID-19 and will apply for the next three days while information is gathered and contact tracing and testing is underway.

This situation is fast-moving and further updates, including any changes to Council services,will follow.

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Having trouble paying your rates?

If you’re experiencingfinancial hardship during this time, please contact our Rates Team on06 306 9611as soon as possible. We would be happy to discuss rates relief payment options with you if you are in, or foresee, financial difficulty.

Are you a foreign national needing help?

A foreign nationalis someone who isnot a permanentcitizen or resident of New Zealand. Thisincludes tourists, seasonal workers andtemporary migrantsonastudent visa, working holiday visa, an essential skills visa, or those who are in the countrywithout a current visa.

If you are a foreign national seekingsupport visit: foreignnationals.services.govt.nz or call 0800 REDCROSS.

Visa advice

If you need advice about your visa status, contactImmigration New Zealandor call 0508 558 855.

Temporary accommodation service

If you don’t have somewhere safe to stay, or have been temporarily displaced from your home due to COVID-19 please call theTemporary Accommodation Serviceon0508754 163.Thiscall centre is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For financial support

VisitCOVID-19 Financial Supportwebsite orWork and Incomeor call0800 559 009.

If you’re not sure what assistance may be available, or you don’t know who to contact for help, phone theGovernment Helplineon0800 779 997(8am to 10pm, 7 days a week).