West Aucklanders need to keep up the good work and follow social distancing requirements so that we can stamp out COVID-19 in the community, say Waitākere ward councillors Linda Cooper and Shane Henderson.
West Aucklanders are again being called on to stay home, stay local and be COVID-19 safe following the recent outbreak of community transmission and the Government’s decision to place Auckland into Alert Level 3 until 11.59pm on Sunday 30 August.
Many council facilities are closed during Alert Level 3. Affected council services include libraries, pools and leisure centres, service centres, visitor centres, our network of community venues and our early childhood education centres.
Council-owned amenities such as playgrounds, park benches, and basketball courts are closed and not to be used during this time.
A full list of affected facilities and amenities can be found on the OurAuckland website.
Stop the spread
“Playgrounds and other high-touch amenities have been closed to stop the spread of the virus. We know that COVID-19 can live on surfaces for up to 72 hours, so to be safe, we ask that people do not use this equipment even if a closed sign is not yet in place,” says Councillor Cooper.
"Council staff are working hard to install signs at playgrounds and on park equipment across the region. But if a sign is not yet present, please still do not use the equipment.
“Please stay local, I have heard reports of people flocking to our West Coast beaches to enjoy the sunshine. We will have a much more difficult time stopping the virus if people travel across the region so please stick to your local beaches and parks,’ says Councillor Cooper.
Online services
There are still many services that the council offers to enable people to get things done or keep entertained online. Instead of visiting a library or service centre, Aucklanders can borrow an electronic book, magazine or audiobook, lodge a consent, or register their dog online.
Councillor Henderson says that the council has a range of great activities to help you and the kids keep busy at home during lockdown.
“Once again the council is doing all it can to help people at home with a fantastic array of things to do – from library books to film streaming and workouts on our pools and leisure Facebook pages – that’s going to be really useful when the weather isn’t pretty outside.
“The council’s essential services are still running, so your bins will continue to be collected and the customer services team will still be available to take your calls.
“Above all though, it is back to the principles of washing your hands, staying home and staying local if you need to go out. Also wear a mask, take a record of your movements and be kind to people. We will get through this by working together again.”
More information
For up to date information on council services, visit aucklandcouncil.govt.nz or phone 09 301 0101.
For the most up-to-date government response information please go to covid19.govt.nz
Contact tracing is an essential tool to stop the spread of the virus. All New Zealanders must keep a record of their movements. Use the NZ COVID-19 tracer app if you can, or keep a written record of the places you’ve visited.
