Whau residents need to play their part and follow Alert Level 3 guidelines so that together we can stop the spread of COVID-19 in our communities, says Whau ward Councillor Tracy Mulholland.
The Government’s decision to move Auckland to alert level 3 until 11.59pm on Sunday 30 August after a new outbreak of the virus means everyone in the Whau once again has a role to play by staying home and staying local when they go out to shop or exercise.
Closed
All council facilities are closed and amenities like playgrounds, park benches and basketball courts are off-limits during lockdown.
Other non-essential services affected include libraries, pools and leisure centres, service centres, visitor centres, our network of community venues and our early childhood education centres.
Together we will come through stronger
Councillor Mulholland says that while the situation we are in isn’t something we wanted, by working together we will come through stronger.
“What’s most important now is that Whau residents remain calm and follow all the Ministry of Health guidelines. Team Auckland has already beaten COVID-19 once by working together, and we will beat it again by working together.
“That means acting like you have the virus, staying home wherever possible and only going local if you need to go out.
“Please stay off facilities – even if they don’t have signs or tape up saying that they are closed.
“We all have a part to play in stopping the spread of the virus. We don’t know where it is and as it can live on surfaces for up to 72 hours it’s a transmission risk to use the facilities as you might pick up the virus by touching surfaces.
“Council is doing all it can to get signs up on its facilities, but regardless please stay off the equipment for your own safety.
“Together we can stamp this virus out again, but everyone needs to play their part.”
Options at home
A full list of affected facilities and amenities can be found on the OurAuckland website, but Councillor Mulholland says that the council has a range of great activities to help you and the kids keep busy at home during lockdown.
Aucklanders will also still be able to borrow an electronic book, magazine or audiobooks from the library, lodge a consent or register their dog.
“From library books to film streaming and workouts on our pools and leisure Facebook pages there is plenty to keep you occupied when you are at home during lockdown.
“Essential services such as bin collections are still running while the council website allows you to do lots of things online too.
“And please remember to wash your hands, wear a mask or cover your face when outside, record your movements with the COVID-19 app, and be kind to people. The people of the Whau did amazing things last time and together we can do it again.”
Key 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 to stopping the spread. All New Zealanders need to keep a record of where they have been to allow faster contact tracing. Use the government’s COVID tracer app if you can, or make a note.