From Tuesday 13 September, face masks will no longer be required at Auckland Council facilities or offices, following the decision by the Government to remove the COVID-19 Protection Framework.
Auckland Council Director Customer and Community Services Dr Claudia Wyss says that as Aotearoa’s approach to managing COVID-19 shifts, it will come down to each of us to keep ourselves protected.
“With the removal of the COVID-19 Protection Framework, face masks will no longer be required when visiting our much-loved facilities or our council offices.
“However, we will continue to support our staff and visitors should they wish to continue using masks as a way to keep themselves safe from COVID-19.
“It is important to remember that the virus is not gone, and we continue to encourage Aucklanders to use physical distancing and to stay home if they are unwell so that we can keep moving forward in our approach to managing COVID-19.”
The removal of the COVID-19 Protection Framework means that there are no restrictions on gatherings and masks are no longer required to be worn, except in health care settings such as pharmacies, GP surgeries etc.
“This is a major milestone, and we are incredibly grateful for the hard work of Aucklanders and council teams over the past few years to help protect Aotearoa and Tāmaki Makaurau. It makes me proud to see what we have achieved under unprecedented circumstances.
“Lastly, please remember to be patient with one another. The past few years have been tough, and each of us will have felt the impacts in our own way. While many of us will be happy to see the end of restrictions, others may be more hesitant and that is OK too.”
Check before you go
Visit our website for up-to-date information on interruptions to our services and facilities due to staff illness or unavailability. Unwell staff can affect our rosters and require a reduction in hours or temporary closures. This can also be affected by the ability of our contracted suppliers to supply their essential services, like cleaning.
Here’s what you can do to keep yourself and your whānau safe:
- Get a booster if you’re over 18 and it has been 3 months since your last dose.
- Maintain physical distancing where possible.
- Maintain good hygiene practices including washing your hands regularly and wiping down surfaces after use.
- If you have cold or flu symptoms, stay home and call Healthline for advice on getting a test.
You can find out more about the changes announced by the government on the Unite Against COVID-19 website.
