Hastings District Council’s essential services are still operating during the COVID-19 Level 4 lockdown, but other restrictions and closures are in place in line with Ministry of Health guidelines.

The Government announced the move to Alert Level 4 last night for an initial three days, and the community is asked to follow the guidance to stay at home if at all possible.

If people have to go out to buy groceries, receive healthcare or take exercise, they must wear a mask, stay two metres apart, not congregate, and not talk to neighbours.

Hastings mayor Sandra Hazlehurst said Council was well prepared for any shift in alert levels, and ready to respond to keep people safe.

“Although it’s disappointing to be back in this situation again, all of our teams are working hard to keep essential services operating and help our community get through this.

“Once again, we need to look out for each other, be kind and keep to the government guidelines to stay safe and do what we can together so we can get back to normal as soon as possible.”

In terms of council services, kerbside waste collections are running as scheduled, but the transfer stations and rural recycling stations are closed to all except for essential workers.

While all playgrounds are closed, parks and reserves are still open for people to go for a walk, but they are asked to follow the advice to wear masks, stay two metres apart, remain at home if they feel sick, and not undertake risky activities that may result in injury requiring emergency help.

Council has closed all its facilities, all public toilets, public drinking water fountains and chlorine-removed taps.

The council’s Lyndon Road Customer Service Centre is closed to the public but the team will be responding to inquiries. The Animal Control Centre is also closed to the public and officers will only respond to call-outs where there is a threat to public safety or livestock.

Mrs Hazlehurst said it was really important that we help each other and be vigilant.

“The best thing we can all do right now is to stick to the health advice which is keeping us safe.”

For any further information please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions on the council website www.hastingsdc.govt.nz or call customer service on 871 5000.

For general COVID-19 information go to www.covid19.govt.nz.

Napier City Council’s essential services are still operating during the COVID-19 Level 4 lockdown, but other restrictions and closures are in place in keeping with Ministry of Health guidelines.

Kerbside waste and recycling collections are running as normal, but we ask people to store plastics, tins and cans if possible, as these items have to be taken to landfill during Level 4.

The Redclyffe transfer station is closed to everyone except essential workers.

Other closed facilities are: all playgrounds, dechlorinated water stations, public toilets, and larger facilities such as MTG Hawke’s Bay, Napier and Taradale Libraries, the National Aquarium of New Zealand, Bay Skate, Napier Aquatic Centre, McLean Park, Napier Municipal Theatre, Par2 MiniGolf, Napier i-SITE, Napier War Memorial Centre, and Faraday Centre.

All cemeteries and Dolbel Reserve are closed for now, but this may change as we receive further health advice. Some of our parks, reserves and playgrounds have gates and equipment, which present a risk of transmission when touched. Sugar Loaf Reserve, Maggie’s Way and Sturm’s Gully remain open at this stage. If usage increases to the point of increased risk to the community, we will look at closure.

Council is prepared for any change in alert levels, and any updates we need to pass on to the community, says Napier Mayor Kirsten Wise.

“Do walk the dog, do take time outside, but please remember to follow the lockdown rules - wear a mask, stay two metres away from people outside your bubble, and don’t do any activities that increases the risk of injury and mean that emergency services will need to come to your rescue.

“We should all stay home as much as possible. This is especially important if you are feeling sick. If you’re OK and are out and about, mask up, use sanitizer, use the tracer app, and above all take care and stay safe, for your sake and for others.”

While their Customer Service Centre is closed, their phone line is still operating. The city's Animal Control team is responding to emergency calls only, that is, where there is a threat to public safety or to livestock.

Changes have also been made to the region's goBay bus service, available only for essential service workers, and for communities to access supermarkets, pharmacies and health facilities in accordance with Government directions.

goBay bus services have moved to a Saturday timetable, with the addition of the regular Routes 16A, 16B and 17. Face coverings are mandatory on all public transport services for the entirety of the journey and passengers must also observe two metre physical distancing on board.

Fares will remain in place across the region but cash handling will be removed.

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