The Ministry of Health says that with continued vigilance, the chance of a widespread community outbreak of COVID-19 is expected to remain low.
Council gyms, pools, libraries, services and community centres will remain open at this stage but people are urged to take simple steps to prevent the spread of the virus – primarily if they're feeling unwell, stay at home, says Mayor Andy Foster.
“We have had three confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Wellington, all from people returning from overseas. We are supporting the Ministry of Health to ensure the situation is being appropriately managed. The individuals are now in isolation and being closely monitored.
“We are working closely with the Ministry of Health and our regional partners, while monitoring the situation constantly.
“We are keeping our people informed and updated to ensure they feel confident that we are putting the health, safety and wellbeing of staff and the public first. This includes relevant communications from the Ministry of Health about protecting themselves from COVID-19, and doing simple things like washing down equipment and keeping things extra clean.”
The Ministry of Health recommends keeping active and enjoying leisure activities to help manage people’s mental health and wellbeing, and there are plenty of opportunities to do this around the capital, says Councillor Fleur Fitzsimons, Community Well-being portfolio lead.
“Along with recreation centres and facilities, there are also walking tracks and bike trails, coastal sites to visit, getting in to nature at Zealandia and the Zoo, or even a spot of golf at Berhampore Golf Course.
“The libraries are open, but please don’t go if you or your children are unwell. There are fantastic on-line facilities like eBooks, streaming film platforms, eMagazines, eNewspapers, and digital story times for library members.
“Despite Neighbours Day events being postponed, it’s also a good time to get to know your neighbours and keep an eye out for each other, particularly if you have elderly neighbours.”
Wellington City Council is creating resources which will be available on the website and from the Service Centre for the public to reach out to their neighbours soon. Visit wellington.govt.nz/neighboursday for more information.