Kāpiti joins fight to stamp out COVID-19 outbreak
The Kāpiti Coast has joined New Zealand in moving to COVID-19 Alert Level 2 as the country unites again to stamp out an outbreak of the virus.
“I know many in our community will be disappointed and scared by this but we have been here before and we know going hard and going early is successful when we work together,” says Mayor K Gurunathan.
“For Kāpiti, this means playing it safe and following the golden rules - maintain physical distance from people you don’t know, stay at home if you don’t feel well and wash or sanitise your hands thoroughly and regularly.”
Under Alert Level 2, Kāpiti Coast District Council pools remain open with increased hygiene measures and limits on the number of visitors allowed inside at any one time to ensure physical distancing of 1 metre can be maintained.
At the Coastlands Aquatic Centre, patrons will be limited to 100 and at Ōtaki Pool, 70. This includes swimmers and non-swimmers. The sauna and hydroslide will close but fitness classes will continue and the spa is available with prior booking for up to 4 people.
At Paraparaumu, Ōtaki, Waikanae and Paekākāriki libraries, visitor volume is unlikely to exceed 100 people at any one time but this will be monitored daily and limitations applied if needed. Visitors are asked to adhere to physical distancing guidelines at all times. The Customer Service Centre at Paraparaumu will be limited to 10 visitors.
The district’s public playgrounds, skate parks, courts and toilets remain open but water drinking fountains will close.
Sports fields are also open but users must follow good hygiene practices and check in with their club for updates and information about training and sports fixtures.
Community halls and venues remain open to those with existing bookings that can confirm compliance with government guidelines including gathering size limits. New bookings can also still be made.
Dog parks remain open and dogs can be walked off leash in designated areas.
Council staff will continue full mowing, gardening and maintenance work schedules with robust procedures in place to keep staff and public safe.
Fast and effective contact tracing is one of the best ways we can all work together to prevent any further spread of COVID-19. The NZ COVID Tracer app is the most effective way to quickly track and identify your movements. QR contact tracing codes are displayed at all Council facilities.
“It’s safe to continue to go to work and school, with physical distancing. Businesses following public health guidance can remain open, also with physical distancing and record keeping. You can continue to stay connected with friends and family, and socialise in groups of up to 100, go shopping or travel domestically if following the rules,” says Mayor Guru.
“We know what to do, Kāpiti. We keep calm and kind, we stay alert and look after each other. I was humbled by how our community came together when this virus first emerged and I have absolute confidence in our ability to stamp out this outbreak now.”