Council Well Positioned For COVID-19 Response
A lot has happened in the past week and there is an overwhelming amount of information about coronavirus/COVID-19. Residents will no doubt have their own concerns about both the health risks and the employment risks of an economic slow-down. Many will have an increased responsibility to look after family.
Council facilities remain open for business – but there are a few changes
Until otherwise advised by the MoH, we intend to continue providing all public services. This means council facilities like our service centres and libraries remain open for business.
Our buildings are being cleaned more regularly, including the antiseptic wiping of doors and public counter spaces. Hand sanitiser or access to hand washing areas are available in all our public buildings, however anyone who is self-isolating may not enter these facilities.
Remember, you can conduct business with us online (via www.hurunui.govt.nz) or over the phone (03 3148816) while we unite against the virus and slow its spread.
Planning for the continuity of our services
We will work to ensure essential services are maintained and public and staff wellbeing is put at the forefront of decision making.
We are prepared to activate our Business Continuity and Pandemic Plans to make sure essential services (such as roading, water, sewerage and stormwater, refuse collection etc.) continue to be provided.
In preparation of this next step we have activated a pandemic planning team to monitor the situation. We are responding to and supporting New Zealand and Canterbury Health agencies where we are needed.
The council has flexibility in place for staff who may need to self-isolate. We are also testing our working-from home systems on a larger scale, should we require the majority of our staff to work from home at any point.
Worried about your local business?
Enterprise North Canterbury have a local business support team running and a lot of information for our North Canterbury businesses - including what financial help is currently available to you.
Please visit their website here northcanterbury.co.nz/business-support/covid-19/ to access the latest information for your local business.
Worried about COVID-19 and unsure of who to call?
There is a newly released website which is the central point for all coronavirus/COVID-19 information: www.covid19.govt.nz
Healthline now have two 0800 numbers, one for COVID-19 concerns and one for all other health inquiries.
The COVID-19 dedicated number is 0800 358 5453 (or for international SIMs +64 9 358 5453).
It is free and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for COVID-19 health advice and information. People calling that line will be able to talk with a member of the National Telehealth Service, who have access to interpreters if needed.
You should call that dedicated number:
- To register if you have self-isolated yourself
- For any coronavirus health advice and information and any questions you have about coronavirus, self-isolation etc.
Healthline’s main number is still the one to call for non-coronavirus health concerns – 0800 611 116.
