Auckland Council is taking a watching brief on the response to coronavirus. We are ready to respond to any advice from New Zealand’s health agencies - to help them share their information and manage any health needs in the Auckland region.

The council’s Director of Customer and Community Services Ian Maxwell says that council representatives have been in touch with the Auckland Regional Public Health Service to seek advice on council services, programmes and events.

“The Ministry of Health and Auckland Regional Public Health Service continue to advise us that the risk of a sustained outbreak of coronavirus here in New Zealand is low.

“What is most important for Aucklanders to do is take care of themselves and their families and follow health experts’ advice.”

No cancellation of council events or programmes

Ian says that no council events or programmes are being cancelled as a result of coronavirus.

“Health agencies have not issued any advice or instructions to cancel, postpone or limit events or gatherings.

“This means that the council’s events and programmes can go ahead as usual.

“We are aware that some community-led events are being cancelled by their organisers – they have their own reasons for making that decision and is entirely up to them.

“If we have to adjust any council-run programmes, it will be as a result of low-attendance or availability of participants.”

Business as usual at public venues and facilities

Ian says council staff at our public venues and facilities are aware of people’s interest in coronavirus and have been answering plenty of questions from customers.

“We have a lot of people asking us what the council is doing about the virus and whether it affects our services.

“We continue to keep in touch with the health agencies and share their advice with our teams.

“We have taken this opportunity to put up more information about good hand-washing practices and share the health agencies’ advice to people who have recently travelled from China or know someone who has,” says Ian.

The one exception is our council-run early childhood education services who are required to follow Ministry of Education guidelines and directives around managing any kind of illness or outbreak.

Health advice

These common sense steps will help minimise the risk of transmission of any flu-type illnesses:

• Avoiding close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections.
• Frequent hand-washing with warm soapy water, especially after direct contact with ill people or their environment.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues or clothing, and wash hands.
• Like with any other illness, people who feel unwell with flu-like and respiratory symptoms (such as fever, cough, shortness of breath) should stay home, prioritise their wellbeing and look after themselves.

Coronavirus must be reported to health authorities therefore people should be encouraged to consult their GP or phone Healthline on 0800 611 116.

Additional information is available on the Auckland Regional Public Health Service website and the Ministry of Health website.

Hand washing and hygiene

Washing your hands is one of the best ways to keep from getting sick and spreading illnesses. It also gets rid of germs you pick up from other people or surfaces you touch.