With Omicron making its way into communities across Tāmaki Makaurau, some Auckland Council sites and facilities will need to operate limited services, shorter hours or face temporary or short-term closures.
Director of Customer and Community Services Dr Claudia Wyss says the council signalled it was preparing for disruptions last month and is now facing the first round of service interruptions.
“So far, we’ve only had to shorten the summer season on two outdoor (summer-only) pools and adjust some library and recreation centre hours, however we expect the need to limit services or close sites will grow in the coming weeks.
“To manage this, we will publish updates of affected services or facilities each afternoon on the council’s website.
“This is a good page to bookmark if you’re a regular user of our council facilities and we urge people to check the daily list before they set out from home,” says Dr Wyss.
Situations that might lead to a change in services or closure include a site being named as a location of interest and requiring temporary closure, or workforce challenges due to illness or council employees being identified as close or household contacts and needing to self-isolate.
“We will also be keeping a close eye on government advice and make adjustments if required – for example, if the phase three guidance has an impact on our approach. But our primary consideration will be the health and wellbeing of our people, our customers and our communities,” says Dr Wyss.
On behalf of each of the council departments that may be affected, Dr Wyss thanks Aucklanders for their patience and understanding.
“Our focus remains on looking after our people and those that use our services and facilities,” she says.
The website will also carry updates on other council services, like our regulatory functions and critical services (like waste collection, water and cemetery provision), should these be adjusted or changed.
Wearing a mask when you go out, scanning in using the NZ COVID Tracer App or manually signing in, and having your vaccine pass ready for those places (including Auckland Council venues and facilities) that require it will continue to help manage the spread of Omicron and other COVID variants.
Visit aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/covidnotices for daily updates on the status of council facilities and services.
Find out more about Auckland and Auckland Council’s services at the Red Traffic Light setting here.
Visit the Unite Against COVID-19 website for government guidance and information about vaccination and boosters.