Local Government COVID-19 Response Update – Wednesday 22 September 2021
Here’s today’s update
Auckland is now at Alert Level 3.
Upper Hauraki shifted Alert Levels today and is now at Alert Level 3. A s70 notice is also in place for Upper Hauraki until 11.59pm Friday 24 September. Announcement of the change for Upper Hauraki can be found at Upper Hauraki is at Alert Level 3 | Unite against COVID-19 (covid19.govt.nz).
The country, excluding Auckland and Upper Hauraki, remains in Alert Level 2.
The alert level settings will be reviewed by Cabinet on Monday 4 October 2021.
Updated guidance for council operations to meet alert level requirements
We have updated our updated guidance for council operations to meet requirements through Alert Levels 2,3 and 4. The updated guidance is available on the Response Unit webpage.
The key update under Alert Level 2 is the increase in the maximum indoor gathering limit from 50 people to 100 people. People must still be able to maintain appropriate physical distancing.
If councils identify any issues when using the guidance, please provide feedback to the Response Unit.
Advice for Upper Hauraki
Any person who has resided in Upper Hauraki, worked indoors in the specified area, or visited a household location or indoor gathering in the specified area between 8 Sept and 20 Sept must isolate at home, and contact Healthline to organise a test if they have either been at a location of interest or developed symptoms.
Further details can be found in the section 70 order on the Ministry of Health website: Direction under s 70 of the Health Act 1956 relating to Upper Hauraki
Information on current cases, COVID-19 test sites and economic support
There are 23 new cases of COVID-10 in the community, all in Auckland. All but one of today’s cases have been epidemiologically linked to existing cases.
Available testing sites can be found here on the Ministry of Health website: Available testing sites.
Locations of interest can be found Locations of Interest, and is being updated as soon as information is available.
Economic assistance is available for those impacted by the lockdown, more information available on the COVID-19 website.
Public Health requirements for council meetings
Advice on relevant provisions of the Public Health Order as they relate to council meetings can be found in the Response Unit update for Friday 10 September 2021 published on the Local Government Response Unit webpage.
Guidance on mandatory record keeping at Alert Level 3 and lower
Many businesses and locations are now required to take steps to ensure people can easily make a record when they visit.
The Privacy Commissioner has provided guidance on how to comply with the requirements of the Privacy Act while complying with the new record keeping requirements.
Visit the Unite Against COVID-19 websiteto get information on mandatory record keeping
Epidemic notice remains in force
The Epidemic notice was renewed on 8 September 2021 and will remain in place for three months. More information of the provisions in the notice are outlined in previous Response Unit updates, which can be viewed on the Local Government Response Unit webpage.
