Changes at Council as we move back to Alert Level 2

The national direction for the Bay of Plenty to move to COVID-19 alert level 2 will mean a number of changes for Council services.

Ōpōtiki Mayor, Lyn Riesterer said that the community has been here before and that we'll quickly remember the 'safe everyday' precautions including handwashing, social distancing and smaller gatherings.

Council reception is still open although Council asks that people keep safe distances in reception areas and reduce face to face meetings where possible.

"So much council business can now be done online so contactless payments and paperwork is normal for most of us now. Please just give each other plenty of space if you find yourselves in a queue again," Mayor Riesterer said.

Library services will continue but with reduced hours: 10am - midday and 1pm - 4pm. The library's list of excellent online and remote services will still be available when users log in (all the details are on the back of the library cards).

Library Manager, Jo Hunt, also said that they would be postponing the Pechakucha event for Thursday night with a new date to be advised.

"They are always super popular so it is tough to have to postpone it this week, but we'll wait until we get a little more clarity about next steps before we set a date.

"Like everywhere else, we'll be asking that people keep their distance where they can in the library and don't hesitate to use our e-books, research and online options and the wide range of movies we now have available. Just ring the library if you want to know more or can't find your way around our website," Ms Hunt said.

I-Site services will continue as normal although Joseph Hayes, i-Site Manager, said that the most likely disruptions at Level 2 would be with bus travel through the district so he recommended that people check in directly with their service providers such as Intercity.

Mayor Lyn Riesterer said that it was back to alert level 2 rules.

"Social distancing, hand hygiene, staying home if you feel unwell, wearing a mask if you can't keep your distance, and cleaning surfaces often. These are all things we'll need to remember to do again.

"Please also use the NZ COVID Tracer app(this link has been removed as it is no longer current) or find a way to manually keep track of where you have been and who you have been in contact with - the government app is great or just an old fashioned notebook works well too.

"There is no need to panic buy - services and grocery supplies will continue at whatever level we are at. Stay calm and check up on our elders around us. Remaining calm and kind is the right thing to do right now and let's see how the next three days go at Alert Level two," Mayor Riesterer said.