Lockdown in Hawke's Bay provides more time to read a book, or go for a walk, or both at the same time. Photo / Paul Taylor
Lockdown in Hawke's Bay provides more time to read a book, or go for a walk, or both at the same time. Photo / Paul Taylor
Level 4 lockdown restrictions continue for the next four days.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced that the lockdown has been extended nationwide until 11.59pm on Tuesday, after three cases were confirmed in Wellington bringing the country's total number of cases to 31.
Director-general of health Ashley Bloomfield said locations of interest were "dispersed throughout the country".
He said the most important thing people could do was "stay home in their bubble".
The government will decide early next week - based on latest cases and information - whether to reduce levels or extend by region.
Here's a recap of everything you need to know to keep safe during the extended lockdown.
Essential reasons for leaving the home briefly include: • Physical exercise in your neighbourhood • Visiting the supermarket, dairy or pharmacy • Necessary medical care or getting a test
In the past week, close to 1000 people have been tested for Covid-19 in Hawke's Bay and so far no-one has returned a positive result.
Medical Officer of Health Dr Nicholas Jones urged people to get tested if they felt unwell, adding the delta variant is highly contagious.
"There is capacity at all the testing centres and people should be able to get a booking relatively quickly," he said.
He also reiterated the importance of wearing masks when leaving home, now mandatory since Wednesday night.
"We know how easily the delta variant of Covid-19 can spread. No-one should leave their home without a mask."
Legally people must wear a face covering if they are a customer or employee at businesses and services operating at Alert Level 4, including supermarkets, pharmacies, petrol stations, healthcare facilities and on public transport.
Here's an update about what life looks like at Alert Level 4. Photo / Paul Taylor
Covid-19 Vaccine Rollout and Increased testing
Following the initial announcement, a 48-hour pause was put on Covid-19 vaccine appointments nationwide, however, some sites reopened on Wednesday afternoon.
Anyone aged 40 or over can now get their vaccine. Parents and caregivers are also now able to book in 12-15-year-olds to receive their vaccination at the same time.
Booking can be done through bookmyvaccine.nz
Symptoms of Covid-19 include cold or flu-like illness with one or more of the following: a fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath. A runny nose or loss of smell.
Those who have been at a location of interest at the times stated are asked to call Healthline 0800 358 5453 for details on what to do and if testing is advised.
People can ring one of the numbers below to immediately book a test, or ring their doctor.
Napier: 06 650 4000 Hastings: 06 281 2644. Wairoa: 06 838 8333 Central Hawke's Bay residents should call their doctor or Healthline: 0800 358 5453.
Health
Hawke's Bay District Health Board has reinstated its no-visitor policy across all facilities, including Wairoa Hospital and CHB Medical, until further notice.
The main entrance to Hawke's Bay Hospital is closed and the only entrance is via the Emergency Department entrance.
Masks must be worn at all times at Hawke's Bay DHB sites and will be provided if people don't have them. Hand sanitiser stations are visible and must also be used.
The Hawke's Bay District Health Board has ramped up Covid-19 testing capabilities. Photo / Warren Buckland
The emergency department remains open but no support people or visitors will be allowed unless they have dispensation from the Clinical Nurse Manager (CNM).
Urgent life-saving and acute surgery will continue as normal.
Most planned elective surgery will be postponed and rescheduled. If you haven't heard from the DHB assume your surgery or outpatient clinic has been postponed.
Renal patients are asked to attend their dialysis appointments as normal, alongside cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.
Women in labour should follow their care plan as described by their Lead Maternity Carer (LMC). The DHB's maternity facilities will remain open but closed to visitors. Only one support person with a woman in labour will be allowed onsite.
Gastroenterology and all radiology appointments - other than those needing acute care - will be postponed and rescheduled. If you haven't heard from the DHB assume your appointment has been postponed.
Likewise, all dental appointments will be postponed and rescheduled.
General practice clinics and pharmacies are still open, though there will be some changes.
Patients are able to have their consultations remotely, via phone or video. In-person appointments are still possible though there will always be a phone consultation first.
Each general practice will have their own systems and processes in place. Patients with appointments will be contacted to explain how this will work.
It is now mandatory for people to wear face covering when accessing essential services. Photo / Paul Taylor
Out and about in town
Under level 4 people can still exercise, be that for a walk, run or bike ride, but only in their local area and within their household bubble while keeping a two-metre distance.
Playgrounds, drinking fountains, toilets and libraries across the region remain closed.
Wairoa's Queen St, River Pde and Nuhaka public toilets are open during Alert Level 4 and will be cleaned several times per day. All other public toilets will be closed with signage.
Regional parks and rivers across Hawke's Bay have been closed to vehicles, though people can still walk or cycle.
Access to both car parks at Te Mata Peak closed following an increase in people driving to the park. It's strictly residents only on Te Mata Peak Rd.
Activities which may require search and rescue services such as swimming, surfing, boating, fishing, hunting, tramping and whitebaiting are not allowed.
Risk activities like mountain biking are also advised against. Te Mata Park has closed the Te Ihu (grade 4) and Hori (grade 5) tracks and those in the local Havelock North reserves are also now closed.
goBay bus services have moved to a Saturday timetable, with the addition of the regular Routes 16A, 16B and 17.
Services will be available for essential service workers, and for communities to access supermarkets, pharmacies and health facilities in accordance with Government directions.
Again, face coverings are mandatory on all public transport services for the entire journey - travellers are asked to use their own masks and put them on before boarding.
People are also asked to ensure two-metre physical distancing on board. Fares will remain in place across the region but cash handling will be removed.
The Covid-19 Wage Subsidy is now open through MSD to businesses. Advice and support for businesses is available via 0800 500 362.
Event cancellations and postponements
Alert Level 4 also means events have been cancelled or postponed. Here's a few which have been changed:
- Napier City Council's huti about Māori wards has been moved online to Facebook and will take place at 11am on Wednesday. - The NZME Hastings City Celebration Awards have been postponed, with a new date TBC. - The Hawke's Bay Hospitality Awards have been moved to September 13. - The Bledisloe Cup Bus Trip from Napier to Wellington set for the weekend of August 27 has been cancelled.
