Mayor John Carter is urging everyone in the Far North to embrace government calls to isolate themselves and their families over the next four weeks to defeat the Covid-19 virus.
"We only need look to China, Italy, Spain, Iran and other countries to see that we need to act quickly," he said. "As Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern explained, taking this drastic step will save tens of thousands of lives. That includes our neighbours, our workmates, our whānau."
He also urged people to regularly phone their neighbours, especially those over 70, living alone or with health issues.
Meanwhile the council would continue to provide vital services such as water, wastewater, stormwater, drought management, animal management, housing for the elderly, cemeteries, public toilets, the Hokianga ferry and road maintenance (where it involved public safety). Other services would continue, but in a different form. Public amenities, such as libraries, public swimming pools, i-Site information centres and council service centres would remain closed for the foreseeable future.
"The next four weeks will be new territory for all of us. Council staff are working hard to adapt to the restrictions. We ask for your patience and understanding as we establish service continuity," Mr Carter said.