Whanganui District Council says it is ready for Covid-19 resurgence

Whanganui District Council is ready to maintain critical functions in the event of a Covid-19 resurgence. Photo / Bevan Conley

If New Zealand were to experience a resurgence of Covid-19, the Whanganui District Council says it would be ready to face it.

Outbreaks and localised lockdowns are likely to become the norm in New Zealand according to a report from a panel of experts, chaired by epidemiologist Sir David Skegg, into this country's Covid-19 strategy.

Speaking on Tuesday, the council's risk manager Debbie Watson presented an update to the strategy and finance committee meeting.

Watson said she and council teams were continuing to work closely with the Whanganui District Health Board to respond to any resurgence of Covid-19.

"We are in a state of readiness," she said.

Watson said the Covid-19 resurgence plan was regularly amended as new information and guidance was provided.

Council staff were prepared to work remotely to maintain essential functions if necessary.

They were also told to stay home if they developed Covid-19 symptoms, get tested if necessary and maintain regular hand washing and surface cleaning.

There were reminders to council workers about scanning QR codes, enabling Bluetooth tracing and promotion of the vaccination roll-out process, along with updates from the Ministry of Health and DHB.

Committee chairwoman Kate Joblin said it was good to see the Covid-19 resurgence report at the Tuesday meeting and that it served as a reminder the virus had not gone away.

Councillor Helen Craig asked Watson about the availability of ventilators in Whanganui.

"I realise that it is straying into the DHB's responsibilities but I understand that the number of ventilators in hospitals around the country hasn't increased since before Covid.

"Is that something that has been discussed as part of these preparedness plans?"

Watson said the question of ventilators would need to be addressed to the DHB.

"It is not part of our preparedness as a council. This is about our staff and our ability to maintain our business-critical functions," Watson said.

The report into the country's wider Covid-19 strategy released on Wednesday recommended shorter MIQ stays for New Zealanders returning from short overseas trips as the first phase of reopening the border next year.

But it said that should only be for people who are fully vaccinated and who have visited low risk countries.