“Based on expert medical advice and international evidence, I am moving New Zealand to Alert Level 2, Reduce Contact. This will have a significant disruption on how we go about our daily lives, but it is necessary to protect lives.
“People over 70 years of age, or people who are immunocompromised or have certain pre-existing conditions, need to stay at home as much as they can from now on.
“I'm asking everyone to support our older New Zealanders by doing things like keeping in contact with them and dropping off food or other supplies.
“I am also asking businesses and workplaces to play their part. Many workplaces already have plans for staff to work from home or to distance themselves in the workplace. We are now asking you to put those plans in place.
“Health and emergency professionals, transport and delivery staff, supermarket and food production workers, and other essential people will be continuing on at their place of work at this alert level.
“It's also important to note that at every alert level, supermarkets around New Zealand will remain open.
“We are also asking New Zealanders to limit all non-essential domestic travel. We need people to significantly reduce the number of interactions they have at this time and that includes visiting people in different parts of the country for non-essential reasons.
“These measures are being taken in the national interest. We know people, business, and sports events will be impacted, but these are short-term disruptions for the overall health of our people and country.
“I know many New Zealanders are anxious. The alert system is designed to offer certainty around future action and the ability for people to plan and prepare for any future eventuality. Please be strong, be kind, and unite against Covid-19.”
In announcing their closure to visitors, Leighton House director Andrew Sheard acknowledged the importance of visits “for our residents and their loved ones”.
“Closing our doors is not a step we take lightly. However, preventing the spread of Covid-19 has to take priority.”
Advice for a new process around visits would be available later today.
Ryman Healthcare spokesman David King said visitor restrictions, including compulsory temperature checks and having a security guard on the gates had already been in place at the Kiri Te Kanawa retirement village, but it would now step up additional support services for independent residents.
“We're trying to think of everything we can to keep residents connected while meeting the government requirements,” Mr King said.
Village centres would perform the role of “mother ship” to provide support.
“Residents can call us there for anything they need.”
Sunshine Service has cut down its operation to just one bus, limited to pick-ups and drop-offs at doctor appointments and the hospital.
Sunshine Service manager Ross Thomson said he made the call after the Prime Minister advised all people aged 70 and over to remain at home.
“We wanted to be responsible for our community,” he said.
“A lot of organisations which run social meetings for the elderly have cancelled weekly gatherings, including the Sherwood Club run by Alzheimers Gisborne/Tairawhiti. It has also cancelled its street appeal and a pop-up shop which was to run alongside that.”
All Tairawhiti fire stations, the Tairawhiti area office of Fire and Emergency NZ and the front counter at the Gisborne Fire Station are on lockdown to public entry, as a precaution. Area fire commander Charlie Turei has issued this advice for people needing to interact with Fire and Emergency in Gisborne.
“The 111 system should always be used in the case of an emergency,” he said.
“The region's firefighters are taking steps to minimise the risk to themselves and family, while maintaining the ability to respond with their crew, where required.
“As an essential service, we are always keeping up with the most current advice, but will respond to emergencies as usual,” he said.
“Permits for fires can still be obtained online by using checkitsalright.nz and fire safety advice can be obtained by viewing fireandemergency.nz or by ringing the Gisborne Fire Station on 867 9039.
Dental practices in New Zealand were advised last night by the Ministry of Health and the Dental Council of New Zealand to refrain from providing all non-essential and elective dental care.
A Facebook statement from Amber Dental said the practice would continue to provide emergency dental care but would abide by the Ministry and the council's recommendations of what constitutes an emergency.
“We are currently being advised to only see patients with dental injuries from an accident, prolonged bleeding and severe pain or infection that cannot be managed by medication first. If you have an appointment with us that does not fit the recommendations, we will unfortunately have to reschedule your appointment and will be in touch to do so. You are also welcome to contact the practice.”
The Rotary Club of Gisborne has stopped meetings until further notice and Gisborne Bridge Club has cancelled all bridge sessions, also until further notice.
Alzheimers Gisborne/Tairawhiti manager Tracy Robinson said it was very disappointing to have to cancel their street appeal that was to be held this Friday, but people could still make a donation. The bank account number is 03 0638 0375936 00.
“While the day-care facility at the hospital has been closed for the timebeing, our office is staying open, as long as we are able, to provide phone support. We will also maintain an email support where possible.
“We are working with caterer Black Fig for the supply and delivery of food parcels at a very reasonable cost to our clients and their families.”
