Russell Simpson says moving to alert level 1 too quickly could result in "mass-spreader" events. Photo / Bevan Conley
Russell Simpson says moving to alert level 1 too quickly could result in "mass-spreader" events. Photo / Bevan Conley
Whanganui, along with the rest of the country outside of Auckland, is to remain in alert level 2 until at least September 21.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern made the announcement yesterday afternoon, saying Auckland would remain in alert level 4 for another week.
Whanganui District Health Board chief executive RussellSimpson said it was a sensible decision.
"That's based on the case numbers in Auckland and the fact that if we open things up wider and reduce restrictions, there is a possibility of mass-spreader events.
"Lower alert levels could lead to community transmission and that's something we don't want.
"Until such time as we have greater assurance around the cases in Auckland, then, and only then, I think our country can look at a lowering of alert levels."
Simpson said anyone with Covid-19 symptoms should present to a local CBAC (Community Based Assessment Centre) or another testing facility, and not "make an assumption that it's just a common cold".
"I encourage as many people in our district to get vaccinated as quickly as possible.
"The only way out of this is to have a significant number of our community vaccinated.
"If people can continue to adhere to the alert level 2 guidelines in the next week, that certainly helps as well."
Whanganui mayor Hamish McDouall. Photo / Bevan Conley
Caution was "the most appropriate thing" at the moment, Whanganui mayor Hamish McDouall said.
"Especially with the ... people who flew down to Wanaka and threatened everybody's security.
"I think we can handle another week, although I am starting to worry a little bit about the cool events that are coming up for Whanganui in October.
"Maybe it's better to be cautious at level 2 now, and then in a week we can reassess it."
Ngā Wairiki Ngāti Apa chairman Pahia Turia said there were a number of businesses in the Whanganui community that were "definitely feeling the brunt" of Covid-19 restrictions.
"That's the fine balance they [the Government] need to maintain - the interests of public health and the impact it's having on the economy, particularly those businesses in the hospitality and tourism industries," Turia said.
"The quicker we can get on top of it and reduce the [alert] level down to one, the sooner we can get some normality.
"It would bring a welcome breath of fresh air to those businesses, that's for sure."
Whanganui MP Steph Lewis said the community had sacrificed a lot to get to alert level 2, and it would be "a real shame" to have to re-enter lockdown.
"Lockdown takes a toll, especially when you're juggling working from home with looking after children and doing homeschooling.
"At level 2, while it's not life as normal, we've got some freedoms - like popping out to a cafe for a coffee.
"We want to make sure we do everything we can to protect the freedoms that we've gained.
"Auckland are doing a lot of the heavy lifting at the moment in keeping us all safe, so I definitely spare a thought for everyone up there."
Steph Lewis says it would be real shame if Whanganui was forced to re-enter lockdown. Photo / Bevan Conley
Lewis said another round of the Government's wage subsidy would be available to businesses in Whanganui, as long as they could show that their revenue was being affected by the fact that Auckland was still in lockdown.
Whanganui Chamber of Commerce chief executive Sue Stuart said they were delighted with the Government's September 10 announcement of a second Resurgence Support Payment.
Applications begin on Friday, September 17, and will be available until a month after the country returns to alert level 1.
"We surveyed our members and they told us that additional support was crucial to survive the months ahead," Stuart said.
"The Whanganui Chamber worked with Auckland and other chambers across New Zealand to advocate for additional business support.
"The petition that was sent out to our members, and via the New Zealand Chamber network, received close to 60,000 supporters."
Whanganui Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Sue Stuart. Photo / Supplied
Stuart said there was also the prospect of two further payments, as long as the conditions that triggered the Resurgencet Support Payment still applied.
