Auckland, May 12, 2020
After seven weeks in lockdown, it is good to have greater freedom that the move to Alert Level 2 brings us. It is good too for the businesses that will now be able to reopen.
But with freedom comes responsibility.
We still need to observe the physical distancing and heightened focus on hygiene that we have learned over recent months. And we need, all of us, to avoid reckless behaviour that might increase the risk of transmitting Covid-19.
South Korea, Germany examples
The risk at Level 2 is much higher, as we have seen from countries that managed containment of the disease better than most, like the Republic of Korea and Germany.
In both countries there has been a spike in new cases as restrictions have been eased.
Here in New Zealand, with a few exceptions, people have cooperated and been responsible, which has helped us succeed in containing the virus to a low number of cases and people needing to be hospitalised.
We have, according to health experts, saved hundreds of lives and stopped our hospital system from being overwhelmed, as hospital systems have been in Europe and the United States.
Care and Caution
By exercising proper care, we can go about life in a more normal fashion and embark on the big challenge ahead, which is achieving economic recovery after the huge losses incurred by lockdown and by the international recession.
At Alert Level 2, most businesses will be able to reopen with physical distancing and health and safety provisions in place. Remote working is still encouraged where it is an option, and people at higher risk of severe illness are encouraged to stay home as much as possible. People are still advised to avoid non-essential travel out of their home region and are encouraged to stay local.
Re-opening facilities
At Auckland Council, we continue to follow the advice of the government and health authorities, and we will notify you of which Council facilities will reopen as soon as the updated guidelines are confirmed.
While the Covid-19 pandemic has been dominating the news, Auckland Council has also been responding to the growing challenge of the ongoing drought, which is set to become the most severe in our history.
Since the start of the year, Auckland has received only 36% of its usual rainfall, and total water storage in our dams has fallen to less than 46%, significantly lower than the 76% average.
Recent rainfall in May has been welcome, but has made little difference to overall supply, with weeks of heavy rain required to bring us back to normal levels.
Mandatory water restrictions
To ensure that we can maintain our water supply if the drought continues, we have introduced mandatory water restrictions that will come into force from Saturday, May 16, 2020.
These restrictions initially ban the use of outdoor hoses and water-blasters.
They will place strong restrictions on the watering of sports fields, plants or paddocks, and require car washes to operate only if they use recyclable water.
Further restrictions will be implemented if our water storage levels continue to fall.
Please continue to save water where possible elsewhere, by keeping showers brief and using dishwashers and washing machines only when they are full. Visit watercare.co.nz for more information about how you can save water.
Phil Goff is Mayor of Auckland. He writes a weekly column in Indian Newslink.
