Council takes Covid steps

Vaccine passes needed to enter public facilities

We appreciate this is a shift from our current system of not requiring vaccine passes but we believe this is the safest option.

New Zealand shifted to the red setting of the traffic light system at midnight on Sunday after nine cases of the Omicron variant were detected in the Nelson/Marlborough region.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said at the time she expected to see more Covid cases in the coming months. She was set to make further announcements yesterday.

At this stage under the red traffic light framework vaccine passes will be required for people aged 12 years and over to enter Western Bay libraries, service centres, swimming pools and Tect Park (for the arrival centre only). This includes the Arts Junction in Katikati.

Council chief executive John Holyoake said with the risk of Omicron in the community it was vital to make key decisions now to allow everyone to prepare and to limit the spread of the virus. “We appreciate this is a shift from our current system of not requiring vaccine passes but we believe this is the safest option.

“We’re continuing to look for innovative ways to provide our district with access to our services in a safe way. Where we can, we will adapt the way we do things,” Holyoake said.

Businesses can open in the red traffic light setting, as could schools and sports (some venues may require My Vaccine passes). To find out more information, visit Council’s website or call them 549-0399.

There are also some changes in red to the Katikati Community Centre’s holiday programme.

John Holyoake