Council lifts response to ensure stability of key services
Western Bay of Plenty District Council is activating plans to ensure key Council services are maintained in light of the rapidly changing situation with COVID-19.
Council’s Group Manager People and Customer Service Jan Pedersen says the organisation has been following Ministry of Health guidelines and other directive from central government to mitigate risks to Council services and staff from the pandemic.
“It is important we make calculated decisions to balance continuity of Council services with the safety of the public and minimisation of the spread of COVID-19,” says Jan.
“We are preparing for potential impacts from the pandemic and looking after our community to ensure they have the information they need.”
Following the Government’s decision on cancelling public gatherings of 500-plus people, Council has taken immediate steps to implement this.
As a result, the three free Hello Future District Future Fun Day public events planned for Te Puke (27 March), Katikati (28 March) and Te Puna (3 April), as part of the Long Term Plan, have been cancelled.
As at 18 March Council meetings are continuing, however strict health and safety protocols are in place to ensure social distancing and a register will be kept of who attended each meeting.
“We are monitoring these protocols on a daily basis and should things continue to evolve could effect the way we run Council meetings,” explains Jan.
To help protect the community and Council staff the public should not visit Council offices if they feel unwell. This includes attending Council meetings or visiting Council facilities and offices.
To date, no Council offices, service centres or libraries have been closed.
Where possible Council encourages the public to contact via the website www.westernbay.govt.nz, phone 07 571 8008 or email customer.service@westernbay.govt.nz.
Further information and updates:
For useful links and updates from Council in relation to the pandemic, please see our COVID-19 Information webpage.
