Waikato residents are being reminded to stay respectful and responsible during the first weekend under Alert Level 3 conditions.

New Zealand has been on Alert Level 3 to reduce to spread of COVID-19 since Tuesday 28 April. A decision about moving to a lower alert level will be made on Monday 11 May.

Western Waikato Emergency Operations Centre Duty Controller Andrew Loe, said Alert Level 3 should be met with restraint.

“This is the first weekend on Alert Level 3 so we all need to be at home unless you are doing a necessary task, such as getting food, medication, groceries or travelling to work or to a solo recreational activity.”

“If you’re out and about, make sure you are by yourself or only with those within your bubble.”
Loe issued a stern warning for people who were thinking of engaging in other recreational activities this weekend.

“This is not the time to have a party with your mates or to take up thrill-seeker activities. The NZ Police will be following up on those who breach the conditions so exercise some restraint.

“The time will come for these activities again, but it’s not here yet. The more people push the boundaries, the higher the likelihood that we go back to the Level 4 lockdown.”

“We all have a duty of responsibility. Let’s not spoil the gains we’ve made,” Loe added.

New Zealanders are required to stay within their household bubble at AL3, but can expand this to reconnect with close family/whānau, or bring in caregivers, or support isolated people.

“Keep your bubble exclusive and only include people where it will keep you and them safe and well.”

“Social visitors shouldn’t be invited to your home, nor should they enter your home. Alert Level 3 is to restart our economy, not our social lives.”

If you do feel unwell with COVID-19 symptoms, you should self-isolate from those within your bubble and contact Healthline’s freephone number 0800 358 5453, or your GP before heading to a community-based assessment centre (CBAC) for testing.

COVID-19 symptoms include a high temperature (at least 38°C), shortness of breath, sore throat, sneezing and runny nose and a temporary loss of smell. Shortness of breath is a sign of possible pneumonia and requires immediate medical attention.

The nearest CBACs for the Western Waikato districts of Otorohanga, Waipā and Waitomo are located at Te Kuiti Hospital and Claudelands Event Centre in Hamilton. They are open daily.

To check what personal movements and travel is allowed under Alert Level 3, head to www.covid19.govt.nz.

Media contact:
Public Information Manager - Western Waikato Emergency Operating Centre
027 382 3218 | [email protected]