Move to Level 3 hours away

With only a few hours remaining in Level 4 lockdown, Western Waikato residents are being urged to remain vigilant in their efforts to eliminate COVID-19.

Western Waikato Emergency Operating Centre Duty Controller, Dave Simes says when the move to Level 3 comes into effect at 11.59pm tonight, residents shouldn’t expect a drastic change from Level 4 restrictions.

“While restrictions will be slightly relaxed, the move to level 3 is by no means a free pass to move about freely.

“Travel is still restricted, and personal travel is only allowed for permitted movement in your local area such going to work or school, shopping, or getting exercise. You still cannot go to your bach or holiday home during level 3, even if it’s still in the same region – your bubble is still your main home.

“This is not a time to take a holiday, travel between regions to celebrate birthdays, or travel from one side of a city to the other to go to a supermarket when there is a suitable one in your local area.”

Extension to family bubbles is also restricted to your local area.

“If a relative or loved one lives locally, and is currently alone you can extend your bubble to include them, but you cannot travel to other regions to visit family or close friends.”

Simes says the decision to move to level 3 was to kick start the economy, not social gatherings.

“There is light at the end of the tunnel, but we must continue to maintaining physical distancing and hygiene practices because COVID-19 is still present in our communities.

“The last thing we want to happen is to move back into Alert Level 4 so please continue to stay at home and save lives.”

Level 3 restrictions will remain in force for two weeks, before the Government reviews how we are tracking and makes further decisions on 11 May.

• The seven principles of Alert Level 3:
• Stay home  Work and learn from home if you can
• Make for business COVID-19 safe
• Stay local
• Keep your bubble as small as possible
• Wash your hands often with soap

If you’re sick, stay at home The full breakdown of Alert Level 3 is available at covid19.govt.nz.