Porirua City Council is taking all sensible precautions following Ministry of Health guidelines in relation to the
COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect lungs and airways. It’s caused by a type of coronavirus and the main symptoms
are a cough, high temperature and shortness of breath. These symptoms are similar to other illnesses such as influenza.
Porirua City Council Chief Executive Wendy Walker says the organisation is closely following advice from the Ministry of
Health.
“The situation is changing regularly so we are in close contact with all relevant authorities to make sure we are doing
things right,” she says.
“My efforts are focused on keeping our staff healthy and safe, ensuring council services can continue to operate for the
community and supporting Government efforts to respond to issues for our community and the wider region.
“We are taking our lead from the Government. There’s plenty of advice out there - not all of it well considered so it’s
important people go to the official sources for all their information.”
Mayor Anita Baker says this is a time that some will be feeling under stress, so urges calm.
“We want people to be prepared, not scared, and to help to stop the spread of the virus to protect the most vulnerable
in our community,” she says.
“There are things you can do to keep yourself and your whānau safe, and there are things we are doing as a city.”What you can doWash hands regularly with soap, for at least 20 secondsSneeze or cough into tissues or your elbowClean surfaces regularlyStay home if you’re sickFollow the advice of Ministry of HealthLook out for those more vulnerable members of our communityPrepare but don’t panic. Visit health.govt.nz for updates.If you have symptoms and have recently returned from overseas, call Healthline on 0800 358 5453 and follow their adviceWhat we’re doing
Here are some of the specific things we’re doing in Porirua City to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in our community.Te Rauparaha Arena, Arena Aquatics, Arena Fitness, Cannons Creek PoolAny staff with flu-like symptoms will be instructed to stay home and go to a doctor. We encourage customers to do the
same.Increased cleaning of high touch points and common areas.Hand sanitizer at reception for customers and staff to use.Events scheduled in the Arena of greater than 500 attendees have been cancelled to help avoid crowds.Cleaning of Council propertyPublic toilets and other council properties are cleaned regularly using products suitable to remove pathogens.Cleaning contractors advise that there are currently no supply issues with cleaning products, toilet paper or hand
towels.Council staffAny staff who are unwell will stay homeStaff are being reminded to follow all safe hygiene guidelines, such as handwashing.