Local service providers have moved quickly to adapt to alert level four requirements following the PM’s decision to move the country into lockdown on Tuesday (August 17). 

Queenstown Lakes District Council’s (QLDC) operations have been reduced: service centres, sport and recreation facilities, playgrounds and libraries are closed and will remain so until further notice, the council said in a statement.

However, the main council phone line will still be operating with priority given to urgent issues, and non-urgent matters can be directed to [email protected]. 

“The safety of our district’s community and staff remains our top priority,” QLDC chief executive Mike Theelen said. “Key staff continue to work remotely and our team is on call to respond to any emergency situations.”

Residential kerbside rubbish and recycling pickup will continue, QLDC said, but transfer stations are closed to the public. Phone lines for local libraries will also be staffed during normal opening hours for specific queries relating to library membership and access to e‐library services.

Meanwhile, Queenstown and Wanaka airports are facilitating scheduled services operated by Air New Zealand and Jetstar in Queenstown and Sounds Air in Wanaka, to ensure people can return home.

There are some changes that people can expect if they are travelling through Queenstown Airport at alert level four: Passengers must present proof of travel to enter the terminal and the terminal is closed to all non-essential personnel and members of the public not travelling.

The Southern District Health Board (SDHB) is putting “well prepared plans in place” according to CEO Chris Fleming.

“Our healthcare facilities remain open and the public should seek medical care if they need it,” he said.

However, a move to alert level four means the majority of scheduled surgeries and outpatient appointments (including home visits from community teams) will be postponed then be reassessed depending on any changes to alert levels. 

These changes apply to Wanaka’s closest hospital, Dunstan Hospital, where no visitors will be allowed to visit except on compassionate grounds or for essential services.

Electricity provider Aurora Energy has also released a statement to advise it will continue to respond to emergency faults and carry out essential safety work on the network during alert level four.

“However, during this time there will be no planned power outages unless for essential safety work,” Aurora Energy senior communications specialist Jo Galer said. “Pre-planned work on the network will be deferred until the alert level situation changes.”

Find all the Covid-10 alert level guidelines at the government’s Covid-19 website here.

PHOTO: Wanaka App