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1335 days ago

Covid-19 Update: One new case linked to Auckland community cluster, a worker at KFC Botany

Caryn Wilkinson Reporter from Community News

Hi neighbours,

Here's a vital Covid-19 update: A person who works at KFC in Botany Downs is the latest community case of Covid-19 in Auckland.

Kendall Hutt:

The community case, announced today, is a household contact of the cases announced on Tuesday.

Three new community cases were announced on Tuesday, connected to a south Auckland family who had previously tested positive for the virus.

The Ministry of Health said the new case, Case L, works at KFC in Botany Downs, which is now considered a new location of interest.

They last worked there between Monday, February 22 at 3.30pm and 12.30am on Tuesday, February 23.

The ministry said 11 KFC staff who worked at the same time as the case were considered close plus contacts.

They should get a test on Saturday and are required to isolate for 14 days, along with their household contacts.

People who entered the store, on Ti Rakau Dr, between 3.30pm on Monday and 12.30am on Tuesday are considered close contacts and should isolate at home until March 8.

The ministry said these people should also get tested on Saturday and then again at day 12.

People who went through the drive-through between 3.30pm on Monday and 12.30pm on Tuesday are considered casual plus contacts and should isolate at home until a negative day five test comes back.

These people should also get a test on Saturday and remain isolated until they get their test results back.

All contacts should call Healthline, the ministry said.

Two new locations of interest connected to one of the cases were released by the ministry on Thursday night.

Both on Great South Rd in Papatoetoe, the two new locations are Choice Food Bar and Li’l Abners Takeaway.

Viyush Grover, manager at Choice Food Bar, said the shop would be undergoing a deep clean “for sure”.

The owner of Li’l Abners said three workers were self-isolating, but it was otherwise open for business.

On Thursday it was also revealed a private house viewing was held at the home of cases I, J and K, on Saturday, February 20, before they tested positive.

The viewing lasted half an hour, and was attended by three people.

Kmart Botany and Dark Vapes in East Tāmaki have previously been announced as locations of interest, with one of the cases working at Kmart.

Customers at Kmart – at least 1236 people – and those at Dark Vapes had been reclassified as close contacts, while staff at both stores were now regarded as ‘close plus’ contacts.

The new cases sparked the reclosure of Papatoetoe High School, requiring all students and staff be retested, and forcing all households connected to the school into a lockdown of sorts.

As of Thursday morning, 1100 students and staff had been tested.

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What workplace change would you like to see most?

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This coming Monday is Labour Day in New Zealand. This public holiday marks when the eight-hour workday and 48-hour workweek became law in 1899. The idea started with Samuel Parnell, a carpenter in Wellington, who in 1840 refused to work more than eight hours a day. Since skilled workers were in short supply, his employer had to agree.

As more skilled workers arrived, employers tried to change working conditions, but Parnell and others kept pushing for better rights. In 1890, Parnell led a Labour Day parade of 1,500 people to promote the eight-hour day. He passed away shortly after, and nine years later, Labour Day became an official public holiday.

Do you feel that we have reached the ideal in working environments yet? What rights are you passionate about relating to employment? Share your thoughts!

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Poll: Does grocery bagging affect where you shop?

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There's only a few differences between our larger chain supermarkets here in New Zealand. Having someone bag your groceries is one of them.

Does having your groceries packed for you at the checkout influence where you do your grocery shop? If so, tell us why.

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Does grocery bagging affect where you shop?
  • 24.1% Yes
    24.1% Complete
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3211 votes
14 days ago

Six tips for improving security around your home

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

1) Improve outdoor lighting
Ensure that streets, driveways, and front yards are well-lit. Motion-sensor lights around homes deter trespassers by reducing hiding spots and illuminating their movements.

2) Trim your trees
Overgrown shrubs and trees provide cover for intruders. Keeping them well-trimmed around windows and doors improves visibility and reduces potential hiding spots.

3) Secure Entry Points
Ensure doors, windows, and gates are always closed when you are away from the house. Upgrade to more secure locks, deadbolts, or even smart locks for added protection.

4) Add a security camera
Place security cameras in the main entry points to your home. Doorbell cameras are also relatively cheap and a great way to keep track of who is visiting your home when you aren't there.

5) Start a Neighborhood Watch Program
You could reach out to members on Neighbourly to form a group of neighbors who can regularly keep an eye out for suspicious activity and report it. You could also check with Neighbourhood Support to see what is existing in your area.

6) Introduce yourself to your neighbours
The closer you are to your neighbors, the more likely they’ll notice when something unusual or suspicious is happening around your property

Feel free to share anything that you do around your area to deter crime.

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