St Albans, Christchurch

1714 days ago

EXTREMELY IMPORTANT INFORMATION taken from Prime Minister's Jacinda Ardern's announcement.

Graeme from Shirley

EXTREMELY IMPORTANT INFORMATION taken from Prime Minister's Jacinda Ardern's announcement.

Now is the time to act. That’s why Cabinet met today and agreed that effective immediately, we will move to Alert Level 3 nationwide.

After 48 hours, the time required to ensure essential … View more
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT INFORMATION taken from Prime Minister's Jacinda Ardern's announcement.

Now is the time to act. That’s why Cabinet met today and agreed that effective immediately, we will move to Alert Level 3 nationwide.

After 48 hours, the time required to ensure essential services are in place, we will move to Level 4.

These decisions will place the most significant restriction on New Zealanders' movements in modern history. This is not a decision taken lightly. But this is our best chance to slow the virus and to save lives.

Supermarkets, doctors, pharmacies, service stations, access to essential banking services will all be available throughout New Zealand at every alert level. If you do not have immediate needs, do not go to the supermarket. It will be there for you today, tomorrow, and the day after that. We must give time for supermarkets to restock their shelves, there will be enough for everyone if we shop normally.

In the meantime, we will be working through practices like those used overseas to make sure that social distancing is maintained at supermarkets when people are undertaking essential shops.

Non-essential businesses in New Zealand must now close. All bars, restaurants, cafes, gyms, cinemas, pools, museums, libraries, playgrounds and any other place where the public congregate must close their face to face function.

Over the next 48 hours as we move to Level 4, takeaway services must move to close their operations.

All indoor and outdoor events cannot proceed.

In short: we are all now preparing to go into self isolation as a nation. Just as you’ve seen with other countries.

Staying at home is essential. It’s a simple but highly effective way to constrain the virus – it denies it places to go, and will help give our healthcare system a fighting chance.

So over the next 48 hours every workplace must implement alternative ways of working, people must work from home so that interactions with others are limited.

Essential services will need to put in place alternative ways of working that ensure physical distancing of staff of 2 meters, or utilise appropriate Personal Protective Equipment.

Schools will be closed from tomorrow, except to the children of essential workers such as our doctors, nurses, ambulance drivers and police – this will give them time to plan. This will be temporary, and schools will close entirely from midnight Wednesday.

The school term break will be brought forward. For the remainder of this week and through the term break schools will establish ways to deliver teaching online and remotely. All students across the country are currently being given information on this decision for their parents, including the list of who is considered an essential service. This will be communicated directly to parents.

To be absolutely clear we are now asking all New Zealanders who are outside essential services to stay at home, and to stop all interactions with others outside of those in your household.

I understand that self isolation is a daunting prospect. So we are being practical. You can leave your home for fresh air, a walk, exercise. To take your children outside. But remember the simple principle. It must be solitary. We are asking that you only spend time with those you are in self isolation with. And if you are outside, keep your distance from others. That means 2 meters at all times. This is the single most important thing we can do right now to stop further community transmission.

Travel around New Zealand will also change.

Over the next 48 hours, people will need to get home, be it locally or throughout the country. We have asked all air transport providers to ensure social distancing for that period. After 48 hours we will be moving to air travel only applying to the transport of people undertaking essential services and the transport of freight.

Public transport will also begin to transition over the next 48 hours will only be available for those working in essential services, for medical reasons, and to move essential goods – including ferry services between the North and South Island.

Further details on the transition we are all now making will be made publicly available on the COVID-19 website.

Now I want to share with you what will happen while we are all in alert Level 4 to get ahead of COVID-19.

We will continue to vigorously contact trace every single case. Testing will continue at pace to help us understand the current number of cases in New Zealand and where they are based. If we flush out the cases we already have and see transmission slow, we will potentially be able to move areas out of Level 4 over time.

But for the next wee while, things will look worse before they look better. In the short term the number of cases will likely rise because the virus is already in our community. But these new measures can slow the virus down and prevent our health system from being overwhelmed and ultimately save lives.

To be successful though, to stop community transmission which has a lag time, these measures will need to be in place for 4 weeks. Again, I want to reiterate, you will be able to make regular visits to essential services in that time.

If we after those 4 weeks we have been successful, we I hope will be able to ease up on restrictions. If we haven’t, we’ll find ourselves living with them for longer. That’s why sticking to the rules matters. If we don’t – if you hang out with that friend at a park or see that family member for lunch, you risk spreading COVID -19 and extending everyone’s time in Level 4.

Our low number of cases compared to the rest of the world gives us a chance, but does not mean we have escaped. I do not underestimate what I am asking New Zealanders to do. It’s huge. And I know it will feel daunting. But I wanted to share with you the stark choice we face.

New medical modelling considered by the Cabinet today suggests that without the measures I have just announced up to tens of thousands of New Zealanders could die from COVID-19.

Everything you will all give up for the next few weeks, all of the lost contact with others, all of the isolation, and difficult time entertaining children – it will literally save lives. Thousands of lives.

The worst case scenario is simply intolerable. It would represent the greatest loss of New Zealanders’ lives in our country’s history. I will not take that chance.

I would rather make this decision now, and save those lives, and be in lockdown for a shorter period, than delay, see New Zealanders lose loved ones and their contact with each other for an even longer period. I hope you are all with me on that.

Together we have an opportunity to contain the spread and prevent the worst.

I cannot stress enough the need for every New Zealander to follow the advice I have laid out today.

The Government will do all it can to protect you .Now I’m asking you to do everything you can to protect us all. None of us can do this alone.

Your actions will be critical to our collective ability to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Failure to play your part in the coming days will put the lives of others at risk. There will be no tolerance for that and we will not hesitate in using enforcement powers if needed.

We’re in this together and must unite against COVID-19.

I am in no doubt that the measures I have announced today will cause unprecedented economic and social disruption. But they are necessary.
I have one final message. Be kind. I know people will want to act as enforcers. And I understand that, people are afraid and anxious. We will play that role for you. What we need from you, is support one another. Go home tonight and check in on your neighbours. Start a phone tree with your street. Plan how you’ll keep in touch with one another. We will get through this together, but only if we stick together. Be strong and be kind.

1714 days ago

What are essential businesses?

Graeme from Shirley

What are essential businesses?
This list may evolve over time.

Sectors Entities providing essential services (including their supply chains)

Accommodation

Accommodation services for essential workers and people who need to be isolated/quarantined
View more
What are essential businesses?
This list may evolve over time.

Sectors Entities providing essential services (including their supply chains)

Accommodation

Accommodation services for essential workers and people who need to be isolated/quarantined

Border

Customs New Zealand, Immigration New Zealand and the Ministry for Primary Industries.

Building and construction

Building and construction related to essential services, critical infrastructure, or immediately needed to maintain human health and safety at home/work

Courts, tribunals and the justice system

Courts of New Zealand and tribunals
Critical Crown entities (eg Electoral Commission)

Fast-moving consumer goods

Businesses involved in the supply, delivery, distribution and sale of food, beverage and other key consumer goods (but not takeaway shops)

Financial services

Banks, insurers and other financial institutions

Health

Hospitals, primary care clinics, pharmacies, medical laboratories, care facilities

Ambulance services

Mortuary services

Local and national government
Any entity involved in COVID-19 response or that has civil defence/emergency management functions

Key public services

Primary industries, including food and beverage production and processing
Packaging, production and processing of food and beverage products

Food safety and verification, inspection or associated laboratory services, food safety and biosecurity functions

Veterinary and animal health/welfare services

Public safety and national security

Emergency services

Security and intelligence services
Justice system

Public safety and national security roles

Science

Any entity (including research organisations) involved in COVID-19 response, hazard monitoring, resilience, diagnostics for essential services

Social services

Welfare and social services, including NGOs, which meet immediate needs (further guidance will be provided)

Transport and logistics

Transport services

New Zealand Post and courier services

Any small passenger service vehicle driver – including taxis and ride-share services

Utilities and communications, including supply chains
Electricity, gas, water, waste, fuel, telecommunication services, internet providers and media.

These businesses will continue working, but will put in place alternative ways of working to keep employees safe, including shift-based working, staggered meal breaks, flexible leave arrangements and physical distancing.

1714 days ago

We're in this together!

The Team from Neighbourhood Support New Zealand

Now is your chance to get organised and come up with a plan for supporting your neighbours and keeping in touch over the next several weeks. We've come up with this 'Our Neighbourhood Plan' template to help.

For additional advice and resources, visit our website at the below link:

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1714 days ago

Panasonic portable phones

Kay from Papanui

Panasonic portable phone with two handsets. Well used as we chat lots, work perfectly ...👍one speaker ph. Key doesn’t work not necessary to make and receive calls, the other handset is fine comes with a brand new unused battery for future use cost 39.95 , pick up Papanui. PM me.

Price: $25

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1714 days ago

FREE WOOD AND TOP SOIL FOR RAISED VEGE GARDEN

Kay from Papanui

We have taken out a raised garden with wooden sides all wood free and Approx , 1 trailer load FREE soil help yourself easy access Papanui just off Harewood road, Don’t delay won’t last long, some free growing lettuces with it. You will need a trailer, shovel, barrow and manpower to help … View moreWe have taken out a raised garden with wooden sides all wood free and Approx , 1 trailer load FREE soil help yourself easy access Papanui just off Harewood road, Don’t delay won’t last long, some free growing lettuces with it. You will need a trailer, shovel, barrow and manpower to help yourself back right up to it, very nearby. Good quality has been used as a raised vege garden bed. GROW YOUR OWN VEGES. PM ME

Free

1716 days ago

breaking news

Graeme from Shirley

BREAKING: Christchurch City Council has shut down all of its community facilities. That means there will be NO public access to libraries, sport and recreation centres, pools, community centres, service centres, the Christchurch Art Gallery and the visitors’ centre in the Botanic Gardens until … View moreBREAKING: Christchurch City Council has shut down all of its community facilities. That means there will be NO public access to libraries, sport and recreation centres, pools, community centres, service centres, the Christchurch Art Gallery and the visitors’ centre in the Botanic Gardens until further notice.

1715 days ago

to all kenny rogers fans rip kenny!

Graeme from Shirley

The Rogers family is sad to announce that Kenny Rogers passed away last night at 10:25 p.m. at the age of 81. Rogers passed away peacefully at home from natural causes under the care of hospice and surrounded by his family. ymlp.com...

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1715 days ago

Elusion Electrical commitment during Covid 19

Patrick Koot from Elusion Electrical Ltd

Elusion would like to acknowledge the current Covid 19 outbreak has caused a lot of stress among our communities. Be it concern for your own and families health or financial stress.

One of the benefits of Elusion being a small business is less exposure to the unknown and more control of the … View more
Elusion would like to acknowledge the current Covid 19 outbreak has caused a lot of stress among our communities. Be it concern for your own and families health or financial stress.

One of the benefits of Elusion being a small business is less exposure to the unknown and more control of the situations our staff are exposed to. Patrick is now carrying hand sanitizer in the truck and tool box and using regularly. As a family we are regularly washing hands and we expect our teens also to play the part to keep everyone well, especially as Patrick is potentially doing work for our customers who may be over 70 or at risk group.

We ask in return that if you are unwell just let us know in advance. There may be ways to do the job but reduce risk which is where we use Elusions PA/ ED Nurse Shan to assess if job should go ahead or be rescheduled. Shan is still on leave from ED post hip surgery so not at increased risk of infection either.

Elusion Electrical remains running at full capacity at present, and our March lighting specials are still running.

Again we would like to remind all our valued clients we consider power and hot water as essential. We will always prioritize power and hot water as urgent and for these we are available 24/7.

Kia Kaha
Patrick and Shan
Elusion Electrical

1720 days ago

Coronavirus: Shoppers spending large in supermarkets as politicians call for calm

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

Politicians and leading supermarkets are calling for calm amid an apparent surge in bulk-buying and reports of shoppers spending $1500 at the tills as they stockpile essentials over fears about coronavirus.

Shoppers have emptied shelves in some stores, targeting staples such as bread, rice and … View more
Politicians and leading supermarkets are calling for calm amid an apparent surge in bulk-buying and reports of shoppers spending $1500 at the tills as they stockpile essentials over fears about coronavirus.

Shoppers have emptied shelves in some stores, targeting staples such as bread, rice and pasta and buying toilet paper, water, medicines and cleaning products in bulk.

Supermarket giants insist there is plenty of food to go round and have urged people to shop normally.

Read more here.

1717 days ago

Second coronavirus case in Canterbury

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

A man in his 50s who arrived in Canterbury five days ago is the second person in the region to test positive for coronavirus.

Ministry of Health director-general of health Ashley Bloomfield confirmed on Friday the country had 11 new cases of Covid-19, bringing the total to 39.

The Canterbury man … View more
A man in his 50s who arrived in Canterbury five days ago is the second person in the region to test positive for coronavirus.

Ministry of Health director-general of health Ashley Bloomfield confirmed on Friday the country had 11 new cases of Covid-19, bringing the total to 39.

The Canterbury man arrived in Christchurch from Los Angeles on March 15 on flight American Airlines AA83 and flight Air New Zealand NZ535.

A woman in her 40s, who arrived in Christchurch on March 16 from London, was the city's first positive case.

Read Stuff's full coverage on coronavirus, including how to keep yourself safe, here.

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1721 days ago

For anyone else who's sick of the noise of the Eagle Helicopter endlessly circling

Dan from Edgeware

www.change.org...

Its no wonder they are so noisy - they are supposed to be at an altitude of 1500m not the 330-500m that they are flying at in every log I have looked at. I don't see why the police should be allowed to flout the rules.

See the flight logs for yourself here … View more
www.change.org...

Its no wonder they are so noisy - they are supposed to be at an altitude of 1500m not the 330-500m that they are flying at in every log I have looked at. I don't see why the police should be allowed to flout the rules.

See the flight logs for yourself here flightaware.com...

1717 days ago

CAB action on Covid -19

The Team from Citizens Advice Christchurch Area

Kia ora, we’ve made the tough decision to no longer be open for a walk-in service, including for our JP and Free Legal Advice clinics, during the Covid-19 outbreak from Friday 20th March. Unfortunately, this means that our service at The Loft Eastgate Mall is also suspended. This is about putting… View moreKia ora, we’ve made the tough decision to no longer be open for a walk-in service, including for our JP and Free Legal Advice clinics, during the Covid-19 outbreak from Friday 20th March. Unfortunately, this means that our service at The Loft Eastgate Mall is also suspended. This is about putting the safety of our volunteers, employees, clients and communities first during the Covid-19 outbreak. So from Monday 23rd March you will not be able to come into the CAB. However you can still access the CAB service during the usual opening hours by phone and email. You can phone us free, including from a mobile, on 0800 367 222 or email us at christchurchwest@cab.org.nz .You can also call one of our 3 branches:
03 366 6490 (City), 03 359 8090 (North) or 03 349 5236 (West).You can find lots of great information, including information about the impact of Covid-19, on our website and on the new Government website - links below. We will be regularly reviewing this situation. Stay well Christchurch.

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1716 days ago

Be Neighbourly, and...

Neighbourly.co.nz

With Covid-19 separating us physically, we need to ensure we aren’t making any group of people feel distant from our community. Let's continue to show our Kiwi spirit and support reach other #RaceRelationsDay2020

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