Source: Auckland Council
We all know that because of the level 4 lockdown all council buildings and facilities are closed now, but there are several other things maintained by the council that we have also had to close.
It’s all because of the way that the government is trying to stop the spread of COVID-19.
We need people to avoid congregating together (which spreads the virus) and to not touch things in public, which can also spread the virus (it can live on surfaces for up to 72 hours).
Auckland Mayor Phil Goff says, “Council has closed its buildings and facilities except for essential services. Now we need Aucklanders to play their part to help break the chain of COVID-19 transmission.
“This means staying at home unless travelling to essential work or to access essential services, maintaining physical distance of at least 2 metres, and avoiding things like playgrounds, park benches, public toilets and outdoor drinking fountains, all of which pose a risk of transmission.
“Following these guidelines will save lives and allow us to return to normality sooner.”
Given Auckland’s size, it’s a challenge to get closed signs on everything, but if you happen to be outside in a park or near the water, these are the things you should not go near.
Things in parks
All 885 Playgrounds are still closed
Toilets are, in the main closed but where they are open, they are serviced regularly and cleaned thoroughly
Skate Parks and Pump Tracks – As with playgrounds the 86 skate parks and numerous pump tracks pose a risk for community transmission, while the hard surfaces also pose a risk of transmission (double the reason to stay off).
Basketball, Tennis, netball courts (and similar) – Again, because of the risk of community spread and hard surfaces at one of the 191 Basketball, 29 (council managed) Tennis courts or other types of courts around Auckland.
Fitness equipment – These could have the virus on them for up to 72 hours. Something to reflect on if you decide to do chin ups on some of the equipment at one of their 23 locations around Auckland.
Park gates – In the main are closed, mainly restricting vehicle access. But following government guidance on driving means you shouldn’t be driving to parks anyway.
BBQs – An obvious no-no because of the surface transmission risk. All our 206 BBQs will be turned off.
Benches – Sadly these pose a great risk to transmission so please don’t sit on, lean on or touch any of the 8,609 of them around Auckland.
Things that use water
Drinking fountains and Outdoor showers – All 390 council drinking fountains and 99 outdoor showers will have signage advising that they are closed and should not be used. These hard surfaces are a potential for COVID19 virus contact.
Swimming Pontoons – We can’t remove all 32 of them, but they shouldn’t be used as they pose a transmission risk.
Boat Ramps – Where gates exist at one of the 308 boat ramps, they are locked. If there is no gate there will be signs to advise that they are closed in accordance with government guidelines.
For information on Covid 19 visit covid19.govt.nz.
