Source: Auckland Council
During the second week of Alert Level 3 Auckland Emergency Management continues to support vulnerable Aucklanders as part of the COVID-19 response.
More than 2600 people are currently in managed isolation and quarantine in hotels across Auckland, and food and hygiene parcels are continuing to be delivered to those in need.
Separately, despite a few days of rainfall, the region is still experiencing its worst drought on record and Aucklanders are being asked to make mindful choices when it comes to water usage.
Food and essential items distributed to Aucklanders in need
To date, Auckland Council has received more than 32,000 calls to its welfare distribution call centre, with 16,000 requests for assistance. In the same period around 26,000 packages of food and essential supplies have been delivered to Aucklanders who have found themselves struggling financially, or who are unable to source food themselves, due to the COVID-19 lockdown.
Breaking down the numbers
- The average call centre handling time for each call is seven minutes
- With more than 32,000 calls received, that’s 224,000 minutes, more than 3700 hours, or 155 days of conversations providing support to Aucklanders
Supporting our Māori communities
In addition, AEM’s Māori-focused team Te Pouwhakarae, has delivered more than 1420 kai, hygiene and care parcels to Tāmaki Makaurau’s Māori communities.
Welfare calls have also been made to more than 750 kaumatua in partnership with the Ministry of Social Development.
Managing the needs of returning or departing travellers
Auckland Emergency Management is continuing to work alongside a number of partner agencies to manage the repatriation, isolation and quarantine of returning New Zealanders and departing travellers.
As of 6 May, there were 2505 people in managed isolation and 148 in quarantine in hotels across the region. This number continues to change daily as people reach their 14-day ‘anniversaries’ and can return home, and as more flights arrive.
Safely transporting homeless into emergency accommodation
Auckland Transport recently provided support to the council’s outreach and housing partner, Lifewise, with the transportation of 17 rough sleepers from their temporary city centre location to longer-term emergency accommodation in Epsom. Two buses were used to transport the passengers, ensuring social-distancing measures were maintained.
Auckland water stores drop below 50 per cent
Despite a few much-needed days of rain, Auckland is still experiencing its worst drought on record. The total volume of water stored in our dams is currently around 48 per cent (8 May), which is well below average for this time of year (76 per cent).
On Thursday 7 May, Auckland Council approved Watercare’s request for stage 1 mandatory water restrictions. For residential customers, it means a hosepipe ban.
It is important Aucklanders are mindful of how they are using water. We can all take small steps and make a big difference – reduce shower time to four minutes, turn off taps when washing our hands and brushing our teeth, and only run washing machines or dishwashers once full. Don’t wash cars, water the lawn or water blast the house. Think before you use – every drop we save will make a difference.
Important information you need to know for support
The latest COVID-19 help, advice and updates from Government are available at covid19.govt.nz
Managing your mental wellbeing – If you feel you’re not coping, it’s important to talk with a health professional. For support with grief, anxiety, distress or mental wellbeing, you can call or text 1737 – free, anytime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – to talk with a trained counsellor.
Ongoing financial support – Work and Income call centres are experiencing very high demand at the moment, so it’s recommended you check the website first. If you don’t have access to the internet you can call on 0800 559 009.
Feeling unwell – if have health questions, call your GP before you visit. Or call Healthline on 0800 358 5453.
If you’re not sure what assistance may be available, or you don’t know who to contact for help, phone the Government Helpline on 0800 779 997 (8am – 10pm, 7 days a week).
