Over the last week, it's been so lovely to see and hear, our city begin to come back to life. I've really enjoyed being able to start my day with a perfect, barista-made, flat white ( while social distancing of course) and our house has already started ordering food from some of our local restaurants ( I’m a bit over cooking every night let me tell you)
However, it’s important that we don't consider our time at alert level 3 as 'back to normal' . Whilst it's great to see many businesses able to re-open and begin to breathe life back into the economy, we must ensure this is done safely and keep contact to a minimum. Our Environmental Health Team have been supporting cafes and restaurants to safely re-open - businesses are required to have in place a COVID-19 safety plan that sets out how they will operate under level 3 to ensure the safety of both staff and the public. Please remember when supporting local establishments, you continue practicing social distancing.
Following days of so few new COVID-19 cases, I can understand the temptation to look for loopholes or ways you can begin to socialise outside your bubble. But we must not let our guard down. I know it's difficult - I am really struggling with missing my own grandchildren. But if we become complacent, we risk allowing a second wave of cases and our sacrifices will have been for nothing. We have come so far together, let's see this through.
Noticed more cars on the road? I have, but remember we should still only be driving if we need to.
Please be mindful that over the last month people, especially small children, have grown accustomed to the streets being almost empty. Now more than ever is a time to keep an extra look out for those on foot, bikes and scooters. Public transport will continue to be free during alert level 3, but again please only use buses and trains if you need to travel.
I can tell you its a tough time to be chair of the Finance and Performance Committee. To help you understand how tough, I will be sharing details of some of the challenges council is facing during these tight financial times. I hope to reassure Aucklanders that we are considering everything, and everyone, in preparation for what will be some difficult decisions for our next budget. This includes explaining the measures we are taking to cut our own costs to manage the financial impact of Covid-19.
This week, I focussed on action to support Aucklanders experiencing financial hardship in terms of how we approach the final rates payment of this year. Guidance on how you can request to defer your May payment will be included in your next rates notice, as well as information on assistance schemes you could be eligible for that are designed to help those in need. The full article published today in the Herald was under a paywall but another version can be found on OurAuckland.
Let's continue supporting each other; taking time out for our own mental health; supporting local businesses, following the rules and getting through this together.