From Friday 3 December 2021, Central Otago will be at Orange in the new traffic light settings that the Government has introduced in response to the COVID-19 global pandemic.
At Orange, most people can continue to carry out their everyday activities, but there are some restrictions to limit the spread of the virus and protect vulnerable people.
To keep our people and our communities safe, the Central Otago District Council has decided that it will be requiring vaccine passes at some of its facilities.
We will be phasing this in to allow time for us to get systems in place for this new approach and to allow the community to prepare for these changes.
From Friday 10 December visitors aged 12 and over will have to show their Government My Vaccine Pass on arrival at the following facilities:
• All CODC-run pools – Alexandra, Cromwell and Ranfurly Pool
• All Central Otago Libraries
• Council-run i-SITEs (Ranfurly and Roxburgh)
Note: as the Roxburgh i-SITE and Library operate as a shared service with the Roxburgh Service Centre this facility will also require a vaccine pass for entry.
At all other Council offices and facilities Council will be working within the traffic lights settings (the Covid Protection Framework) – requiring you to mask up, keep your distance, scan or sign-in, and observe capacity limits.
Central Otago District Council Chief Executive Sanchia Jacobs said she encourages “all people to consider getting vaccinated for themselves and for their community”.
“We are in a very challenging and dynamic environment and things can change at short notice. I have made decisions I believe to be balanced for the risk profile specific to Central Otago and staff at CODC, conscious that some our facilities require intermingling of people in close proximity, and that the school holidays and increased domestic travel is fast approaching. “Staff at Central Otago District Council are committed to help all our residents access our services. If you have any questions, please contact and talk to our customer services team. We will endeavour to find workarounds where we can do so, while keeping our staff and our community safe.
“Council recognises this is a dynamic environment and health protection measures are subject to change. Rest assured any changes to the way we operate will be communicated.”
More about life at Orange can be found here: www.covid19.govt.nz/orange
For those needing help with getting their ‘My Vaccine Pass’ there are many local places offering assistance including local pharmacies, Central Otago REAP and our Central Otago Libraries.
