Covid-19 Testing in the New Lynn Electorate
I've been advised that Health New Lynn, our local Covid-19 Community Testing Centre is having traffic management issues. During the lockdown it was a bit safer for cars to queue there, but as businesses are now open, this is not possible. Some people have also been parking and walking in to get tested. Although the advice on the Covid-19 website states this is a walk-in testing centre, Health New Lynn has advised us that the layout of their building means there are health and safety issues involved with this option. I am looking into whether some additional support can be put in place to help manage the traffic issue at this site.
To minimise pressure on all testing centres, please only get a test if you have cold, flu or COVID-19 symptoms, if you have been at a location of interest or are a contact of a case, if you are travelling, or if mandatory testing applies to your job. Many GPs are providing free PCR tests. Phone them immediately if you are symptomatic as you may have to wait a bit longer to get an appointment.
ALSO: As we have now entered Omicron Response Phase Two. Workers at registered critical services who are vaccinated and asymptomatic close contacts of a COVID-19 case will be able to continue to work, as long as they return a negative rapid antigen test (RAT) prior to each day/shift they are at work during the isolation period, and follow specific health protocols. They will only be allowed to go to work – not anywhere else.
Workers who are participating in the scheme will be able to collect free Rapid Antigen Test kits from a collection site. Refer to the guidance on the Ministry of Health website for the process for collecting and undertaking a Rapid Antigen Test, as part of the Close Contact Exemption Scheme.
Omicron Phase 2: covid19.govt.nz...
Rapid Antigen Testing: covid19.govt.nz...
Close Contact Exemption Scheme: www.business.govt.nz...
Poll: Is the increase in disability parking fines fair?
In October, the fine for parking in a designated mobility car park without a permit has jumped from $150 to $750—a 400% increase!
The goal is to keep these spaces open for those who truly need them. Do you think this big increase in the fine is fair? Share your thoughts below.
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89.2% Yes, it's fair
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10% No, it's unreasonable
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0.8% Other - I'll share below
Riddle Time! Sharpen Your Mind and Take the Challenge!
Where is the only place where today comes before yesterday?
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Smoke in Mt Wellington
Smoke has been seen coming from the crater of the Auckland maunga Mt Wellington.
Images of the smoke began appearing on social media on Friday afternoon.
Around 1.45pm, Fire and Emergency (Fenz) shift manager Josh Pennefather told the NZ Herald a crew was fighting a fire of about 60 square metres in size.
”It’s spreading up hill … [but] there’s no property at risk at this stage,” Pennefather said.
Six fire trucks were in attendance working to contain a grass fire that's spreading up the maunga.
A helicopter was on its way to assist firefighting efforts, he added.
At 2pm, Pennefather shared that the fire was contained and they were working to extinguish it, including “keeping an eye on a whole bunch of hot spots“.