Lockdown: Changes to public transport, health services and Covid-testing in Otago

Nicole Reporter from Dunedin News

Otago, along with the rest of New Zealand, has entered level 4 lockdown which means closing of public facilities, changes to health services, and limiting of public transport.

Healthcare facilities across the Southern DHB will remain open during lockdown, but the majority of scheduled surgeries and outpatient appointments have been postponed for the next three days.

The Covid-19 vaccination programme has been suspended for the next 48 hours, however those with potential symptoms were urged to contact their GP or call 0800 VIRUS-19 (0800 847 8719).

There was capacity for testing and opening of more testing sites if required.

However, those with symptoms were urged not to attend the Emergency Department.

Aurora Energy advised that it would continue to respond to emergency faults and carry out essential safety work on the network during level 4.

There will however be no planned power outages, unless required for essential safety work. Pre-planned work on the network will be deferred until the alert level changes.

The Dunedin City Council’s key services remained unaffected, and the priority was delivering critical services such as water and wastewater, and rubbish collection.

At level 4, facilities such as libraries and museums, swimming pools, and sports and recreational facilities, will be closed.

According to the council, buses managed by Orbus were for essential travel only. In Dunedin, that was for a reduced service and were not free.

Entry into busses will be through the rear doors only, and passengers have to supply their own masks.

Passengers were urged to be kind to drivers and each other.