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Friday 10 September 2021
Level 2 cleared for take-off
Golden Bay Air’s operations manager Edward Last stands by the aircraft scheduled to fly to Wellington on Wednesday afternoon. Photo: Jo Richards. JO RICHARDS
Following three weeks of total and partial lockdown, Covid rules were relaxed at midnight on Tuesday for all regions except Auckland. After receiving clearance for take-off at Alert Level 2, it didn’t take long for Golden Bay’s businesses to bounce back. By early Wednesday morning, life in the Bay was already returning to yet another version of normal as cafes, retailers, workshops and hairdressers opened their doors. Just outside Takaka, activity was ramping up at the aerodrome as Golden Bay Air prepared for its first scheduled flight since the start of lockdown. Standing beside the airline’s single-engine GippsAero Airvan, operations manager Edward Last explained that the aircraft would be transporting passengers over Cook Strait later in the day. “It’ll be flying to Wellington at 3pm.” In town, Commercial Street was seeing much more commerce than in recent weeks. Top Shop owner Janet Rusbatch said she opened at 5.30am and her famous hot savouries were soon flying out of the cabinet. “We get a lot of tradies in; they’re very pleased
to get their pie fix.” Pies, along with other tasty treats, were on offer at De-Lish where owner Jilly Foxwell was clearly pleased to be serving her regulars once again. “It’s nice to see everyone,” said Jilly. “It’s been quietly steady this morning.” Also experiencing “steady” trade, according to Cilla Carey was Goodness 2 Go. “Everyone’s enjoying being out in the sun,” said Cilla. Anyone looking for hardware or building supplies will find it much easier at Alert Level 2. At Hammer Hardware, Steve Cottle and owner Gavin Palmer were happy to be welcoming shoppers into the store. “Today is great,” said Gavin. “There’s been a few customers in so far.” He noted his customers’ compliance with the new hygiene protocols. “Everyone’s following the rules; people have been fantastic.” At the other end of town Pipeworx and ITM, like Hammer Hardware, were allowed to trade during lockdown, albeit under strict regulations, but from Wednesday morning they were they able to welcome customers through the door. The easing of restrictions also allows Takaka Memorial Library to reopen but visitors are
subject to a few additional rules: there must be no unaccompanied children under 12; children must stay close by their caregiver; and only short visits to choose books are allowed. Another cultural hub, the Village Theatre is permitted to operate, but will delay reopening until next Friday in order to allow the necessary arrangements to be made. In Collingwood, while not quite business as usual, cafes and shops were open, as well as the township’s hair salon where owner Arendie Huisman was having a busy morning. “I’ve been going since 9am and I’ve had four people through already,” said Arendie who is happy to be back at work. “I’m so pleased to be open, and everyone’s been awesome.” Using sockets sets not scissors, Graeme Miller was busy carrying out some repairs on a customer’s SUV at Millers Garage which is now fully operational. The Bay’s tourism sector is beginning to perk up again with the Abel Tasman and Heaphy tracks open and operators, including Farewell Spit Eco Tours, welcoming customers once again. More photos on page 2
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THE GB WEEKLY, FRIDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2021
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At Delta Alert Level 2, bubbles can expand and a wide range of social, cultural and sporting activities become possible. The opening up reflects the Government’s confidence that the Delta variant is contained – at least outside Auckland. To keep it that way, however, means it’s not suddenly a free-for-all. This time around, it’s Delta Level 2, which comes with a few tweaks. One of the most significant changes from last year’s Level 2 is the reduction of the attendance limit on indoor gatherings from 100 to 50. For gatherings taking place outdoors, the limit remains at 100. Physical distancing and rigorous health and hygiene protocols are still mandatory, including staying at home if unwell and getting advice about being tested. Under the previous Alert Level 2 regime, it was compulsory to maintain a distance of at least two metres in public and in retail stores, such as supermarkets and clothes shops. One metre of distance was acceptable in most other places,but under At Delta Level 2, a two-metre separation is required in all situations. Other notable tweaks concern scanning and face-coverings. In order to facilitate rapid contact tracing, everyone aged 12 and must now scan or sign-in at all venues. Masks must now be worn in all public indoor settings, but can be removed while eating and drinking in hospitality venues. Before they can enjoy their food and beverages, however, all customers must be seated and wait to be served. Other venues may alternate occupied seats with vacant seats to allow physical distancing. Libraries, swimming pools, dance studios, and museums can also reopen but must adhere to the prescribed protocols. All early learning services, schools, and tertiary education facilities opened on Thursday. The Government states that all children should attend school unless they are sick and, although masks aren’t mandatory, they are strongly encouraged for those aged 12 and over. More exercise and recreation options open up at Alert Level 2, including team sports, multi-day tramps, boating and motorised water sports – provided they can be carried out safely. A 100-person limit for outdoor team sports includes players and spectators, but not referees, officials and other workers providing services. Finally, good news for many, but perhaps not for some: most employees are able to return to their regular place of work. Continued on page 2
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