January 26 2021
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DARGAVILLE
Covid alert closes Kaipara venues u by Paul Campbell
“Our carefree Kaipara summer is skipping a beat right now, and it’ll pay to keep up with developments over coming days and simply take more care,” says Kaipara Mayor Jason Smith, in the wake of confirmed community Covid-19 transmission in Northland.
Development hearings recommence Hearings recommence on February 3…
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Extra hearings for landfill saga
The proposal for a huge landfill in the Dome Valley …
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Festival ready to set sail
The global pandemic may have postponed plans …
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The alert is concentrated in southern Northland — Whangarei, Ruakaka, Parua Bay, Helensville, Maungaturoto, Matakohe and Mangawhai. A 56-year-old woman was traced to some 30 businesses and public facilities across Northland. She tested positive for Covid-19 despite quarantine after a trip to Europe. Tests have confirmed her infection came from the South African Covid-19 mutation, through a quarantine contact at Auckland’s Pullman Hotel. At no point did the woman concerned visit Dargaville. In the Kaipara, the woman visited Joseph Taylor Homewares, The Dune Restaurant and Bar in Mangawhai, Eutopia Cafe in Kaiwaka, Maungaturoto Second-hand shop and the Four Square supermarket, White Rock Gallery, The Kauri Museum and the Gumdigger Cafe in Matakohe on January 18. Eutopia Cafe has closed for several days, and while the supermarket remains open, Foodstuffs Ltd has isolated staff from that date and brought in replacements. “The Kauri Museum and cafe are closed as we staff have to self-isolate and undertake Covid-19 testing before we begin the process of deep cleaning of the museum,” said CEO Dr Tracy Wedge. “The shutdown is expected at least until week’s end.” The adjacent White Rock Gallery has also closed. At time of print, Kaipara and Northland testing stations were busy with anxious people — some experiencing delays up to three hours. Authorities have requested that tests should be kept clear for people who may have had contact with the venues concerned with others standing back in the meantime to ease congestion. Dr Smith is also seeking more testing stations closer to the affected area, preferably at Maungaturoto, to save local people 100km round trips to Dargaville and Mangawhai. “From my perspective, we may require more testing stations just for peace of mind for the people and for the system,” he said. “Kaipara people need to be vigilant and keep aware of what’s going on, and look out for others who may not be keeping up with the news. There may yet be further community transmission though I’m hopeful this won’t happen. For now
p A call for Covid-19 vigilance from Kaipara Mayor Jason Smith
we remain at Pandemic Alert Level 1, and if there is any change to that, it will be well-publicised. As you go about normal activities, remember to keep two-metre social distancing where possible, use the Covid-19 tracer app or sign in to businesses and wash your hands regularly. Perhaps prepare to limit social contact for the rest of this week, but call your neighbours and keep in touch. “We’re seeing the benefits now of good use of the tracing app and record-keeping of places the affected case visited, which is a great reminder there’s no room for complacency, and we all have a responsibility here.” ¢
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