Residents urged to follow COVID safety measures on Waitangi Day long weekend
Published: 5 February 2021

Ashburton District Council is reminding residents to keep up the practices that are helping to control COVID-19 around New Zealand, as Waitangi Day long weekend commemorations and gatherings are set to get underway.
With many people expected to travel around the country or meet up at events or gatherings for the occasion, the messages of the E te whānau, tautokohia te kaupapa: Make Summer Unstoppable campaign are as important as ever.
For those intending to travel or attend events:
- Keep track of where you have been using the NZ COVID Tracer app. Scan the QR codes and make sure the Bluetooth feature is also on.
- If you are feeling sick, stay at home and do not travel.
- If you become unwell while travelling, call Healthline on 0800 358 5453 straightaway for advice. Do not wait until you get home.
- If you are advised to get a test, do so from wherever you are in the country. Do no wait until you get home.
- Be kind about your travel by checking in with your hosts before you leave: COVID-19 can affect people differently and some may be more at risk from COVID-19.
- Wash your hands well and often.
- Think about whether you can limit the number of travel stops along your journey and take face coverings with you to wear whenever you can't keep your distance from people you don't know.
- Face coverings are required on all public transport to, from and through Auckland as well as on domestic flights throughout New Zealand. While not required, passengers in Auckland taxis or ride-share services are also encouraged to wear face coverings.
For more information about COVID-19 and ways to help protect yourself and others, visit covid19.govt.nz
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