13 May 2020

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As Christchurch residents count down the hours to COVID-19 Alert Level 2, Mayor Lianne Dalziel is encouraging people to shop locally and support the city’s businesses.

“Like everyone I’m really excited about getting life back to a more normal footing but I’m very conscious there is a still a tough road ahead for many of our local businesses,’’ Mayor Dalziel says.

“Under Alert Level 2 many businesses are going to have trade differently and that’s going to be challenging for those who are already in survival mode.  The best thing we, as residents, can do to support these businesses is to buy local.’’

Under Alert Level 2 most businesses can reopen to the public as long as they meet new public health requirements.

Public facilities such as libraries, sport and recreation centres, swimming pools, museums and art galleries can also reopen.

The city’s playgrounds and attractions like New Brighton Pier can also reopen.

“Council staff are really looking forward to welcoming people back into our facilities and have been working hard to put in place the necessary measures to keep everyone safe,’’ Mayor Dalziel says.

Tūranga and the major suburban libraries will reopen this Friday, while swimming pools and sport and recreation centres will reopen on Monday 18 May, apart from the Graham Condon Sport and Recreation Centre which will reopen on Monday 25 May.

The Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū will reopen this Friday.

“If you are using our facilities under Alert Level 2 you will notice some things are different. Just like the businesses that are re-opening, we’ll be restricting the numbers of people allowed into our facilities at any one time to retain physical distancing and we’ll be requiring people to sign in to enable contract tracing,’’ Mayor Dalziel says.

“The new health and safety measures mean you might have to wait to get into a facility so please be patient and factor this into your plans.’’