‘Gut-wrenching’: Auckland to close business for three days

A third closure in Auckland will be absolutely heartbreaking and stressful for many companies, says Heart of the City CEO Viv Beck.

Beck, whose organization represents the central city hit hard by two Auckland closures, said a third shutdown is truly disappointing for businesses that have already been hit by the loss of international students and people working from home.

“We just have to hope it’s short and we can continue,” he said.

His grief is shared by Auckland Mayor Phil Goff, who says he is not underestimating the impact another blockade will have on the lives of the city’s people and businesses.

“The new cases of Covid-19 in the community were something that none of us wanted to see happen,” Goff said tonight.

Starting at 11:59 pm tonight, the Super City will be immersed in a third lockdown after a father, mother and daughter from South Auckland tested positive for Covid-19.

Auckland will move to Covid-19 alert level 3. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the government is asking Auckland residents to “stay at home” and work from home whenever possible.

The rest of the country goes to alert level 2.

Auckland Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Michael Barnett said the business community will have some confidence as the government moved and acted quickly.

However, companies will want to know who will endure another three days of closure, if they hold out or if the government gives them a subsidy.

Barnett said that many small businesses have come up with a new way to operate through Covid and simply keep their heads above water.

“Closing them back exposes those businesses to risk,” he said.

Auckland Deputy Mayor Bill Cashmore said playgrounds, swimming pools, libraries, park benches, basketball courts and customer service centers and other public places will close.

Essential city services such as garbage collection and public transportation will continue.

Said Goff: “We always knew there was a risk given what we’ve seen abroad.”

“We know from experience that swift action to impose restrictions is the best way to eradicate the virus.”

The mayor said he would work with the government on the support the city needs during and after the shutdown to continue the recovery. Covid has already cost Auckland City Council a billion dollars in lost revenue.

Goff said Auckland residents have more experience handling lockdowns than anyone else in the country.

“We know what to do to prevent Covid-19 from spreading and we will do it again this time,” he said.

Mangere MP and Pacific Peoples Minister Aupito William Sio said the South Auckland community was resilient in dealing with Covid. The last blockade in August re-emerged in south Auckland.

He said he would go to radio stations in the Pacific to spread the word and raise the alert level for people to take care of each other.

“We have kept everyone informed, even throughout the Christmas period, keeping them informed about what the government is doing,” he said.

Goff said this is a good time to remember that border workers are doing an incredible job of trying to keep our city safe while doing essential work.

“They are the most vulnerable to infection and we owe them a debt of gratitude. It is important that we all remember that this is no one’s fault and that compassion is very important in these times.

“I urge everyone to follow the advice of the Ministry of Health on good hygiene practices, social distancing and use of the NZ Covid Tracer app. If you have symptoms or have been in places at the time they were visited by cases, make sure to get tested and avoid contact with others. “