Tauranga City Council's workforce remains focused on supplying essential services to the community during the Alert Level 4 lockdown.

'Understandably, this will cause some disruption to services and the start date of projects, but we thank our community for their understanding as we all work together to stamp out COVID 19,' says a Tauranga City Council spokesperson.

Following the Prime Minister's announcement, Tauranga will remain at Alert Level 4, until at least 11.59pm Tuesday August 24.

What you need to know:

Waste collection
Waste and recycling collection and disposal are an essential service so collections will continue to take place in the safest way possible.

The safety of their workers and community are still Council's highest priority during this time. While rubbish and recycling services remain unchanged, the assisted service will recommence from August 23.

Food scraps and glass bin collections
'We remain unable to collect food scraps and glass bins as they must be picked up by hand as opposed to being lifted by a truck, which poses a health risk to our drivers and the community,” says a Council spokesperson.

Residents are still encouraged to hold onto recycling and food scraps until the next collection. If that's not possible, food scraps and glass can both go in the red-lid rubbish bin. Glass in the red-lid bin should be the last resort as it will be sent to landfill.

'If your rubbish bin is too full, glass can be put into the yellow-lid recycling bin, but it won't be recycled.”

Parks and playgrounds
'All playgrounds are closed, and we ask people to avoid touching any playground equipment.”

Picnic tables and public barbecues are also closed.

'Under Alert Level 4 you can still exercise but avoid spaces where you cannot practice safe social distancing.”

As most of the track up and around Mauao are narrow and people are not able to safely maintain social distances, all Mauao tracks will remain closed.. McLaren Falls and some other parks will also be closed to the public.

Under the current alert level, storm water reserves, parks and reserves cannot be weeded or mowed as it is not an essential service.

Customer Service Centre
The customer service centre is closed but the call centre is available 24/7.

'You can reach them on (07) 577 7000. You can also do many of the things you need from us online – please visit our ‘Do it online' page at www.tauranga.govt.nz .”

Essential service works
'People may see staff and contractors out and about – the work they're doing is essential to keeping the city running so we ask people to please give them a wide berth and maintain a safe two-metre distance,” says a Council spokesperson.

Projects on hold or delayed
Under the current alert level, only essential works is permitted. As a result, the start of some projects are on hold or they may be delayed.

Tauranga City Libraries
All Tauranga City Libraries are closed.

'If you have any library items, please hold onto them for now.”

An extensive collection of eBooks, eNewspapers, eMagazines, and other online resources is available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week through the Digital Library.

Art gallery and venues
Tauranga Art Gallery, Bay Venues Limited (BVL), BayCourt Community and Arts Centre will remain closed.

Transportation
Council will continue to deal with immediate safety issues like dangerous potholes and debris on the road. CCTV cameras will still be monitored, and streetlights will still function.

Building inspections
There will be no building inspections under Alert Level 4. Inspections that were planned over will be rescheduled.

Animal Services
Animal services will continue to manage the Pound and respond to dangerous and wandering dogs.

Community welfare
Emergency welfare and support services are being coordinated by Civil Defence Emergency Management, for which Council has an essential role alongside partner agencies and organisations.

For a full update on Council services and facilities, visit: tauranga.govt.nz
For updates on CODI-19 visit: covid19.govt.nz