Vaccine passes are now compulsory to enter Western Bay libraries, service centres and swimming pools under the red traffic light framework.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council's decision follows Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's announcement the country would move to the strictest traffic light setting of the Covid-19 Protection Framework within 24-48 hours of the Omicron variant entering the community.

That setting came into effect from 11.59pm Sunday night.

Council CEO John Holyoake says with the risk of Omicron in the community it is vital to make key decisions now to allow everyone to prepare and to limit the spread of the virus.

'Under red we will require vaccine passes from people aged 12 years and older before entry at all Council facilities. We appreciate this is a shift from our current system of not requiring vaccine passes but we believe this is the safest option,” says John.

'We are constantly reviewing our processes to ensure we make careful decisions that have minimal impact on Council's services and operations and balance continuity of these services with the safety of our people and the public.”

Facilities requiring vaccine passes at red for people aged 12 years and older will be:

• Council library and service centres: Waihī Beach, Katikati, Ōmokoroa, Barkes Corner and Te Puke
• Swimming pools: Dave Hume, Katikati and Te Puke Memorial Pool
• TECT Park Arrival Centre

At all Council facilities the appropriate health, hygiene and safety measures remain in place including QR scanning upon entry, using the Covid-19 tracer app, wearing a face mask, ensuring physical distancing of 1m and if you have cold and flu symptoms isolate immediately and call Healthline for advice about a test.

Alongside this decision, anyone wishing to attend or speak in public forum at a Council or Community Board meeting must present their vaccine pass.

This takes effect from the first meeting of 2022 – the Katikati Community Board on February 2.

Zoom options are available for members of the public who wish to speak in public forum or attend remotely and meetings will continue to be live-streamed.

You can watch our previous and upcoming livestreams on our YouTube channel - youtube.com/user/wbopdc

'We're continuing to look for innovative ways to provide our District with access to our services in a safe way. Where we can, we will adapt the way we do things,” says John.

'We thank the community for their patience and working with us as we all navigate Covid-19 together.”

For more information visit: westernbay.govt.nz/covid-19