13 March 2020
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Impact of COVID-19 on council events
Enquiry
Working on a story about the threat coronavirus has on the events for tomorrows paper.
I am looking for a response in relation to the many events council are involved in, including the Night Market.
- Are council looking to cancel or postpone any events in the foreseeable future due to Covid-19?
- What is the time frame on postponing a weekly event such as the Night Market?
- How is council planning to keep residents informed of these decisions?
Response
The following information was provided:
Council is following Ministry of Health advice in relation to council events and as at 5pm today [Friday 13 March 2020] the Ministry is not proposing altering arrangements for public events. We continue to closely monitor the situation and advice and will make decisions as/when required or appropriate. In the case of events being run by other organisations at council venues, council staff will continue to collaborate with organisers.
As per Ministry of Health advice, Council is reminding people that if they are sick or feeling unwell or if they have returned from mainland China, Iran, Italy or the Republic of Korea within the last 14 days, they should not attend events or mass gatherings.
Events are always subject to change and any changes to public council events are communicated through Council channels including social media, website and others as appropriate.
