Two cases of COVID-19 have been detected in Hastings.
The first case was announced by the Hawke’s Bay District Health Board on Saturday night, with a household contact of that case returning a positive result on Sunday.
The DHB said the first case was being investigated for links to previously reported cases.
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Central Hawke’s Bay last week achieved the milestone of 90% of the population being double-vaxxed against COVID-19.
Hawke’s Bay DHB spokesperson Chris McKenna said 11,350 people have now had both doses of the vaccine, which is a fantastic milestone to achieve.
Mayor Alex Walker said teamwork between Te Taiwhenua o Tamatea, the District Council, DHB and health services was crucial to hitting the 90 percent mark.
Meanwhile the vaccine rollout for the 5 to 11 year old age bracket kicks off nationwide today.
In Central Hawke’s Bay, Unichem Waipukurau will vaccinate this age group from Monday to Thursday this week between 10am and 12 noon, then again between 2pm and 5pm.
Anyone wanting to book can call Unichem on 858 8060.
The Tukituki Medical Centre will be available for bookings this Saturday and Sunday between 12.30pm – 3.30pm. Bookings can be made at www.bookmyvaccine.nz.
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Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence is advising people to stay off beaches and shore areas, and away from harbours, rivers and estuaries until Wednesday.
The advice comes following the approach of Cyclone Cody and the large volcanic eruption in Tonga.
Group Controller Ian Macdonald said the combined impact of these two events means there is a real safety risk to people close to or in the water.
He said while Cyclone Cody is tracking further to the east than initially forecast, and the risk of strong winds and significant rain for Hawke’s Bay has reduced, it is likely that the region’s coastline will experience significant waves and hazardous sea conditions.
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A Restricted Fire Season is in place for Central Hawke’s Bay and the Hastings Rural District.
Fire & Emergency NZ put the restrictions in place last week.
Fire & Emergency District Manager, Ken Cooper, said the Restricted Fire Season means
permits are now required for anyone wanting to light an open-air fire.
He said over recent weeks authorities have seen several fires in Hawke's Bay “escape and get out of control due to the increasing fire danger from the heat and conditions getting drier”.
Anyone wanting to apply for a permit can do so at www.checkitsalright.nz.
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The Tararua District Council recently imposed a total outdoor water ban for those connected to the Dannevrke town supply.
Water levels on the Tamaki River have reduced to low flow levels, triggering a reduction in the amount of water the Council can take.
The Council says typically, it can compensate by drawing water from the Dannevirke reservoir, but this is not sustainable over the summer as the reservoir was only able to be partly filled following the discovery of a leak, and is approximately a third full.
Mayor Tracey Collis said now is the time to rally together to adopt an ‘every drop counts’ approach and only use water when absolutely necessary.
