Queenstown Lakes Mayor Jim Boult has warned his residents against complacency in the face of the Delta variant.
Jim Boult said there have been rumours of Covid-19 cases but people should avoid joining the rumour mill and get their information from the Ministry of Health. Photo: RNZ / Belinda McCammon
He said he had heard concerns about some not abiding by the rules of the level 4 lockdown.
"I have heard concerns from members of our communities that there are some folks not doing their bit - perhaps unwittingly as they haven't seen the rules changing - but I acknowledge having been Covid free for over a year we have perhaps become complacent. This is something we cannot afford to be in the face of the Delta variant having seen what it is doing across the world and how quickly it has taken a hold in New South Wales.
"Their approach to starting with lighter restrictions and increasing in severity has not helped them control their outbreak. We need to do our utmost in following all the restrictions and requirements to ensure we can stamp this outbreak out quickly and with minimal disruption to the freedoms we have come to enjoy. And lastly, hopefully we see no loss of life," he said.
There were also rumours floating about of Covid-19 cases in the district.
Boult asked residents not to join the rumour mill.
"There have been suggestions and rumours of local cases and I would ask people to remain calm, avoid joining the rumour mill, and rely on the Ministry of Health as the source of truth in this matter," he said.
"If you are struggling with the current lockdown situation, remember it's ok to say you're not ok. There is help out there and I encourage you to seek support either from your bubble or from the many services available. A go-to service is Need to Talk which can be reach be calling or texting 1737 and they are available 24/7."
He acknowledged while no-one wanted to be in the situation the country now finds itself, the faster way to return to normality was to follow the lockdown rules.
"If you are questioning why you need to follow the rules or are hesitant to book a vaccine once you're eligible I urge you to do so, if not for yourselves, then for your family and whānau, for your neighbours and friends, for the vulnerable in our communities, for your colleagues and co-workers. Do not be the one that puts all of them at risk," Boult said.
Meanwhile the government has extended the travel deadline on Air New Zealand flights and the Interislander by 24 hours to allow people to get home. It was due to expire at 11.59pm tonight.
Air New Zealand earlier said there was a bottle neck in trying to get people home from Queenstown with an estimated 600 people still wanting to leave the town to get home today.