There will be no more scanning of vaccine passes for staff and users of council facilities in Central Otago from next week.

Those without vaccine passes who have been unable to enter the Central Otago District Council’s pools, libraries and iSites since mid-December last year will be able to return from Tuesday, April 5.

All users must continue to comply with health measures such as mask wearing, according to a CODC media statement.

CODC Chief Executive Sanchia Jacobs announced the changes following the Government’s recent easing of vaccine pass requirements, which take effect next week, and the Council’s risk assessment of each site.

“We know a lot more about the general nature of the Omicron variant now. That, coupled with the high number of Central Otago residents that have been vaccinated, gives me the confidence to lift the vaccine pass requirements at our facilities and continue to operate in a way that keeps our customers

and staff safe.” she said.

“There are still a number of unknowns with COVID-19 and potential future variants, but for now we no longer deem the requirements of a vaccine pass necessary.”

Ms Jacobs wished to thank the public for their support of the measures that had been taken and recognised that some people did not agree with them. She looked forward to seeing all residents back using the facilities.

CODC Health, Safety and Wellbeing Advisor Rachel Ennis said the Council had all the appropriate measures in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable facility.

“It is important to respect measures that are in place, like mask wearing, capacity numbers and physical distancing, so that we can keep offering our services to as many people as possible.

“If we can do that then we will be able to keep our staff safe and our facilities open throughout the outbreak.”

Central Otago currently has 440 active cases of Covid-19 in the community, according to a statement from the Southern District Health Board. There were 55 new cases recorded on Monday.

Other councils and institutions around New Zealand are also easing restrictions in response to the changes to the government’s Covid-19 Protection Framework with many agreeing the measures have outlived their usefulness for now. Read more in The Conversation’s piece published here on Sunday.