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Pharmacies were inundated on the first day of Alert Level 3.
The jump two levels, from Covid-19 Level 1 to Level 3, caught the community by surprise when it was announced late on August 11.
This time the Level 3 lockdown applied to Auckland only, and as this paper went to print it was unclear how long it would continue or whether it would return to a lower level, or ramp up to Level 4.
Although the community has faced this before, there was no change in the response.
Despite official advice to “shop as normal”, and supermarkets’ attempts to reassure the public they have plenty of food and supplies, panic buying was rife.
Physical distancing measures were re-introduced in supermarkets, as well as limits on customer numbers, limits on some products, queue control and extra cleaning.
Flour, toilet paper, hair dye and alcohol were key essentials in people’s trolleys.
People also queued outside dairies, bakeries and liquor stores, and chemists were run off their feet.
Life Pharmacy Orewa’s Antony Wentworth says most folks were caught out and masks were in high demand. He says prescription volume increased, which put pressure on the pharmacy’s free delivery service.
Dr Peter Hall of Family Doctors says his heart sank at going back to Level 3. “We are back to Level 4 precautions in effect,” he says. “Seeing patients in PPE if they have respiratory symptoms, doing Covid swabs in the car park, encouraging phone and video consults. We only admit patients when we have confirmed they are not likely to be infectious and have shut down some non-essential services until we find out what happens next.”
Cafés and restaurants, still in recovery from the last lockdown, were forced to offer takeout only, taking in their tables and chairs. Destination Orewa Beach operations manager Hellen Wilkins says it is an anxious time, with uncertainties around the wage subsidy and what additional government support might be available.
“A few sectors were just returning to regular winter levels, so they are anxious, especially those that cannot trade through this. We have had calls from businesses needing direction to support agencies in readiness for an extended lockdown.”
Business owners are more blunt. “It’s a disaster!” says Ray Semiz, co-owner of Downbeat Restaurant in Orewa. “Businesses are paying the price,” he says. “We’re not a takeaway business, so our doors are closed, our income gone. We are worried about our staff. But we will fight as hard as we can to keep the restaurant going because we have a passion for it. It is frustrating and stressful – we want to help the community be safe. But most of all we want to work.”
Auckland Council facilities closed, including Estuary Arts Centre in Orewa, which was gutted to close its doors on the eve of a big event – its Members Awards event and exhibition opening.
“We will head back into our family bubbles, a lot of us with our children at home again, which will be hard on short notice, but we have done it before – so we know we can do it again,” art centre manager Kim Boyd said.
Health services and advice
• The closest Community Testing Centre is at 16-18 College Road, Northcote. A drive through pop up opened at Eventfinda stadium, 17 Silverfield, Wairau Valley, initially funded from August 13-16. Contact Healthline for the latest. • If you have cold or flu symptoms, call your doctor or Healthline, 0800 611 116. • For other health issues, call your doctor, as GPs are doing consults, many over the phone. If you’re unsure whether or not to come in, phone the practice. • Maintain physical distancing of 2m outside home, including on public transport. Wearing a mask in public places is recommended.
