As Auckland powers down to COVID Alert Level 3 and the rest of the country moves to Level 2, the forestry industry is watching developments with bated breath – after 102 days of effectively being COVID-19 free. Source: Timberbiz
Previously able to operate with strict protocols in place during Level 3, presumably MPI and Government will impose the same regulations.
“Under Level 2 we will follow all our protocols and keep our fingers crossed that the East Coast will be okay,’’ Eastland Wood Council’s Kim Holland said.
New Zealand’s timber industry was not considered essential when Stage 4 lockdown were introduced in late March this year.
After the stricter Level 4 shutdown, the forestry industry “had a pretty strong bounce back” despite supply chain complications overseas and not being classified as an essential service at Level 4, said Phil Taylor President of the New Zealand Forest Owners Association.
“Government has had ample preparation to test and trace and we can only hope the initial three days doesn’t turn into a more severe lockdown and the forestry industry gets to stay on its feet.”
Those operating in the greater Auckland Region must do so under the COVID-19 protocols which can be found on the Safetree website. The protocols will be reviewed, particularly for travel to and from work.
