All public libraries and public swimming pools operated by Southland's three territorial councils will close from the end of today, as a result of today's COVID-19 government announcement.

These include Invercargill's Splash Palace, Invercargill and Bluff libraries, Gore and Mataura libraries, Gore Multisports Complex and all Southland District Council libraries.

Southland District Council has also closed all it's area offices, leaving just it's main office in Invercargill open, but protocols will be stepped up to protect staff and customers.

Southland District Council operated halls will also close from today.

The Fiordland Community Event Centre Trust also announced today that it's Te Anau facility would close in response to today's COVID-19 announcement.

Invercargill City Council Chief Executive Clare Hadley said the decision to close Invercargill's public facilities was not taken lightly, and was based on recent announcements and guidance in relation to Covid-19.

“We feel this is the responsible action to take to help protect those most vulnerable in our communities, and our staff,” Mrs Hadley said.

Mrs Hadley said library staff were working to investigate ways their services may be offered in-line with government recommendations to maintain physical distance.

Gore District Mayor Tracy Hicks said it was a difficult decision to close the District’s libraries and multisports complex until further notice, but the only option for the sake of the community.

“The message from the Prime Minister and health officials is quite clear – to slow down the spread of COVID-19 we need to restrict our movements and interactions with each other.”

Both the library and multisport complex were considered risk areas due to the high number of users and that they were popular venues with the elderly.

“The Gore District has a disproportionately high number of elderly residents, a demographic that is most at risk from the virus.”

Mr Hicks appealed for residents to follow the clear guidelines set out today and to go to trusted sources for information, such as the COVID19.govt.nz website.

“We need to be calm, be kind and be prepared."

“There will be a lot of questions from customers and staff around exactly what the closures mean.”

More information will be sent out on Monday after a meeting of senior staff, Mr Hicks said.

At this stage the Gore District Council’s main office and the Gore Visitor Centre will remain open, although protocols will be stepped up to protect staff and customers.

Southland District Mayor Gary Tong said Council needs to protect its communities and its staff and so this was really the only decision it could make.

“We fully support the Prime Minister’s statement: ‘This is about saving lives. We must fight by going hard and go early’.”

“We know that our libraries are important to our communities and we are looking at how we can share books but we need to do this safely especially for our elderly customers,” Mr Tong said.

“Staff are still working but it will be different. They already have non-customer facing work to do, but we will be looking at what else we can do and there are high-priority areas they will be deployed to.”

“Please do not panic if your books are due tomorrow – there will be no overdue fines.”

Mr Tong urged Southland residents to follow the clear guidelines set out by the Prime Minister today and to go to trusted sources for information.

“Don’t believe gossip and pub talk please – if you are over 70 or have illnesses, please stay at home. Practise physical distancing and wash your hands.

“Please look after each other, don’t panic and take care of yourselves and others. Southland communities always step up in times of need and this will be no different,” Mr Tong said.

“We will be continually talking about future developments so decisions will be made quickly.”

“We are keeping a close eye on the Ministry of Health guidelines and news releases from central government to inform the decisions that we are making.”

The Gore District Council will be considering alternative ways for council staff to work, such as remotely, while Invercargill City Libraries and Archives already have digital services available, and guidance on what to do with your library books here: www.ilibrary.co.nz/coronavirus-covid-19-latest-updates