Tasman libraries to require vaccine passes after feedback

All Tasman District Library users will now be required to be vaccinated after many visitors gave feedback saying they felt unsafe in the facility.

All visitors will have to show their My Vaccine Pass on entry from Wednesday 12 January.

A Tasman District Council statement says this change in policy occurred after many library visitors said they felt unsafe potentially coming into extended contact with those who are unvaccinated.

The libraries will provide alternative services for unvaccinated library members such as their remotely accessible e-books and audiobooks or their 'Book a Book' service.

Vaccine passes will be required for those aged 12-years and over to enter any of the Tasman District Libraries, access core services, attend events, programmes, and classes. The libraries will provide assistance for those who haven't already downloaded their My Vaccine Pass.

Visitors will also need to continue signing in with the NZ Covid Tracer app or with a contract tracer form as well as wearing a mask and maintaining social distancing of 1 metre.

A book-in service is being worked on to provide supervised library acces for children who are unable to visit the libraries independently. ­

This change in policy follows the introduction of a requirement for all Tasman District Library staff to have recieved their first dose of the vaccine by 5 January.

The council will continue to review decisions around other facilities and may make further changes if Covid-19 becomes widespread in the community or there is a move between green or red under the Covid-19 Protection Framework.