Staff Updates - Covid-19 Lockdown


Update 17/08/2021 8:57pm 

  • Production will continue tomorrow
  • Deliveries will continue tomorrow
  • Yard sales will be closed first thing tomorrow. We will determine whether we can open up safely before 9:30am tomorrow. 
  • Belfast kilns have opened up the fogarty kiln for us tomorrow

Update 17/08/2021 8:36pm

  • We will be delivering tomorrow. 
  • We may or may not be open for restricted yard sales/ click and collect tomorrow.

Update 17/08/2021 8:15pm

Following the lockdown starting 00:00 18/08/2021, City Firewood will continue to operate as an essential service during level 4 lockdown. We are a confirmed and recognised critical service Click Here for City Firewood's official confirmation of Essential service. You can show this to police etc. on the road as proof of working in an essential industry. 

Please note this letter was given last lockdown which was in the pre-season whereas this one is in winter, so different conditions will apply, however the information is not available yet. 

It can be challenging working through these conditions, so we appreciate you all for your dedication last time, and appreciate you all doing it again! We know from last time, just how many people in the community rely on our business to keep them warm so it's really important we can get firewood to those who need it. 

Why We Are An Essential Service

Our operation holds a unique place in the Christchurch heating market, as we are the only firewood supplier who can kiln dry making us the only supplier in the city continuously making dry stock. When other suppliers run out, that's it and it comes down only to City Firewood to add new dry stock to the cities supply. At this time of the year, depending on the length of the lockdown, there is a real possibility of a shortage meaning our production and drying now is critical. If lockdown does extend, with people staying home, they will go through their firewood faster than anticipated and run out before the cold ends, creating high demand for winter heating fuels, and only us to supply it (an honest supply, as people will take advantage of the situation and sell wet wood labelled as dry). 

Hopefully the lockdown will work as intended and we will be back to normality by next week, however, we need to operate now in anticipation of an extention, because if we don't and it is extended, then people won't be able to get dry firewood when they need it. For older homes which rely on their fireplace or have no other form of heating this can be devastating in cold weather.  

 

Morning Meeting

Yard Staff - At the main site we will meet at 7:00am outside in the boot loading area to go over operational changes and general update. 

Kiln Staff- Please hand over shift with social distancing tomorrow, and I will be down to talk to the day shift operator after the meeting at the yard. 

Safety Precautions

We will be following the government recommendations (as per the ministry of health website) on general hygiene and safety. We understand it can feel pointless or excessive, however, our organisation needs to ensure we follow strict hygiene measures while we are operating under level 4 conditions so appreciate everyones compliance. 

The ministry of health is currently updating their website so we will add more information here as it comes up about safety precautions. 

For now:

Hygiene

 

  • Wash your hands with soap and water often (for at least 20 seconds) and dry thoroughly. Use an alcohol-based sanitiser and rub hands together if soap and water is unavailable.
  • Cough or sneeze into your elbow or cover your mouth and nose with tissues. Put them in a bin immediately.
  • Avoid touching your face, including your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean. Surfaces may have infectious droplets.
  • Clean surfaces regularly. This includes items frequently touch like door handles and phones.

  • Physical distancing

     

    The virus that causes COVID-19 is mostly spread in particles that escape from an infected person’s mouth or nose when they breathe, speak, cough, sneeze or sing.

    The risk of becoming infected with COVID-19 increases the closer you are to a person and the longer you are close to that person.

    The risk is highest in crowded and poorly ventilated indoor spaces, and is lower outside, where there are fewer people, and when you are further away from others. 

    To avoid infection, follow physical social distancing guidelines – by keeping your distance when outside your home: of at least:

    • 2 metres in public and retail stores, like supermarkets
    • 1 metre in controlled environments, like workplaces and schools.

    Keep rooms well ventilated (eg, by opening windows and doors) or ensuring that ventilation systems are working and well maintained. 

    Follow limits on bubble size at the different Alert Levels.

    Read more in About COVID-19 – symptoms and spread.

    Click Here for Level 4 Ministry of Health Updates: