A Freephone set up to help Waikato residents during the coronavirus lockdown has received hundreds of calls in under two weeks. Hamilton City Council and Waikato District Council have joined forces to operate a North Waikato Combined Emergency Operations Centre (NWCEOC) to co-ordinate community support, with two welfare teams liaising with other support teams based at Ngāruawāhia and Hamilton. The Waikato Freephone 0800 800 405 is a programme with civil defence and council staff across the region are working with local volunteer organisations to support those in need during the national lockdown. We have great support from community houses and service groups and work closely with them to see where the closest or quickest support is available." For more information on business or other support services or the health response to COVID-19 please go to covid19.govt.nz

Source: Stuff April 14, 2020 03:11 UTC