Auckland is moving back to Level 3 lockdown for three days, while the rest of New Zealand is going back to Level 2 COVID restrictions.
New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern said it was necessary to take a “precautionary approach” after four new cases of COVID-19 were identified in the community.
“As disruptive as it is, a strong and rapid health response remains the best long term economic response,” Ardern said.
As of midday Wednesday, Auckland will move to Level 3 for three days, to give officials time to assess the situation and contact trace.
At the same time, the rest of New Zealand will move to Level 2, also for three days.
So what do the COVID restrictions mean for you?
Level 3 – Auckland
Stay in your bubble
Under level 3, Ardern says people must stay in household bubbles unless for essential movements such as work (if you’re an essential worker), buying groceries or exercising. No gatherings of more than 10 people.
Workplaces: employees to work from home if they can
Employees must work from home if they can.
Workplaces that do open must operate safely. This means:
- Keeping 1-metre between workers
- Recording who is working together
- Limiting interaction between groups or workers
- Disinfect surfaces
- Maintain high hygiene standards
Masks required for essential services
This time around under Level 3, you should wear a mask when accessing essential services.
Cafes and restaurants open for delivery or contactless pickup
Bars, restaurants and cafes will be closed but unlike Level 4, will be able to open for delivery, drive-through and contactless pre-ordered pick up. Customers cannot enter stores.
Retail can also re-open for online shopping and delivery.
Essential services open
Essential services including healthcare, justice services and businesses providing necessities are able to open.
No travel from Auckland
If you are in Auckland but don’t normally reside there, you can leave to go home but you need to be conscious of health and if you display symptoms get tested.
Weddings and funerals restricted to 10 or less
Gatherings are limited under level 3, with the restriction of funerals and weddings with up to 10 people allowed. For weddings, ceremonies are only permitted, not receptions.
Schools to close
Schools will close unless they have students whose parents were essential workers.
Level 2 – rest of New Zealand
Workplaces and schools open
You can still continue to go to work and school with physical distancing.
Masks required when social distancing is difficult
It is asked that you wear a mask if you are in a place where it’s hard to remain socially distant.
Gatherings of more than 100 prohibited
For the rest of New Zealand outside the Auckland Super City, mass gatherings will be limited to 100 people.
No travel to Auckland
Travelling to Auckland is prohibited unless you reside there and are travelling home.
Businesses to implement physical distancing
Businesses can open to the public if they are following public health guidance, which include physical distancing and record keeping.
For more guidance visit covid19.govt.nz