Auckland back in lockdown: What do the new COVID restrictions mean?

By MiNDFOOD

Auckland back in lockdown: What do the new COVID restrictions mean?

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

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