Although the prime minister is yet to announce when New Zealand will move into the lower alert level, she has set out the details of Level 1 in advance.
The government is set to consider whether New Zealand should move to Alert Level 1 on Monday.
“It is our strong desire to get to Level 1 as soon as is safe and possible,” Ardern said.
Ardern noted that Level 1 will mean “all our work as paid off”, with lives saved, hospitals protected from overflowing, and the job of economic recovery able to start faster.
However, with COVID-19 still in the world, including countries New Zealand has a close connection to, the nation needs to maintain strict border measures.
Ardern said while hand hygiene and contact tracing will also still be necessary, all the physical distancing requirements of Level 2 will no longer be needed in Level 1.
The rules that apply in hospitality such as single servers and seated patrons will no longer be in place. There will be no requirement for physical distancing in work places or public places.
Churches can return to service, stadiums can be sold out, and planes and public transport will no longer need physical distancing.
Ardern also outlined the following rules:
- If you’re sick stay home. Don’t socialise or go to work or school. None of that changes when we lift restrictions – Ardern said she did not want Kiwis to be stoic.
- If you have cold or flu-like symptoms get tested.
- Wash your hands.
- Sneeze and cough into your elbow, disinfect surfaces.
- If you are told to self-isolate, do so immediately.
- If you are concerned about underlying health conditions, work with your GP to stay healthy.
- Keep track of where you’ve been. The government’s NZ COVID Tracer app is a good way to do so, said Ardern.
- Businesses should display a QR code for contact tracing.
- Stay vigilant – there is still a global pandemic going on. Businesses should be prepared in case we need to step up alert levels again.
- Whatever you’re feeling it’s okay – be kind to others and yourself.
