Source: New Zealand Labour Party
Stamping out COVID-19 isn’t easy, but together, we are stronger than the virus. We’ve made good progress, but the job still isn’t done. We need to stay vigilant to stop the spread. Here’s where you can find the essential information you need to stay safe at Alert Level 2.
Find out what alert level your region is at here.
Golden rules at Alert Level 2
At Alert Level 2, there’s a possibility that COVID-19 could be in the community, so we need to take extra precautions to protect New Zealand.
You no longer need to stay home and stick to your bubble, but there are several key ways you can help to stamp out the virus.
- Wear a mask: Masks are required on public transport and at most public indoor venues, and they’re recommended whenever you leave home. Read more about where you need to wear a face covering here.
- Keep track of where you’ve been: Use the NZ COVID Tracer app or pen and paper to record your movements. Find out more about record keeping requirements here.
- Keep your distance: In shops and other public venues, try to stay 2 metres away from people you don’t know.
- Keep gatherings small: Gatherings are limited to 50 people in an indoor space, and 100 people in an outdoor space. This includes weddings and funerals, as well as social events like birthday parties.
- Get tested: If you have cold- or flu-like symptoms, or if you’ve been identified as a contact, call Healthline for testing advice on 0800 358 5453. If you’re sick, stay home. More information on COVID testing is available here.
Comprehensive information about what Alert Level 2 means for you and your family can be found at covid19.govt.nz.
Doing business at Alert Level 2
At Alert Level 2, most businesses can open with some restrictions, including physical distancing, use of face coverings, and record keeping.
You can find more information about how to safely operate at Alert Level 2 here.
Domestic travel
At Alert Level 2, you can travel between regions, but make sure you do it in a safe way. Check out everything you need to know about travel at Alert Level 2 here.
Professional and personal travel across alert level boundaries is restricted. Please see information on these boundaries here, and information on travel exemptions and how to apply here.
Financial support for business and workers
We’ve always said a strong health response to this pandemic is our best economic response. Our decision to go hard and early against COVID means the New Zealand economy is now in a stronger position than many other countries. We will continue with this approach to support Kiwi businesses and protect jobs.
The Government has activated a number of support measures to provide certainty to businesses and workers, helping to protect jobs and keep firms operating.
The measures include:
- Wage Subsidy Scheme, for businesses that expect to lose 40 percent of revenue as a result of the alert level change. While Auckland is at Alert Level 3 or 4, businesses all across the country are still able to access this support if they meet the criteria. Employers can apply for the subsidy here.
- Resurgence Support Payment, for businesses that expect to lose 30 percent of revenue as a result of the alert level change. More information is available here.
- Leave Support Scheme, which provides a two-week lump sum payment for workers who must self-isolate and cannot work from home. More information is available here.
- Short-Term Absence Payment, which provides a one-off payment for workers who must miss work due to a COVID-19 test and cannot work from home. More information is available here.
You can also use this tool to find out what financial support is available to you.
Help accessing food and essential services
If you’ve been told to isolate or are having problems accessing food, you can ask family, friends and neighbours if they can help to deliver food to you. Delivery should be contactless.
For those in self-isolation or who have no other way to access food, the Student Volunteer Army also has a grocery delivery service. Visit shop.sva.org.nz for more information.
If you’re unable to afford food, you can call the Ministry of Social Development on 0800 559 009 to see if you’re eligible for assistance. You can also find a list of New Zealand food banks and other food help services here.
Our vaccine rollout
Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect you and your loved ones against COVID-19. More than three million doses of the vaccine have now been administered, and well over a million people are fully vaccinated.
Vaccinations can continue safely at higher alert levels. If you haven’t yet reserved your spot, go to the Book My Vaccine website or call the COVID Vaccination Healthline on 0800 28 29 26.
For more information about vaccinations, you can visit the Unite against COVID-19 or Ministry of Health websites.
Mental health support
The pandemic can be hard on mental health, even at lower alert levels. If you or someone you know is having a tough time, you can call or text 1737 at any time for free to speak with a trained counsellor.
Youthline can be reached by calling 0800 376 633 or by free texting 234.
There is also a dedicated 0800 number for mental health support in Pacific communities: 0800 OLA LELEI (0800 652 535)
There are plenty of free resources online, too, at covid19.govt.nz/health-and-wellbeing.
For more information about COVID-19 and alert level requirements, please visit the Unite against COVID-19 website.
