Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern reveals staggered move to alert level 2
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced a staggered move into level 2 starting on Thursday, with schools and bars reopening later and groups limited to 10 people.
Ardern, joined by Director-General of Dr Health Ashley Bloomfield, made the announcement at 4pm, saying the country would officially move to level 2 at 11.59pm on Wednesday.
"We may have won the battle, but we have not won the war," Ardern told New Zealanders. "None of us can assume Covid isn't with us."
She said retail, malls, cafes, restaurants, cinemas and other public spaces including playgrounds and gyms would be able to reopen on Thursday, 14 May.
Schools would return to normal classes from Monday 18 May, while bars would have to wait until Thursday 21 May to reopen. Ardern clarified that bars would be distinguished from restaurants by using the Easter trading regulations. She warned that groupings would also be restricted to just 10 people.
"Why 10? simple. If something goes wrong, that's much easier to contain, much easier to contact trace."
This limit would apply to parties at home, stag and hen parties, church meetings, weddings, funerals and group bookings at restaurants or bars. People attending movies at the theater or going to a show would have to be spaced out.
She said things were going to get tougher before they got better. "Irresponsible behaviour will take us backwards."
She warned that any bars or restaurants not abiding by the level 2 rules would be closed. She said she would need to check whether or not it would be any different in the first week because of different legislation being applied. Rest home visits would continue to have very strict requirements at level 2, she said.
What remains unchanged?
The basic public health measures. If you are even slightly sick, stay at home. If you have any symptoms - a runny nose or sore throat - stay at home and get a test. Wash those hands and clean surfaces regularly. Don't share your phone.
The border remains closed to all except Kiwis returning home. On arrival, they will spend 14 days in an isolation facility.
Keep your distance. Two metres remains the gold-standard for strangers but in your workplace or with people you know the prime minister says we can "live with less" because tracing can be done if needed.
Can I throw the doors open to my workplace?
Generally speaking, yes. Businesses can re-start for staff and customers but it's slightly different strokes for different folks. The Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment will be providing more advice in the coming days but here are some starters for 10s:
- If you can work from home it's something to talk to your boss about. The PM was encouraging it where possible.
- All businesses must observe the appropriate hygiene and distancing rules.
- Retail outlets need to follow the example already set by supermarkets, with physical distancing and regular cleaning.
- Hair-dressers and beauticians need to wear PPE.
- Bars, cafes and restaurants, stick with me here as this is quite a lot, must work under the three Ss: People must be seated. You can only have as many people as you can safely seat. No one can have more than 10 - regardless of venue size. People must be separated - physical distance is a must. This and the seating makes it easier to trace people. Tables must have a dedicated server. So seat, separate, serve. (This has changed from last week where they'd said it would be 100. They will slowly increase numbers but for the first 2 weeks gatherings will still be restricted to 10.
- Contact tracing is also key. While the government is working on a nationwide technical fix for now businesses should be able to detail who has visited.
- If there are queues outside venues these must also be managed with the suitable social distancing.
- Those who don't follow the rules will be shut down.
Again, we will learn more from MBIE in the coming days.
What about other gatherings?
You won't be raging it up with hundreds of your best mates anytime soon. Indoor and outdoor gatherings are limited to a maximum of 10. It is the same for churches and other venues. Social distancing rules must be followed too.
Can we see some of our family and friends though?
Your bubble can grow. But hang on to the same principles mentioned above in reference to hospitality and the basic social distancing and health measures.
You can have friends and family to your home but keep the numbers small. More specific guidance is still coming.
Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield said while he may hug a few close family members he wouldn't be going beyond that - stick to the East Coast wave.
Can I take a holiday elsewhere in NZ?
A trip from Wellington to Napier to see your mum is fine. A trip to Napier for a conference with an open bar is not. So, you can gad about the place a bit more. However, keep to the social distancing rules. It's key.
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What about getting back to the gym and pool?
They, and other public facilities like playgrounds, will re-open as long as the right rules are followed (more to come here).
Professional sport can resume - rugby and netball will be doing so - but given the rules about mass gatherings it won't be with crowds. In some cases, you won't notice the difference from before!
Lower level sport is back on the cards but we can expect more information on that later.
Can I send my child back to school?
All education facilities, including early learning, will re-open. These will liaise directly with parents. Distance learning will remain in place too.
If an education facility has a confirmed case it will close for 72 hours to allow for tracing and then, potentially, another 14 days.
When a decision about level 2 is made, schools won't open mid-week but at the start of the following week.
Again, sick children should be kept at home and regular basic healthcare steps taken.
What happens to the more vulnerable groups?
Those in higher risk groups need to think about their own personal safety when outside and continue to apply social distancing and basic healthcare steps.
- If you have symptoms of the coronavirus, call the NZ Covid-19 Healthline on 0800 358 5453 (+64 9 358 5453 for international SIMs) or call your GP
