The whole country will move to the new traffic light system next week

This afternoon, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced that at 11.59pm on Thursday, December 2nd, the whole country will move to the new COVID-19 Protection Framework. The next press conference on Monday 29th November will provide more detail on what this looks like.

We know that there is a lot of information to digest but be assured that we are working closely with our industry experts so that we can provide more clarity around the alert level requirements, and what this means for your industry. 

COVID-19 Protection Framework: Guidelines and FAQs

Here is a reminder of what the COVID-19 traffic light system looks like:
Green is when there are some COVID-19 cases in the community and irregular imported cases. Community transmission will be limited and COVID-19 hospitalisations will be at a manageable level. The health system will be ready to respond, including primary care, public health, and hospitals.

How we stay safe at Green:

• Record keeping and scanning will be required.
• Face coverings are mandatory on flights and encouraged indoors.

Where we can go at Green:

• Public facilities
• Retail
• Workplaces
• ECEs, schools, Kura and tertiary providers
• Specified outdoor community events
• Regional boundary restrictions will not apply

At Orange, there will be increasing community transmission that is putting pressure on our health system. The whole of the health system will focus its resources but can continue to manage primary care, public health, and hospitals. There may also be an increased risk for at-risk people.

How we stay safe at Orange:

• Record keeping and scanning will be required.
• Face coverings will be mandatory on flights, public transport, in taxis, retail, public venues, and encouraged elsewhere.

Where we can go at Orange:

• Public facilities will be open with capacity limits based on 1 metre distancing
• Retail will be open with capacity limits based on 1 metre distancing
• Education facilities will be open with public health measures in place
• Workplaces
• Specified outdoor community events
• Regional boundary restrictions will not apply

At Red, action will need to be taken to protect both at-risk people and protect our health system from an unsustainable number of hospitalisations.

How we stay safe at Red:

• Record keeping and scanning will be required
• Face coverings will be mandatory on flights, public transport, in taxis, retail, public venues, and recommended whenever leaving the house

Where we can go at Red:

• Public facilities — open with up to 100 people, based on 1 metre distancing
• Retail — open with capacity limits based on 1 metre distancing
• Workplaces — working from home encouraged
• ECEs, schools, and kura are open with public health measures
• Specified outdoor community events — allowed with capacity limits
• Regional boundary restrictions may apply

Please note that our HazardCo communications are guidance as per the official Government, Ministry of Health, and WorkSafe New Zealand advice.

We’re here to support you, so don’t hesitate to get in touch with our advisory team if you would like further information on the Covid-19 restrictions and how they impact you. Give us a call on 0800 555 339 or email info@hazardco.com.