Dealers face contactless trading again

The automotive industry in Auckland is being plunged back into contactless trading with the city moving to Covid-19 alert level three following the discovery of four new cases that cannot yet be linked to overseas travel.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, pictured, announced on August 11 that Auckland, as defined by the super city boundaries, will shift to level three restrictions from noon on August 12. At the same time, the rest of the country is moving to alert level two.

The levels will remain in force until midnight on August 14 with the government to consider whether to extend the measures in the coming days.

At alert level three, people are encouraged to work from home but businesses can open providing they do not interact directly with customers.

New Zealand was at alert level three from April 28 to May 14 this year following a month of lockdown in an attempt to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

During that time, automotive businesses had to achieve non-contact operations and run workshops with required sanitation, distancing and other health requirements.

Dealers could only sell vehicles without face-to-face customer contact during the sale and delivery process and they had to ensure vehicles were properly sanitised. 

For those preparing for level two outside of Auckland, people can continue to go to work and school, with physical distancing, and are advised to wear masks in public.

Businesses can open if they are following public health guidance, which includes physical distancing and record keeping.

For a breakdown of the alert levels, click here.

For more of the latest Covid-19 stories, click here.