Green light for more business at level two
Much of the automotive industry will be able to reopen when the country moves to Covid-19 alert level two, providing they “play it safe”.
Car dealerships and other auto retail businesses can open their doors at the lower alert level providing they enforce public health measures such as social distancing, good hygiene and contact tracing.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern outlined the rules for alert level two on May 7 and a decision about when New Zealand will get there will be made by Cabinet on May 11.
Specific guidance for key sectors is being developed by the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment and WorkSafe.
Ardern, pictured, has indicated there will be a 48-hour lead-in to any such changes, meaning the earliest restrictions to contain the coronavirus outbreak will be eased is May 13.
The government says alert level two will see significantly more activity across the country and it is estimated only about five per cent of the workforce will not be able to operate at that stage.
“Level two is a safer normal designed to get as many people back to work as possible and the economy back up and running in a safe way, made possible only by our collective actions at levels four and three to beat the virus and break the chain of transmission,” Ardern said.
“There is a much higher level of individual responsibly required at level two to prevent the spread of the virus. Even though the economy will be significantly opened up we still need everyone to remain vigilant and continue to act like you and those around you have the virus.”
Balancing risk
The prime minister said alert level two will see the return of shopping, eating out, weddings, domestic travel, schools, sport and seeing friends – but under strict rules.
Shopping will be allowed but physical distancing will need to be maintained at retail businesses – at least one metre, but ideally two.
People will be able to visit friends and family, but not hold large parties, and domestic travel will be permitted.
The borders will remain closed to all but New Zealanders and the government will encourage people to maintain social distancing from strangers.
Ardern said the principle of level two was “play it safe” and in deciding when to move to that stage the government would “balance the risk of the virus bouncing back against the strong desire to get the economy moving again”.
“We will continue to act with caution and not move before it is safe to do, so entry into level two could be phased, with higher risk activity occurring when there is stronger evidence it is safe to do so,” she explained.
New Zealand moved into an alert level four lockdown on March 25, with those restrictions lowered to level three on April 27.
There have been 1,489 confirmed and probable Covid-19 cases in New Zealand, as of May 7. Of these, 1,332 have recovered and 21 have died.
Key rules for business at alert level two
• All businesses can operate if they can do so safely. Alternative ways of working are still encouraged where possible.
• Talk with staff to identify risks and how to manage them
• Ask everyone, workers, contractors and customers, with cold or flu-like symptoms to stay away from your premises
• Keep groups of customers one metre apart
• Keep contact-tracing records of anyone who will have close interaction – workers, contractors or customers
• Reduce the number of shared surfaces, and regularly disinfect them
• Wash your hands
General alert level two restrictions
• Businesses can restart for staff and customers
• Bubbles can cease
• Domestic travel recommences
• Schools and early learning centres can open
• Gatherings indoors and outdoors are limited to 100 people
• Public places reopen
• Sport and recreation on-stream, including professional sports competitions
• Home gatherings must be kept small
• Hospitality must follow the three S’s – seated, separated, single-server
For more details, visit covid19.govt.nz
