Level two to start on May 14
Businesses across the automotive industry will be hoping to welcome more customers from May 14, after Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern revealed that will be when the country starts moving to Covid-19 alert level two.
She made the announcement following nearly two weeks of level three restrictions being in place. The nation had previously been in lockdown since March 25 in an attempt to contain the spread of the coronavirus outbreak.
Level two restrictions will start to apply from 11.59pm on May 13, with retailers, cafes, restaurants, cinemas, playgrounds and gyms able to open, and domestic travel allowed.
Businesses and car dealerships will be able to welcome customers into their showrooms and onto yards providing they follow rules around social distancing, hygiene, and have contact tracing measures in place.
At the previous level, there was a greater emphasis on contactless trading and most people wanting to visit a business premise needed an appointment.
Ardern, pictured, announced the decision to lower the alert level on May 11 after a lengthy Cabinet meeting where ministers were given the latest evidence around Covid-19 and advice from Dr Ashley Bloomfield, the Director-General of Health.
As part of a staggered move into level two, schools will not fully reopen until May 18 and bars can resume business from May 21.
Specific guidance for key sectors is being developed by the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment and WorkSafe.
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
For more details, visit covid19.govt.nz
