Wellington moves to alert level two

Businesses across Wellington are being encouraged to enforce strict social distancing rules as the region moves to Covid-19 alert level two from 6pm on June 23.

Dealers and other automotive companies can keep their doors open under the higher alert level, which will remain in force until 11.59pm on June 27, but the government recommends alternative ways of working if possible.

It also calls for businesses to adopt physical distancing and record keeping of all those coming onto their premises.

At level two, people can socialise in groups of up to 100, go shopping and travel domestically, if they follow public health guidance.

The government has raised the alert level after a positive case from Sydney was in Wellington from June 19-21. The traveller only tested positive on their return to Australia.

The emergence of the case led to the evacuation of about 150 delegates attending a transport and mobility conference at Te Papa on June 23.

T-Tech 21 was aborted just as Michael Wood, Minister of Transport, was due to give an address because the museum is one of 16 locations of interest identified by the Ministry of Health.

Golden rules for business at alert level two

· Reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission at work.

· All businesses can operate if they can do so safely. Alternative ways of working are encouraged where possible.

· Talk with your staff to identify risks and ways to manage them.

· Ask everyone – workers, contractors and customers – with cold, flu or Covid-19 symptoms to stay away from your premises.

· Keep workers one metre apart and customers in retail businesses two metres apart.

· Businesses are legally required to display a QR code and provide an alternative contact tracing system. 

· Face coverings are strongly encouraged if you are in close contact with others.

· Reduce the number of shared surfaces, and regularly disinfect them.

· Wash your hands.