As the Wellington region, including Kāpiti Coast and Wairarapa, is set to move to alert level 2, here is a reminder of what that means in terms of guidelines and restrictions.
Masks are mandatory on public transport and encouraged where physical distancing is not possible. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
The announcement comes after a traveller from Sydney to the area tested positive for Covid-19 upon their return to Australia.
The restrictions will start for those areas at 6pm on 23 June and are due to last until 12:59pm on 27 June. The rest of New Zealand will remain in alert level 1.
At alert level 2, you can go to work and school, but you should follow public health measures and consider others around you.
The exceptions are:
- If you are sick, stay home. Do not go to work or school. Do not socialise.
- If you have cold, flu or Covid-19 symptoms, call your doctor or Healthline on 0800 358 5453 and get advice about being tested.
- If you have been told to self-isolate you legally must do so immediately.
People who have been at a location of interest at the relevant time should immediately isolate at their home or accommodation and call Healthline on 0800 358 5453 for advice on testing.
Get tested if you have cold, flu or Covid-19 symptoms.
People are encouraged to practise good hygiene - including washing hands, coughing or sneezing into your elbow and cleaning surfaces - keep track of where they have been (using the NZ Covid Tracer app or a manual diary) and stay home if they are unwell.
People should also maintain a distance of 2m from others in public spaces and in retail stores.
In other places like workplaces, cafes, restaurants and gyms, people must stay 1m apart.
Hospitality businesses must keep groups of customers separated, seated, and served by a single person with a maximum of 100 people at a time.
Masks are mandatory on public transport and encouraged where physical distancing is not possible.
Gatherings, including weddings and funerals, are limited to 100 people.
Businesses can open, but they legally must follow public health rules. These include physical distancing and record keeping.
Early learning services, schools and tertiary education facilities are open to all ages.
You can do your usual exercise and recreation activities, if you can do them safely.
Professional leagues can go ahead at alert level 2 because they take place in controlled workplaces.