Details on Alert Level 3 workplace restrictions
New Zealand remains in Alert Level 4 and all New Zealanders should continue to stay home to save lives. Only businesses that are essential can operate premises for workers who cannot work from home during the Alert Level 4 period.
The Government has today(4/16) released high-level details on what Alert Level 3 would mean for New Zealand, including businesses and workers.
The decision on whether to move New Zealand’s alert level will be made on Monday 20 April 2020.
Under Alert Level 3 there will still be restrictions on our day-to-day lives as COVID-19 still presents a risk to us all.
To support the goal of eliminating COVID-19 from New Zealand, under Alert Level 3, workplaces can open if:
- Workers cannot work from home, and
- Workplaces are operating safely (including meeting public health guidance and other health and safety obligations), and
- Customers are not allowed on premises, and
- They can trade without contact with the public.
Alert Level 3 will allow many more businesses to resume, such as construction, manufacturing and more primary industries. Retail and takeaway food services will be able operate as long as there is no physical contact with customers.
Businesses that can’t operate without physical contact with customers must remain closed. Examples include home cleaners, tourist attractions, entertainment venues, bars, hairdressers and dine-in services. For now, New Zealand remains at Alert Level 4.
Support for impacted businesses and workers
The Government has a range of support measures in place to help businesses and their workers affected by the restrictions at both alert level 3 and 4, including the Wage Subsidy Scheme.
Read more about the support offered at business.govt.nz/covid-19(external link)
For information on individual support visit covid19.govt.nz
