Covid-19 Local Government Response Unit Update – Wednesday 20 April 2022

Local Government Response Unit main page

Orange Traffic Light Setting

All of New Zealand is in the Orange Traffic Light Setting

Under the Orange traffic light setting there are no capacity limits for indoor or outdoor gatherings

At indoor venues for unseated activities, if there are over 500 people, it is recommended capacity be limited based on 1 m distancing

Face masks in orange

Face masks are still required in certain circumstances. Below is a list of places and situations where face masks are required:

Flights and public transport

domestic flights
on public transport, this includes Cook Strait Ferries but does not include passengers within their allocated carriage on specified Kiwirail services or when you are on a ship that does not have an enclosed space for passengers
at indoor arrival and departure points for domestic flights and public transport
if you are aged 12 years of over on Ministry of Education funded school transport and public transport
in taxis or rideshare vehicles

Inside Retail businesses and public spaces

supermarkets, shopping malls, pharmacies, petrol stations, and takeaway stores
visiting the indoor area of a court or tribunal-unless the judicial officer does not require them
at premises operated by local and central government agencies, social service providers, and the New Zealand Police
in the public area of premises operated by NZ Post Limited
when visiting a healthcare service, for example a healthcare or aged care facility
at a vet clinic

Vaccinations and Boosters

The best way to protect yourself from Omicron is through vaccination. It is important to stress to communities the need for boosters for those who have had their second vaccine more than three months ago as well as the importance of vaccinations for 5-11 year olds.

16 - 17 year olds who have received their second vaccine more than six months ago are now eligible for a Booster.

The Ministry of Health also recommends that if you have had Covid-19, you should wait three months before getting any Covid-19 vaccinations or boosters.

Information on where to get vaccinations and boosters from can be found here.

A reminder of general health advice

It is important to remember that although restrictions are being eased, we are still in the midst of a highly infectious Omicron outbreak.

Stay home if you are sick. This applies regardless of any exemption, if you have a cold, flu, or COVID-19 symptoms, you should get tested. You must stay home until you get a negative result. Call your doctor or Healthline on 0800 358 5453.

Councils are encouraged to use physical distancing where possible to ensure that staff remain safe. Also ensure that surfaces such as desks, door handles, phones, and light switches are cleaned and sanitised regularly.

The Ministry of Health notes that as a rule face masks should be used whenever you are inside, with exceptions for your home and place of work if you are not public facing. Public facing employees are encouraged to wear masks. Informal advice from the Ministry of Health has recommended that as part of good infection control processes, people working in open plan offices with others should consider wearing masks.

It is also important to keep washing and sanitising hands and keeping up basic hygiene practices as well as keeping indoor rooms well ventilated by opening doors and windows where possible.

Further health advice can be found here COVID-19: About the Omicron variant | Ministry of Health NZ

Public Service Commission Guidance and FAQs

The Public Service Commission has updated its guidance as well as a number of Frequently Asked Questions