Tēnā tātou katoa,
All of New Zealand will remain in Level 4 Lockdown until 11:59pm on Tuesday 24 August.
Updates from today
There are 11 new confirmed cases today: eight in Auckland and three in Wellington.
This brings the total number to 32.
The Wellington cases had recently travelled to Auckland and visited a location of interest. Two returned to Wellington via car. One person returned via flight. Please keep yourself updated with locations of interest here. Locations of the Wellington group that travelled from Auckland are being updated accordingly. More information further down this newsletter.
Masks are mandatory if you are a customer or an employee (over age 12) involving customer contact.
For example:
- public transport and departure points
- Supermarkets, pharmacies, petrol stations
- flights, taxis or ride shares
Locations of interest
It is critical that people frequently check locations of interest.
This includes essential workers checking locations of interest they may worked in or visited, for example supermarket workers, healthcare workers, transport operators, etc.
People who visited these locations during the relevant times should immediately isolate at their home or accommodation, away from their bubble, and contact their GP or Healthline for advice on getting a test.
There is a Section 70 notice in place that puts a legal requirement on all people who were at locations of interest at the relevant times to get tested. Failure to comply can result in a fine of up to $4,000 or imprisonment for up to 6 months.
If you are a business that has been identified as a location of interest, click here for Ministry of Health’s guidance. (website updated).
Level 4
- Stay at home in your bubble.
- You can leave home to shop for groceries, access necessary healthcare and get a Covid-19 test but you must wear a mask.
- You can exercise in your immediate neighbourhood but maintain a 2 metre physical distance from people.
- Good hygiene is important - wash your hands frequently.
- Scan in your QR Code or sign in wherever you go
- More info here
Wage Subsidy Scheme (WSS) opens today – Work and Income
Applications close on 3 September.
The first payments are usually available after three days.
Eligible employers anywhere in the country can apply if they expect a loss of 40 per cent revenue as a result of the Alert Level increase.
Businesses will be eligible for:
- $600 per week per full-time equivalent employee, and
- $359 per week per part-time employee.
The WSS will be paid as a two-week lump sum. WSS rates have been increased to reflect the increase in wage costs since the scheme was first used in March 2020.
Whanau assistance – Ministry of Social Development
There is a wide range of support available for anyone in need during this time, including childcare, counselling, accommodation and many more. Please check the Family Services Directory for more information on what services are on offer.
Who can operate at Alert Level 4?
The COVID-19 website has a list of sectors that can operate under Alert Level 4. Check if your business or service can operate here.
Feeling unwell?
Immediately self-isolate from others in your bubble.
For cold, flu or COVID-19 symptoms, call Healthline for free on 0800 358 5453 or your doctor, nurse, or Iwi health provider. A health professional will let you know the next steps and if you should get a test.
For other medical issues, phone your doctor or medical professional first. Most consultations will happen over the phone or by video conference to stop any risk of COVID-19 spreading by person-to-person contact.
Most importantly, don’t put off seeking help!
Supermarkets – MBIE update
- Customers should not stockpile; please buy what you need and be fair to others.
- New Zealand has plenty of food and supplies – it just takes a little while to get in onto the shelves. Last lockdown, supermarkets were selling enough to feed 10 million people every day. If people shop normally, it will give supermarkets the chance to restock the shelves.
- While the panic buying seen previously has reduced, we are still seeing an increase in demand.
- People are able to get what they need, and prices will stay within the range of what is expected.
Find out more here on the COVID-19 business helpline and resources.
Ngā manaakitanga,
NZ Māori Tourism.
