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New COVID-19 Protection Framework

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The Government have announced a new traffic light, COVID-19 Protection Framework, that provides a pathway out of lockdown and ability for businesses and events to re-open to vaccinated New Zealanders.

The COVID-19 Protection Framework introduces a new flexible 3-level approach to managing COVID-19 in the community:

  • Green – when there are some COVID-19 cases in the community, and sporadic imported cases. Community transmission will be limited and COVID-19 hospitalisations will be at a manageable level.
  • Orange – where there will be increasing community transmission that is putting pressure on our health system. The whole of health system will focus its resources, but can continue to manage primary care, public health, and hospitals. There may also be an increasing risk for at-risk people.
  • Red – action will be needed to be taken to protect both at-risk people and protect our health system from an unsustainable number of hospitalisations.

Download a copy of the framework outline.


The framework is more flexible than the current Alert Level system that doesn’t rely on nationwide lockdowns as the main measure to stop the virus spreading. Testing, contact tracing and isolation will continue as key tools to minimise any spread of the virus. And localised lockdowns will still be an option if we see a rapid growth in cases in areas with high levels of unvaccinated people.

When will the new framework be implemented?

  • Auckland to move into the new framework when 90 percent of eligible population in each of the three DHBs are fully vaccinated.
  • 90 percent fully vaccinated target set across each DHB region before rest of the country moves into new system.

Vaccine certificate requirements

Requiring a vaccination certificate will be optional for many locations. There will be some higher-risk settings where they will be a requirement in order to open to the public.

At all levels, businesses, retail, and public facilities will generally be able to remain open for vaccinated people.

Businesses, events, organisations, community, and a range of sectors may legally choose to implement a vaccination entry requirement for customers.

If a business, organisation or service does not wish to request proof of vaccine, they will have to operate with strict limits on capacity and space requirements. They may need to close in Orange and/or Red levels.

Impacts for hospitality

The new traffic light framework will allow businesses previously considered high-risk to fully open to vaccinated customers at green and orange and continue to operate with some restrictions at red. Businesses that choose to open to the unvaccinated will face restrictions in order to suppress the virus amongst those most likely to have it.

Businesses that provide services only to vaccinated people can operate at every level of the new framework and without any restrictions at green and orange.

GREEN

  • There will be no limits if vaccination certificates are used for hospitality.
  • If a business, organisation or service, does not request proof of vaccine, restrictions will apply.
    • Hospitality — up to 100 people, based on 1m physical distancing, seated and separated
    • Gatherings (for example weddings, places of worship, marae) — up to 100 people, based on 1m physical distancing
    • Events (indoor/outdoor) — up to 100 people, based on 1m physical distancing, seated and separated

ORANGE

  • There will be no limits if vaccination certificates are used at:
    • Hospitality
    • Gatherings (for example weddings, places of worship, marae)
    • Events (indoor/outdoor)
  • If a business, organisation or service, does not request proof of vaccine, restrictions will apply.
    • Hospitality — contactless only
    • Gatherings (for example weddings, places of worship, marae) — up to 50 people, based on 1m distancing
  • Events (indoor/outdoor) will not be able to operate without a vaccine certificate requirement.

RED

  • There will be restrictions if vaccination certificates are used.
  • These places will be able to open with up to 100 people, based on 1m physical distancing:
    • Hospitality
    • Gatherings (for example weddings, places of worship, marae)
    • Events (indoor/outdoor)
  • If a business, organisation or service, does not request proof of vaccine, restrictions will apply.
    • Hospitality — contactless only
    • Gatherings (for example weddings, places of worship, marae) — up to 10 people
  • Events (indoor/outdoor) will not be able to operate without a vaccine certificate requirement.

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