COVID Business Update 28 March 2022

by | Mar 28, 2022 | News

From 11.59pm on Friday 25 March 2022 the traffic light system changed.

Why?

With the Omicron outbreak nearing its peak the focus has now shifted to making life simpler and closer to normal while still retaining things that are effective at reducing the spread of COVID. The thinking is it will help us manage life with Omicron while reducing the impact of future outbreaks.

All of New Zealand is at the Red setting.

The next review of the traffic light settings is on 4 April. The review will determine what colour each area of New Zealand will sit in.

In the meantime – Life at Red this week

From 11:59pm on Friday 25 March:

  • There are no limits for outdoor activities, such as gatherings and events, and food and drink businesses. My Vaccine Passes must be used until 11:59pm on 4 April.
  • There is a 200-person limit for indoor gatherings and events — My Vaccine Passes must be used until 11:59pm on 4 April.
  • If My Vaccine Passes are not used, the gathering limits remain unchanged.
  • You do not need to wear a face mask outdoors.
  • Other face mask rules remain unchanged — face masks are still required in most indoor settings.
  • There is no requirement to scan in or for a business to display a QR code poster or have mandatory record keeping.

My Vaccine Pass

From 11:59pm on 4 April 2022, there is no requirement to use My Vaccine Pass.

Until 4 April, where My Vaccine Passes are not used, the current restrictions remain — but after this time, the new capacity limits will apply to everyone.

After 4 April, businesses will still be able to use the system if they would like to.

Worker Vaccine Mandates

From 11:59pm on 4 April 2022, some government vaccine mandates for workers will be removed. Workers that will still be covered by a government vaccine mandate include

health and disability sector workers, prison staff, border and MIQ workers. Vaccine mandates remain in place for these sectors because workers in these areas have a high level of contact with people at risk of developing serious illness from COVID-19. For border workers, there is a high risk of exposure to new variants.

Businesses will be able to voluntarily introduce workforce vaccination requirements if appropriate to the workforce.