Huaketo Korona (COVID-19)

1. What Lockdown Level are we at?

 Auckland (the area within the Auckland Supercity boundaries – from Wellsford to Pukekohe) is now at level 2.5 (level 2 with extra restrictions) and the rest of New Zealand is at level 2. 

2. Why have we gone into Lockdown?

Because there is suspected community transmission – an Auckland whānau of four have tested positive for COVID-19 and do not appear to have been in contact with someone returning from overseas. The country has gone into lockdown while contact tracing of the affected whānau is undertaken and the virus is contained. 

3. How long will we be in lockdown?

The level 2.5 lockdown (level 2 with extra restrictions) is expected to be in place until midnight on Wednesday, 16 September 2020 but may be extended. This will be reviewed by the Government on Monday, 14 September. At this time, the Government is expected to shift Auckland down to level 2 and keep the rest of Aotearoa at Level 2.

4. Travel from Auckland to other parts of New Zealand

If you are travelling FROM Auckland to another part of New Zealand, you need to try to stick to the Level 2.5 Auckland gathering restrictions (so keep any gatherings you attend to 10 people as you would if you were in Auckland) even if you are travelling to a different part of New Zealand.

5. What restrictions are there at level 2.5?

Level 2.5 is level 2 (the same as you’re used to from last time) with extra restrictions:

• Masks – compulsory on public transport (including ride share services such as Uber) except for children under 12 or those with a physical disability or health condition which makes wearing a mask difficult.
• Masks are also recommended every time you are out in public, especially when you are around other people and can’t social distance.
• Masks are available from supermarkets and you can make your own face covering using scarfs etc. Check out this video of Nano Girl making a mask without any sewing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_4HMBDEpjA
• Social distancing required
• Auckland – no mass gatherings (so gatherings limited to 10 people), except for tangihanga and funerals which will be limited to 50 people

Apart from the extra restrictions described above, you can go to work and school and get out and about, with physical distancing. The Government guidelines for level 2 are:

• Businesses can open to the public if they are following public health guidance, which includes physical distancing and record keeping.
• Use the COVID-19 tracing app or a pen and paper to record when and where you go and with who.
• Work from home if you can.
• People at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, for example those with underlying medical conditions and kaumātua are encouraged to take extra care when leaving home.
• Practice good hygiene – stay home if sick, wash your hands often with soap and dry them thoroughly, cough and sneeze into your elbow.
• If you are sick, stay at home and quickly seek advice from your usual doctor or Healthline about getting a test. There is no stigma to COVID-19.
• Gatherings of up to 10 people are allowed
• Gatherings of up to 50 people are allowed for tangihanga, and funerals and only so long as social distancing can be maintained.
• Check the Government’s COVID-19 webpage for more information: https://covid19.govt.nz/covid-19/alert-system/alert-level-2/#everyday-life

6. What’s open?

All shops and business are able to open. If businesses and shops open, they MUST display the QR code for COVID-19 tracing at no more than 1.3 metres above ground level so it can easily be accessed by people using wheelchairs, if you visit a shop or other business, please use the contact tracing app or make a diary note of when and where you have been and who with.

Keep up to date via the Government’s COVID-19 webpage for more information: https://covid19.govt.nz/covid-19/current-alert-level/

7. Can I have friends over in Alert Level 2.5?

Yes, so long as your gathering is limited to 10 people.

8. Masks

 Masks are compulsory on flights and public transport (including ride share services such as Uber) except for children under 12 or those with a physical disability or health condition which makes wearing a mask difficult.

Masks are also recommended every time you are out in public, especially when you are around other people and can’t social distance.

Masks are available from supermarkets and you can make your own face covering using scarfs etc.  Check out this video of Nano Girl making a mask without any sewing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_4HMBDEpjA

9. What do I do if I’m unwell or can’t get out? 

You can call your own doctor or the free Healthline (0800 358 5453) to ask if they can help with any health issues. You can also order products on-line for home delivery, ask others to pick up supplies for you, or call 0800NWOrakei (0800 6967 2534) if you need help.

10. What do I do if I’m not safe at home? 

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger call the Police on 111. Otherwise, call the sexual harm helpline on 0800 044334 or your local women’s refuge – call 0800 743 843 to get the number of your local refuge. You ARE allowed out of your household bubble to get to safety. The Government has good information on who to contact for help: https://covid19.govt.nz/help-and-advice/for-everyone/family-violence-and-sexual-violence-prevention/

11. What if I live in a boarding house or a campground?

You must follow the protocols put in place by the boarding house or campground manager, these will likely require you to not use any shared facilities, or to use them on a roster to avoid the risk of infection through contact with others.

12. What can I do if I am homeless?

Contact your usual shelter or support agencies for assistance, many are providing additional help to those who are homeless. Work and Income will be able to help if you need emergency housing, you can call them on 0800 559 009 (Monday to Friday 7am–6pm, Saturday 8am – 1pm). For further information see their website: https://workandincome.govt.nz/eligibility/emergencies/2020/coronavirus.html#null

Otherwise, call 0800NWOrakei (0800 6967 2534) if you can’t access the help you need.

As at 4 September 2020.

1. What Lockdown Level are we at? 

Auckland (the area within the Auckland Supercity boundaries) is now at level 2.5 and the rest of New Zealand is at level 2.

2. Why have we gone into Lockdown? 

Because there is suspected community transmission – an Auckland whānau of four have tested positive for COVID-19 and do not appear to have been in contact with someone returning from overseas. The country has gone into lockdown while contact tracing of the affected whānau is undertaken and the virus is contained. 

3. How long will we be in lockdown?

The level 2.5 lockdown (level 2 with extra restrictions) is expected to be in place until midnight on Wednesday, 16 September 2020 but may be extended. This will be reviewed by the Government on Monday, 14 September. At this time, the Government is expected to shift Auckland down to level 2 and keep the rest of Aotearoa at Level 2. 

4. What restrictions are there at Level 2?

You can still continue to go to work and school, with physical distancing. The Government guidelines for level 2 are:

• From Monday, 31 August, you MUST wear a mask on all flights and public transport (including ride share services such as uber) during Level 2.
• Until masks are mandatory, you should wear a mask if you can when you are out and about and amongst others where it may be hard to maintain social distancing.
• Masks are available from supermarkets and you can make your own face covering using scarfs etc. Check out this video of Nano Girl making a mask without any sewing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_4HMBDEpjA
• No more than 100 people at gatherings, including weddings, birthdays, funerals, and tangihanga. Please see the webpage for more information on tangihanga: http://ngatiwhatuaorakei.com/tangihanga-during-covid-19/
• Businesses can open to the public if they are following public health guidance, which includes physical distancing and record keeping.
• People at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, for example those with underlying medical conditions and kaumātua are encouraged to take extra care when leaving home.
• Practice good hygiene – stay home if sick, wash your hands often with soap and dry them thoroughly, cough and sneeze into your elbow.
• Check the Government website for more information and updates: https://covid19.govt.nz/updates-and-resources/latest-updates/new-zealands-alert-levels-are-changing-at-12-noon-on-wednesday-12-august/

5. Masks

Masks are compulsory on flights and public transport (including ride share services such as Uber) except for children under 12 or those with a physical disability or health condition which makes wearing a mask difficult.

Masks are also recommended every time you are out in public, especially when you are around other people and can’t social distance.

Masks are available from supermarkets and you can make your own face covering using scarfs etc.  Check out this video of Nano Girl making a mask without any sewing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_4HMBDEpjA

As at 4 September 2020.

1. What are the symptoms of the COVID-19 virus?

The symptoms include a cough, fever, shortness of breath, sneezing or a runny nose. These symptoms are also often a sign you have a cold of the common flu. This table, produced by the team at The Spinoff, is a useful guide to COVID-19 symptoms:

2. What do I do if I think I have the virus? 

Call 111 immediately if you or someone in your household is having a medical emergency.

If you are unwell with COVID-19 symptoms you should self-isolate from the rest of your household and call your regular doctor or, if you don’t have a regular doctor, call the free Healthline on 0800 358 5453, and self-isolate. There is good guidance on self-isolation on the Government’s COVID-19 information website:

https://covid19.govt.nz/help-and-advice/for-everyone/self-isolation-if-youre-unwell/

3. How can I get a test for COVID-19?

You will only be tested for COVID-19 if you have the symptoms described above or work in a risk area (such as the border or a quarantine site. If you don’t have COVID-19 symptoms or do not work in a risk area, do NOT present for a COVID-19 test.

If you do have COVID-19 symptoms, call your regular doctor. If you don’t have a regular doctor, call the free Healthline on 0800 358 5453. Either your regular doctor or the Healthline will be able to give you a referral to a testing station for a test.

4. Where can I get help if I’m struggling to cope?

Reach out to your regular support people such as family, friends or your Church elders and check out the awesome resources on the NWO Whānau Hub: https://ngatiwhatuaorakei.com/nwo-lockdown/. Otherwise, you can call or text 1737 for free, anytime (24/7) to talk with a trained counsellor.  There is good guidance on keeping mentally well on the Government’s COVID-19 information website: https://covid19.govt.nz/help-and-advice/for-everyone/looking-after-your-mental-health/

If you work, your employer may be part of the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) which provides free counselling sessions for employees. Your employer will be able to provide you with their EAP details.

5. What do I do if someone in my household dies?

 Contact your funeral director for guidance and check the separate online Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei tangihanga resource: http://ngatiwhatuaorakei.com/tangihanga-during-covid-19/

6. Can I travel within New Zealand to return home, visit a sick friend or family member or to attend a tangihanga?

You can travel in and out of Auckland and through the rest of New Zealand in alert level 2 as usual making sure you keep safe. If you are travelling FROM Auckland to another part of New Zealand, you need to try to stick to the Level 2.5 Auckland gathering restrictions (so keep any gatherings you attend to 10 people as you would if you were in Auckland) even if you are travelling to a different part of New Zealand.

Check the Government guidelines travel in the rest of New Zealand: https://covid19.govt.nz/travel-and-the-border/travel-within-new-zealand/regional-travel/#travel-within-regions-at-alert-level-2

As at 4 September 2020.

1. Can my employer make me come into work?

Yes, but only if you can’t work from remotely and it is safe for you to come into work and for the business you work for to operate. Talk to your employer about the measures they’ve put in place to keep you safe – these include social distancing, enabling good hand hygiene, frequently cleaning your work spaces, and PPE.

If you are in the vulnerable group or unwell you should continue to stay at home. Talk to your employer and, if you’re not sure if you’re vulnerable, talk to your doctor, they may be able to give you a medical certificate if you need one to stay home (and your employer will have to pay for it if they require you to come into work and you think you’re vulnerable). If you don’t think your employer’s health and safety measures are enough to keep you safe, talk to your health and safety rep, union, or WorkSafe.

2. Does my employer have to pay me?

Yes, any changes or reductions to hours, tasks or pay outside your employment agreement need to be agreed with you and recorded in writing. If you can’t agree, your employer must go through a fair and proper process to restructure your hours, tasks or pay in consultation with you.

3. Can my employer make me take annual leave?

 Yes, but only if you have accrued the leave (check your payslip) and only if they give you two weeks’ notice. You can agree another arrangement with your employer, but you must treat each other with good faith.

Remember, your employer can’t force you to take leave if it is receiving the Government’s wage subsidy for you.

4. Where can I find out what my rights as an employee are?

Community Law has put together an excellent flow chart to help you understand your rights as an employee: https://socialink.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Employment_flowchart_2_April_2020_v1.pdf

As at 4 September 2020.

1. Where can I find information about my obligations as an employer?

The Government’s Employment website is the best place to go for up to date advice on your obligations and rights as an employer: https://www.employment.govt.nz/leave-and-holidays/other-types-of-leave/coronavirus-workplace/

If in doubt, get legal advice.

2. How can I find out if I can open my business at Alert Level 3?

You’ll need to regularly check both the government guidelines and reliable news sources (such as RNZ) for the requirements, as these are updated regularly as the government responds to feedback: https://www.mbie.govt.nz/about/open-government-and-official-information/coronavirus-covid-19/

3. Can I operate in Level 2.5 or 2 if I’m not an essential service?

Yes, but only if you can do so safely, see FAQs below for advice on what this might mean for your business. At level 2.5, your kaimahi should still work remotely if they can (even if working remotely is inconvenient).

4. If I operate in Level 2.5, what do I have to do to keep people safe?

You can only operate if you can comply with the Government’s “Golden Rules” for safe operation and you’ll need a COVID-19 safety plan that sets out how you’ll operate safely.

The Golden Rules require you to keep your kaimahi and the public safe by reducing the potential spread of COVID-19 using measures such as physical distancing and additional hygiene protocols:

• Kaimahi should work from home if they can (even if it is inconvenient).
• Keep contact tracing records of anyone who has close interaction, for example staff and contractors.
• You MUST display the government QR code poster for use with the NZ COVID Tracer App, at no more than 1.3 metres above ground level so it can easily be accessed by people using wheelchairs.
• Basic hygiene measures must be maintained. Physical distancing, hand washing and regularly cleaning surfaces.
• Kaimahi must stay home if they are sick.
• You must meet all your other health and safety obligations as usual.

Check the health.govt.nz website or visit https://covid19.govt.nz/covid-19/alert-system/alert-level-2/#workplaces-and-businesses for advice. WorkSafe has some excellent guides on your health and safety obligations to your kaimahi and on keeping them safe during this period: https://worksafe.govt.nz/

5. Do I have health and safety obligations to kaimahi if they’re working from home? 

Yes, you still have the usual health and safety obligations to your kaimahi while they are working remotely. WorkSafe has some excellent guides on your health and safety obligations to your employees and on keeping employees safe during this period: https://worksafe.govt.nz/

6. How can I make sure my premises are secure during Level 2.5?

You can access security services as usual through Level 2.5 so long as they comply with the Government’s requirements for operating safely (as described elsewhere in these FAQs).

7. Will the wage subsidy be extended?

Check the Government’s Work and Income website for more details: https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/covid-19/wage-subsidy-extension/index.html

As at 4 September 2020.