MP for Pakuranga Simeon Brown writes;
As of 12:00am this morning, New Zealand has moved to Alert Level 3 in our response to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. This has been possible thanks to the efforts of all Kiwis who followed the rules under Level 4, which has given us a real shot at getting rid of this virus for good.
Level 3 is not too dissimilar to Level 4 for many of us but for others, it will bring some big changes over the next couple of weeks. I know we’re all excited to have access to some of our favourite takeaways and cafés again but it’s important we continue to follow the rules so that we don’t end up back in Level 4 down the road.
The full list of changes can be found by clicking here and visiting the COVID-19 government website, and I encourage you all to read them fully, but the main changes are as follows:
- Kiwis must continue to stay at home and within their household bubble whenever they are not fulfilling essential tasks like work, school, or getting things like groceries, but can now extend their bubble to include other family members they may not have seen during Alert Level 4.
- ALL activities, whether work or recreational, must continue to follow the physical distancing and basic hygiene protocols. Businesses that can follow these rules and that cannot work from home are allowed to reopen, such as those aforementioned takeaway shops and cafés, but any business that cannot follow these rules or whose employees can work from home should continue to do so.
- ECEs and schools can reopen for all children up to Year 10, but only for those who cannot remain at home during the day. This includes children of parents who cannot work from home and cannot leave their children at home alone. Otherwise, all children who can are encouraged to continue distance learning from home.
- You can continue to get out for walks and other exercise in your local parks and beaches but again, you must continue to follow the distancing and hygiene protocols. You should not travel far for this – the rule here is visit your local, not your favourite.
- Travel is still heavily restricted to tasks considered essential, such as going to work or getting groceries. You will still not be allowed to travel between regions or go to your holiday home. A few specific exceptions exist to this rule, which can be found at the website.
As with the move to Level 4, there will be some growing pains and confusion about the rules and how they apply to you. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with my office on 09 572 0000 or at PakurangaMP@parliament.govt.nz if you cannot find the answers you are looking for, and we will do our best to get you some clarification.
