COVID-19 Protection Framework
New Zealand will move into the new COVID-19 Protection Framework at 11:59pm on Thursday 2 December (Auckland will move to Red). The Framework allows businesses to open and operate in a way that is as close to normal for vaccinated people while minimising the virus’ spread.
Places with vaccination certificate requirements:
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Whilst under Red there will still be some restrictions even when vaccination certificates are used.
However the following places will be able to open with up to 100 people, based on 1-metre physical distancing:
- hospitality
- gatherings at venues such as places of worship or marae
- weddings and civil union ceremonies
- funerals and tangihanga
- events (indoor/outdoor)
- outdoor community events
- gyms.
Gatherings at homes can have up to 100 people.
These places will be able to open with other requirements:
- close-proximity businesses with public health requirements in place
- tertiary education — vaccines required for onsite delivery, with capacity based on 1-metre distancing.
Places where vaccination certificates are not required:
If a business, organisation or service, does not request proof of vaccine, restrictions will apply.
- Hospitality — contactless only.
- Gatherings at venues such as places of worship or marae — up to 25 people based on 1-metre physical distancing.
- Weddings and civil union ceremonies — up to 25 people based on 1-metre physical distancing.
- Funerals and tangihanga — up to 25 people based on 1-metre physical distancing.
- Outdoor community events — up to 25 people based on 1-metre physical distancing.
- Tertiary education — distance learning only.
Gatherings at home can have up to 25 people.
These places will not be able to operate without a vaccine certificate requirement:
- events (indoor and outdoor)
- close proximity businesses (for example hairdressers)
- gyms.
What it means for business
- The requirements applied are dependant on the type of activity performed at your business
- Businesses must display posters advertising if they require people entering to have a My Vaccine Pass
- You may switch between operating under My Vaccine Pass is required/not required, as long as your premises are cleaned between groups. For example, a conference venue can host a conference for a small group of people under the unvaccinated rules, clean, and they can then do a larger gathering for vaccinated. You must clearly communicate what settings you are operating under, and display any required signage.
The capacity limits apply to the premises or a defined space. Limits include all attendees, but not workers.
- A defined space is an indoor area that has no direct airflow to another indoor area that is being used; or an outdoor area that is separated from other outdoor areas by 2 metres. Separate spaces must be managed so that, so far as is reasonably practicable, groups do not mix entering, leaving, or using the premises.
- Some capacity limits are based on 1 metre distancing. This means the maximum number of people who could occupy the space if each person was 1 metre apart. People do not need to stand 1 metre apart.
- There is one exception to how capacity limits are applied. If you are holding a gathering at a private dwelling or house you only need to adhere to the maximum number limit, regardless of the size of the house.
- For some types of businesses there are lower capacity limits for if they do not require a My Vaccine Pass, than if they do. If you have a group of people that has both people with My Vaccine Pass, and people without (excluding children), you must adhere to the lower capacity limit.
- Workers include anyone required to operate the business or service, and therefore includes paid and unpaid.
You can see detailed guidance on what each level of the COVID-19 Protection Framework means for your business or service here.
Additional funding of up to $24,000 will be available through a new transition payment as businesses move into traffic light system. Grant Robertson said “The one-off transition payment will be activated through the Resurgence Support Payment (RSP) system criteria and be available on December 10,”
For more information about the RSP please follow this link.
Some useful links:
NZ Pass Verifier - For information about vaccine pass verification or to download the app
Vaccine pass required for entry poster
Vaccines and the Workplace - Guidance for employers on COVID-19 vaccination requirements
COVID-19 vaccination - Business and Workplace Toolkit
Activate Tāmaki Makaurau - Information on the business advice and implementation grants available to Auckland businesses affected by level-3 restrictions
Auckland Business Toolkit - Access 1-1 support, business mentors, as well as many online tools and resources to help your business towards recovery
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