Alert Level 1

At midnight on 9 June 2020 New Zealand moved to Alert Level 1. The restrictions of Alert Level 2 have been lifted, though strict border controls remain. People are able to attend work and school as normal and sports and domestic travel will continue.

No Restrictions! But…

General Public Health requirements remain if you feel unwell and vigilance with basic hygiene measures is key. Remember to wash your hands and practicing proper cough/sneeze etiquette. While social distancing will no longer be enforced, it is recommended to distance from strangers.

Businesses still have their usual obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015. You must consider the usual risks to health and safety, as well as any public health requirements for that business.

While businesses are no longer required to keep records for contact tracing purposes, individuals are still encouraged to keep track of where they have been. In order to assist with this, businesses are encouraged to display the NZ COVID Tracer QR Code Poster.

GOLDEN RULES FOR ALERT LEVEL 1*

1. If you’re sick, stay home. Don’t go to work or school. Don’t socialise.
2. If you have cold or flu symptoms call your doctor or Healthline and make sure you get tested.
3. Wash your hands. Wash your hands. Wash your hands.
4. Sneeze and cough into your elbow, and regularly disinfect shared surfaces.
5. If you are told by health authorities to self-isolate you must do so immediately.
6. If you’re concerned about your wellbeing, or have underlying health conditions, work with your GP to understand how best to stay healthy.
7. Keep track of where you’ve been and who you’ve seen to help contact tracing if needed. Use the NZ COVID Tracer app as a handy way of doing this.
8. Businesses should help people keep track of their movements by displaying the Ministry of Health QR Code for contact tracing.
9. Stay vigilant. There is still a global pandemic going on. People and businesses should be prepared to act fast to step up Alert Levels if we have to.
10. People will have had different experiences over the last couple of months. Whatever you’re feeling — it’s okay. Be kind to others. Be kind to yourself.

*As set out at https://uniteforrecovery.govt.nz/covid-19/covid-19-alert-system/alert-level-1/

Saunders & Co Lawyers are available by phone and email to provide legal advice and guidance on a range of matters. For more information and specific legal advice on your employment relations and health and safety obligations please contact the Employment team.