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New Zealand could remain on Alert Levels 2 and 3 for a “moderate amount of time” even if infection prevention and control continue, according to an official document.
Photo: Sanka Vidanagama / NurPhoto / AFP
More than 300 documents, including documents, minutes and advice, related to the government’s Covid-19 response were released yesterday.
A framework alert level document, dated April 15, states that the rules for alert levels 2 and 3 were created under the assumption that they could be in effect for some time.
If the country had to stay at each alert level for long periods, or if it needs to move between alert levels 2 and 3 repeatedly for one or two years, the rules could be changed, according to the document.
Authorities would consider what was learned during the shutdown, as well as international evidence when considering what alert level rules could change, he said.
“If we were confident that we could allow more people to move for economic activity, we could say that retail stores can allow customers on-site (rather than just selling products by contactless delivery or pickup).”
But, officials caution that doing so would require more people to be at work and customers to travel to stores, which in turn adds pressure on public transportation systems.
Allowing more people to go to work under alert level 3 would mean schools would need to open up children who are too young to stay home without adult supervision, they added.
“While schools can be a facilitator of economic activity … education differs in that it is also a desired result.
“Schools cannot safely open for their full rolls at alert level 3, and they would have to continue to provide distance education in addition to on-site activities.”
However, the document states that the meaning of alert level 4 should not change.
Photo: RNZ / Kymberlee Fernandes
Alert level 4 is the most serious response from the government and people need to know immediately what it means if the country needs to move forward again in the future, he said.
“However, there are some marginal areas where adjustments are needed (such as keeping cargo moving and avoiding blockages for essential goods), if there is an extended period at Tier 4.”
Officials suggest allowing online ordering and non-essential product delivery if the country is placed back on Alert Level 4, provided it can be done safely.
Move between alert levels
The document recommends that the country adopt a “gradual approach” when it moves between each alert level.
“Taking a gradual approach in New Zealand would gradually allow more people to move and connect, in a way that controls people’s enthusiasm for re-engaging with their communities and workplaces after Level 4 alert restrictions.
“It also avoids overwhelming systems that have been inactive for a while and may initially have limited capacity upon returning to operation.”
Gradually, moving between alert levels as well as “rigorous” monitoring would be safer than a “shorter and sharper” change.
