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Auckland is scheduled to go to Alert Level 2 at 11:59 pm Sunday after being at Alert Level 3 for two and a half weeks.
There are currently 137 active cases of Covid-19; 117 of which are linked to Auckland’s group of 133 cases in August, the largest the country has seen.
From August 12, the people of Aucklanders, like the rest of the country, will be able to get out of their bubbles, eat out and go back to work and school.
But there are still strict rules, and some of them have changed. Here is a summary of what they are.
READ MORE:
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* Covid-19: how public facilities will be affected during restrictions
* Coronavirus: Jacinda Ardern presents level 2, a safer version of normal
Socialize, have fun and play
At Alert Level 2, you may burst your bubble, but Auckland is “entering” at Level 2. That means meetings should have no more than 10 participants to begin with.
The exception is funerals and tangi, which can be attended by up to 50 people.
Restaurants and bars are allowed to open, but cannot serve groups of more than 10. The three S’s are back in play: customers must be seated, separated, and have a single server.
Monique Ford / Stuff
Restaurants, cafes and bars must follow strict rules at alert level 2. (File photo)
Sports will be allowed as long as records are kept of who is playing so contact can be traced, and parks and public sports courts will reopen.
Gyms, museums, libraries, and swimming pools can open with physical distance and record keeping in place.
Shopping will be allowed, but physical distance will need to be maintained in retail stores, with people keeping at least one meter, but ideally two meters, between them.
Cinemas, stadiums, concert halls, and casinos can open with more than 100 people at a time, as long as there are no more than 100 people in a defined space and the groups do not mix. A cinema, for example, could show different films, as long as there are no more than 100 people at each screening.
Work and school
Auckland’s schools, early learning services and universities can reopen with the appropriate measures in place.
That includes displayed QR contact tracking codes, distance learning options for those unable to return, and distanced staff and children so they don’t breathe or touch each other.
Abigail Dougherty / Stuff
On the first day of Alert Level 3 during the first lockdown, Newton Central Primary School in Auckland had 15 students.
Businesses can also open as long as they follow the instructions on physical distancing and record keeping. However, alternative ways of working are still recommended, so if you can work from home, you should.
Within workplaces, you should stay one meter from others when possible.
Businesses must display a QR code for the NZ Covid Tracer app.
Face masks
Starting Monday, face covering will be mandatory on public transportation, on airplanes and when using ride-sharing services like Uber.
While they are not required when away from home, authorities encourage anyone over the age of 7 to use them in places where social distancing is difficult, including in stores.
Travel
Auckland residents can move out of the city starting Monday, but non-essential travel should be limited.
Air New Zealand has made the wearing of masks mandatory on all flights departing from Auckland.
