Covid 19 coronavirus: what you can and cannot do in Auckland when the new level 2 arrives

In just 48 hours, the Aucklanders will return to Level 2, but it won’t be the same as last time. Isaac Davison explains.

Auckland will go to alert level 2 at midnight on Sunday, while the rest of New Zealand will remain at level 2.

There are a couple of key differences from the last time Auckland was at Tier 2 in May, particularly when it comes to reunions and skins.

Alert level 2 is the “reduction” phase. It means that Covid-19 is contained, but the risk of community transmission still exists. This is what you can do in revised level 2.

What is different from last time?

Two key things.

Meetings in Auckland will be limited to 10. In the past, Level 2 allowed meetings of up to 100 people. Outside of Auckland, this upper limit will still apply.

The exception in Auckland are funerals and tangihanga, which can hold up to 50 people.

The second big difference is that face masks or covers will be mandatory on public transportation and on airplanes.

“We know that masks protect you and the people around you,” Ardern said. “They limit the possibility of Covid-19 spreading in places where it is often more difficult to distance and track people.”

In other public places, people are encouraged to wear masks.

Can I leave the house?

Yes, but be sure to follow public health measures. Stay 2m away from people on the street or in stores such as the supermarket or dairy. And don’t go out if you’re sick.

If you are at higher risk of getting a serious illness from getting Covid 19, you should take extra precautions.

You can also ride a bike, drive, and take buses. Just be sure to keep records of any travel services you use (public transportation cards contain this information). Do not travel if you have Covid symptoms or are waiting for a Covid test result.

Regional travel will resume, allowing people to exit and enter the boundaries of Auckland’s Super City. Police checkpoints will be removed.

I can go to work?

Yes, all workplaces, including those with face-to-face interaction, can be opened. Make sure you stay away from other people in public, keep washing your hands, and keep a record of where you’ve been and who you’ve met.

We also recommend that you wear a face cover if you can.

How is school going?

All early childhood centers, schools, polytechnics and universities will be open.

Can I have a party?

You can have a meeting of no more than 10 people in Auckland, or 100 anywhere else.
That includes weddings, church services, community sports, and private functions. As stated above, funerals can have up to 50 people in Auckland.

If you are the host, you should keep track of who is attending in order to track contacts, unless everyone at the event knows each other. Whenever possible, there should be physical distancing and surfaces should be kept clean.

Cafes, bars, and other places where people might gather should ensure that groups do not mix with each other, such as in queues to go to the bathroom.

If you are sick, you should stay home.

Can I go to public spaces like the gym or the pub?

Yes, many public places will be open on level 2, including gyms, swimming pools, museums, libraries, cinemas, bars, restaurants, and community centers.

Cafes and bars and other spaces can hold up to 100 people. This includes Auckland as long as they are separated into groups of 10. People should also be seated and ideally only one person should serve them.

You can also get a haircut.

All of these companies and places need to display Covid tracking QR codes and make sure people are 1 meter apart. We also recommend that you wear a mask in these places.

Can I exercise outdoors and play sports?

Yes, you can do all of your regular physical or recreational activities, as long as you do them safely.

That includes walking, biking, swimming, hunting, and boating. You can also go fishing with white bait.

Should I still get tested?

If you have cold or flu symptoms, definitely. Call Healthline (0800 358 5453), your doctor or iwi healthcare provider and they will explain.

Many of the same precautions still apply. There are still strict border controls, testing and self-isolation for anyone who is unwell.