Covid-19 Local Government Response Unit Update - Friday 18 February 2022
Local Government Response Unit main page
Today’s update:
Today’s update is much shorter and focusses on the key message and information for the sector to know and be working on. A number of systems and processes for Phase 2 of Omicron Management Strategy are still being worked through and we will bring you more details on these as they evolve. Most important is evolving your BCP as things change and ensuring you are registered and ready with documentation etc for any Critical Workers through the Close Contact Exemption Scheme.
Key Messages
New Zealand remains in the Red traffic light settings
As part of Phase Two of the Omicron Management Strategy, Councils should now be well into their business continuity planning and should have registered to be part of the ‘Close Contact Exemption Scheme’
- Operational changes to respond to Omicron (PDF, 161KB)
In order to assist you we have attached key messages for businesses
We have included public health documents which are attached explaining operational changes to Omicron and what to expect under each Phase.
If a close contact is vaccinated, and asymptomatic, they may still be able to continue to work if they:
- Work in a ‘Bubble of One’ if they are not customer facing, work alone and follow strict health protocols. Workers must be working in an indoor and outdoor space defined space under the order, where no others are present in that space.
- Are a ‘critical worker’ who provides a critical service as per the Close Contact Exemption Scheme: Critical worker guidance (PDF, 1.1MB)
- It is important that councils understand when they are registering that they follow the steps on how to register at https://www.business.govt.nz/covid-19/close-contact-exemption-scheme/. See also: Key messages for business (PDF, 110KB)
- Information on Rapid Antigen Tests is available at the Ministry of Health - Rapid antigen testing | Ministry of Health NZ as well is in the attached document: Rapid Antigen Testing Guidance for Critical Workers (PDF, 1.1MB)
It is important to understand the definition of close contact, this is critical in terms of who needs to isolate and who can return to work under the Close Contact Exemption Scheme and Bubble of One. We have again attached the Ministry of Health’s guidance on critical workers (above)
If symptoms develop at any stage, follow the public advice for close contacts with symptoms www.health.govt.nz/COVID-19-contact
Taituarā webinar -Thank you to those who have attended Wednesday’s webinar hosted by Taituarā. We have attached the link here for those who missed it or want to watch again
