Covid-19 Local Government Response Unit Update – Wednesday 13 April 2022

Local Government Response Unit main page

Orange Traffic Light Setting

The Government has today announced that the entire country will move to the Orange Traffic Light Setting as of 11:59 tonight

Under the orange traffic light setting there are no capacity limits for indoor or outdoor gatherings

At indoor venues for unseated activities, if there are over 500 people, it is recommended capacity be limited based on 1 m distancing

face masks are still required on public transport. They are also required for retail businesses and public spaces such as museums, libraries and local and central government agencies.

A reminder about 16 – 17 year olds being eligible for boosters

16- 17 year olds who have received their second vaccine more than six months ago are now eligible for a Booster

The Ministry of Health also recommends that if you have had Covid-19, you should wait three months before getting any Covid vaccinations  

Updated Guidance

We will update the guidance released on April 4 to reflect the changes which come into effect tonight.

A reminder of general health advice

It is important to remember that although restrictions are being eased, we are still in the midst of a highly infectious Omicron outbreak.

The best way to protect yourself from Omicron is through vaccination. It is important to stress to communities the need for boosters for those who have had their second vaccine more than three months ago as well as the importance of vaccinations for 5-11 year olds.

Stay home if you are sick. This applies regardless of any exemption, if you have a cold, flu, or COVID-19 symptoms, you should get tested. You must stay home until you get a negative result. Call your doctor or Healthline on 0800 358 5453.

Councils are encouraged to use physical distancing where possible to ensure that staff remain safe. Also ensure that surfaces such as desks, door handles, phones, and light switches are cleaned and sanitised regularly.

The Ministry of Health notes that as a rule face masks should be used whenever you are inside, with exceptions for your home and place of work if you are not public facing. Public facing employees are encouraged to wear masks. Informal advice from the Ministry of Health has recommended that as part of good infection control processes, people working in open plan offices with others should consider wearing masks.

It is also important to keep washing and sanitising hands and keeping up basic hygiene practices as well as keeping indoor rooms well ventilated by opening doors and windows where possible.

Further health advice can be found here  COVID-19: About the Omicron variant | Ministry of Health NZ