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United Fresh News > COVID-19 UPDATE - Government announces what Alert Level 3 will look like

16 April 2020

COVID-19 UPDATE - Government announces what Alert Level 3 will look like

The government shared earlier today the work that has been done on updating the COVID-19 Alert Levels.

You will find the updated levels here.
 
The Prime Minister advised that we need to start preparing for what might come next and how the next level will look for business and our industry.
 
ALERT LEVEL 3

 The principals of ALERT LEVEL 3 are to RESTRICT and also referred to as the ‘Recovery Room’.
 
Primarily Kiwis need to remain staying at home to save lives.

The key differences moving from ALERT LEVEL 4 to ALERT LEVEL 3:
 
There will be a move from essential businesses to safe businesses (business will put in place hygiene, cleaning regimes and social distancing).
 
Workers and businesses
Most, but not all businesses can start to open under Alert Level 3. They must take health measures to keep their workers safe.

  • Workers must work from home if they can
  • Workplaces must operate safely – keeping one metre between workers, recording who is working together, limiting interaction between groups of workers, disinfecting surfaces, and maintaining high hygiene standards
  • Retail and hospitality businesses can only open for delivery and contactless pre-ordered pick up – customers cannot enter stores
  • Supermarkets, dairies and petrol stations can continue to allow customers into their stores, with the same restrictions and measures in place as Alert Level 4
  • Businesses cannot offer services which involve face-to-face contact or sustained close contact (e.g. hairdressing, massage, house cleaning, or door-to-door salespeople)
  • Other in home services can be delivered if it is safe to do so (like tradespeople for repairs or installations) – keep two metre separation from those in the house
  • Most workers will not require PPE to stay safe at work. Incorrectly used PPE can create more risk. Good hygiene measures like hand washing with soap and water, physical distancing, sneeze and cough etiquette, and wiping down surfaces is the best defence against COVID-19.

More detailed guidance for sectors will be made over the coming days.
Businesses must have a plan, more will be announced on a self-accreditation system next week.
 
Education 
Early Childhood Education Centres and Schools (up to year 10) will be opened for children of parents that need to work. 
 
For children that are able to, they are encouraged to stay home and continue distance learning.
 
Travel
Restrictions remain and should stay regional. Inter-regional travel is highly limited.


There was no indication given on when we will move out of ALERT LEVEL 4 to ALERT LEVEL 3.

 

World Health Organisation Food Safety Guidance Updated


The World Health Organisation have recently released more detailed food safety guidance for food business, you will find this information on our website here.