Auckland returned to alert level 2 at 11:59pm on February 17, while the rest of the country moved to alert level 1.
Prime minister Jacinda Ardern made the announcement at a press conference alongside director general of health Dr Ashley Bloomfield.
The alert levels will be reviewed by Cabinet again on Monday and the country “should be in a position to move alert levels again”, Ardern says.
“The definition of alert level 2 is that COVID is contained but there is still a risk of community transmission.
“The situation in Auckland most appropriately fits that level,” Ardern says.
She says the announcement is “good news” and that the country doesn’t have a widespread outbreak but rather “a small chain of transmissions” which is manageable with normal contact tracing and testing procedures, she says.
Those connected to Papatoetoe High School, which was linked to the recent COVID case, are still being asked to stay home and return a negative test before they can return to school on Monday.
Workplaces, businesses and gatherings
Under alert level 2 businesses can open, but they legally must follow public health rules. These include physical distancing and record keeping.
Alert level 2 also means no more than 100 people at social gatherings, including weddings, birthdays, funerals and tangihanga.
How to do business at Alert Level 2
Golden rules for business at Alert Level 2
- Reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission at work.
- All businesses can operate if they can do so safely. Alternative ways of working are encouraged where possible.
- Talk with your staff to identify risks and ways to manage them.
- Ask everyone — workers, contractors and customers — with cold, flu or COVID-19 symptoms to stay away from your premises.
- Keep workers 1 metre apart and customers in retail businesses 2 metres apart.
- Businesses are legally required to display a QR code and provide an alternative contact tracing system.
- Face coverings are strongly encouraged if you are in close contact with others.
- Reduce the number of shared surfaces, and regularly disinfect them.
- Wash your hands. Wash your hands. Wash your hands.
