Guidance on the COVID-19 Protection Framework (traffic light system)
2 December 2021
The COVID-19 Protection Framework (traffic light system) comes into force on 3 December 2021 and introduces more freedoms for vaccinated New Zealanders. The Framework aims to minimise the impacts of COVID-19 through 3 settings — Red, Orange and Green. Minimisation means aiming to keep the spread of COVID-19 and hospitalisations at as low a level as possible. Outbreaks will be contained and controlled, and if practical, stamped out. There will likely be some level of cases in the community on an ongoing basis.
You can the Traffic lights map to see local traffic light settings.
The Framework does not impose any requirements specific to veterinary clinics so the general rules apply. You can download the Government’s Quick Guide [pdf] to get an overview of the legal requirements. Generally speaking, the requirements for clinics at Red are similar to those under Alert Level 2. There is no requirement at any of the 3 settings for clinics to require proof of vaccination but clinics can choose to do so.
We’ve worked with the NZVA to prepare a simple poster showing the legal requirements for each setting as well as other measures clinics can consider (but are under no legal requirement to take up).
Joint guidance on interpreting the traffic light Framework [pdf]
Other places to find more information: