21 September 2021

Yesterday, the Government announced that Auckland will be moving to alert level 3 at 11:59pm tonight and that special requirements would be put in place for those in the Upper Hauraki area.

Auckland moving to alert level 3

As with previous alert level changes, the detailed requirements will be set out in legislation that will likely be published shortly before the change happens. However, we can set out general requirements based on the Government’s announcement and the recent level 3 requirements for the rest of the country.

General rules, based on the announcement yesterday:

  • Bubbles remain in place and people should not visit friends of neighbours.
  • More businesses can open provided they look after their staff and take appropriate safety precautions.
  • Children and young people should stay at home where possible.
  • Unvaccinated people over 65 are advised to stay at home.

Guidance for veterinary practices:

  • Based on the Government COVID-19 website, it appears clinic employees will be required to wear face coverings.
  • Clients should wear face coverings. It’s unclear whether this will be a legal requirement but practices can choose to make it a condition of entry.
  • Clients can enter the premises (if the practice chooses to allow this).
  • Clients should stay at least 2 metres apart from anyone where possible.
  • Staff should stay at least 1 metre apart from each other where possible.
  • Staff should stay home if they have cold or flu symptoms or have been asked to take a COVID-19 test.
  • QR code and contact tracing register requirements must be followed.

In general, the rules shift from only doing what is essential to doing what can be done safely. General information is available on the Government COVID-19 website and the Business NZ website. If there are any material changes once the legislation is published, we will update you.

Special requirements for Upper Hauraki

The Director General of Health has made a direction under section 70 of the Health Act 1956, requiring anyone who resides in Upper Hauraki or was in the area from 8 September on (unless they traveled through without stopping) to stay home (except for getting tested), watch for symptoms, monitor locations of interest, and stay in isolation.

If any veterinarians are covered by the Direction, there is no exception for carrying out essential work and you must remain in isolation.

For more information and to check the boundaries of the area covered, visit this page.

He rā ki tua