Kia ora!
Two to 2, or more precisely two days to Alert Level 2. At precisely 11:59 on Wednesday the 13th of May, Aotearoa drops to COVID-19 Alert Level 2. The announcement today came as a nice 71st birthday present.
Life at Alert Level 2
Life at Alert Level 2 means we will be able resume most of our everyday activities — but but with strings attached.
- Businesses will be able to open if they can do it safely.
- We’ll be able go in-store at local businesses.
- Tertiary education facilities, schools and early learning centres will be open.
- We’ll be able to travel between regions.
- Gatherings such as weddings, funerals, tangihanga, religious ceremonies and social gatherings will be permitted — but only for up to 10 people.
- We’ll be able to socialise with friends and family— but only in groups of up to 10 people.
- We’ll be able to visit local cafes and restaurants bars and pubs to have a meal— but only in groups of up to 10 people.
- We can return to our regular recreation activities— but only in groups of up to 10 people.
The 10-person limit will expand over time depending on the rate of new infections.
With strings attached
Life will still have some way to go before we can consider it “normal” and we will have some restrictions for some time.
- We need to maintain physical distancing.
- Tight controls at the borders. Mandatory 14 day quarantine will continue for all arrivals
- Wide-scale testing will continue. We now have one of the highest testing rates in the world.
- Self-isolation for anyone who feels unwell and the same applies to their close contacts.
- Only small, controlled gatherings will be permitted.
- Physical distancing, hygiene standards and contact registers will be required for most businesses.
- A maximum of 100 people at any indoor or outdoor event. For example a restaurant can cater for 100 seated guests, but no group booking can be accepted for more than 10 people.
I can live with those for an extended period if need be.
kia haumaru, kia kaha
Keep safe, Keep strong