COVID-19 alert levels in New Zealand

A four-tier alert level restrictions system was in place in during the COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand between March 2020 and December 2021, with levels 3 and 4 being forms of lockdown. In level 1 there were no restrictions; in level 2 there were limits on gatherings; in level 3 only purposeful travel was allowed and there were strict limits on gatherings; and in level 4 only essential travel was allowed and gatherings were banned.

The alert level system was replaced with the COVID-19 Protection Framework, known as the "traffic light" system, which uses vaccination rates to determine the level of restrictions needed.[1] The traffic light system began 11:59 pm on 2 December 2021.[2]

The country may return to the alert level system if a future major outbreak occurred that necessitated it, such as a new vaccine-resistant variant of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19).[3]

Alert levels

edit

Alert levels are cumulative – each level includes the restrictions of the level below it.

Note that during each lockdown, minor tweaks are made to the exact parameters of each alert level, meaning that alert levels with the same numerical value are not directly comparable across timeframes.

The levels are as follows:[4]

Level 1 – Prepare

edit
COVID-19 is uncontrolled overseas. The disease is contained in New Zealand and there are sporadic imported cases, but isolated household transmission could be occurring.
  • Border entry measures to minimise risk of importing COVID-19 cases.
  • Intensive testing for COVID-19.
  • Rapid contact tracing of any positive case.
  • People arriving in New Zealand without symptoms of COVID-19 go into a managed isolation facility for at least 14 days.[5]
  • People arriving in New Zealand with symptoms of COVID-19 or who test positive after arrival go into a quarantine facility and are unable to leave their room for at least 14 days.[5]
  • Mandatory self-isolation may be applied.
  • Schools and workplaces are open, and must operate safely.
  • No restrictions on personal movement or gatherings.
  • Stay home if you are sick, report flu-like symptoms.
  • Wash and dry hands, cough into elbow, do not touch your face.
  • Businesses and public transport must display QR codes to allow for contact tracing.
  • Face coverings are required on public transport and aircraft, but not school buses or Cook Strait ferries. Children under 12 are exempt along with passengers in taxis or rideshare services and people with disabilities or mental health conditions.[6]

Level 2 – Reduce

edit
The disease is contained, but the risk of community transmission remains. Household transmission could be occurring, and there are single or isolated cluster outbreaks.
  • People can connect with friends and family, go shopping, or travel domestically, but should follow public health guidance.
  • Physical distancing of two metres from people you do not know when out in public is recommended, with one metre physical distancing in controlled environments like workplaces unless other measures are in place.
  • No more than 100 people at indoor or outdoor gatherings (subject to any lower limit, e.g. fire regulations).
  • Sport and recreation activities are allowed, subject to conditions on gatherings, contact tracing, and – where practical – physical distancing.
  • Public venues can open but must comply with public health measures.
  • Health and disability care services operate as normally as possible.
  • Businesses can open to the public, but must follow public health guidance including in relation to physical distancing and contact tracing. Alternative ways of working encouraged where possible (e.g. remote working, shift-based working, physical distancing, staggering meal breaks, flexible leave).
  • Schools, early childhood education and tertiary education providers can open with appropriate public health measures in place.
  • People at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 (e.g. those with underlying medical conditions, especially if not well controlled, and seniors) are encouraged to take additional precautions when leaving home. They may work, if they agree with their employer that they can do so safely.

Level 3 – Restrict

edit
There is a high risk the disease is not contained. Community transmission might be happening. New clusters may emerge but can be controlled through testing and contact tracing.
  • People instructed to stay home in their support bubble other than for essential personal movement – including to go to work, school if they have to or for local recreation.
  • Physical distancing of two metres outside home (including on public transport), or one metre In controlled environments like schools and workplaces.
  • People must stay within their immediate household bubble, but can expand this to reconnect with close family / whānau, or bring in caregivers, or support isolated people. This extended bubble should remain exclusive.
  • Schools (years 1 to 10) and Early Childhood Education centres can safely open, but have limited capacity. Children should learn at home if possible.
  • People must work from home unless that is not possible.
  • Businesses can open premises, but cannot physically interact with customers.
  • Low risk local recreation activities are allowed.
  • Public venues are closed (e.g. libraries, museums, cinemas, food courts, gyms, pools, playgrounds, markets).
  • Gatherings of up to 10 people are allowed but only for wedding services, funerals and tangihanga. Physical distancing and public health measures must be maintained.
  • Healthcare services use virtual, non-contact consultations where possible.
  • Inter-regional travel is highly limited (e.g. for essential workers, with limited exemptions for others).
  • People at high risk of severe illness (older people and those with existing medical conditions) are encouraged to stay at home where possible, and take additional precautions when leaving home. They may choose to continue to work.

Level 4 – Lockdown

edit
It is likely the disease is not contained. Sustained and intensive community transmission is occurring, and there are widespread outbreaks and new clusters.
  • People must stay at home (in their bubble) other than for essential personal movement.
  • Safe recreational activity is allowed in local area.
  • Travel is severely limited.
  • All gatherings cancelled and all public venues closed.
  • Businesses closed except for essential services (e.g. supermarkets, pharmacies, clinics, petrol stations) and lifeline utilities.
  • Educational facilities closed.
  • Rationing of supplies and requisitioning of facilities possible.
  • Reprioritisation of healthcare services.
  • Prior to 29 August 2021, whitebaiting and fishing with the exception of Māori customary fishing rights was not allowed under Level 4. These restrictions were since eased.[7]

History

edit

2020

edit

On 21 March 2020, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the introduction of a country-wide alert level system, similar to the existing fire warning systems. There are four levels, with 1 being the least risk of infection and 4 the highest. At the time of the announcement, New Zealand was at level 2. Each level brings added restrictions on activities or movements. Each region can have an individual alert level based on the severity of their own infections, and these levels can be changed at any time.[8][9]

At the time of Ardern's announcement, New Zealand was at alert level 2.[10] Ardern announced on 23 March that, effective immediately, New Zealand would be at alert level 3, moving to level 4 at 11:59 pm on 25 March.[11] On 20 April, Ardern announced that New Zealand would move to alert level 3 at 11:59 pm on 27 April, with businesses and schools being allowed to have employees enter the premises during the last week of alert level 4 to prepare the facility for the transition to alert level 3.[12]

The country remained at alert level 3 for at least two weeks, with the decision of whether to move down to level 2 made on 11 May.[13] On 11 May, it was announced that New Zealand would enter alert level 2 from 11:59 pm on 13 May, lifting lockdown restrictions while maintaining physical distancing in public and for private gatherings with more than ten people.[14] On 8 June, Ardern announced that the country would enter alert level 1 at 11:59 pm that night, lifting the remaining restrictions.[15]

After new cases of community transmission were detected on 11 August, New Zealand was moved to alert level 2 and Auckland to level 3 at noon on 12 August;[16] Auckland moved down to level "2.5", a modified version of level 2 with further limitations on public gatherings and mandated mask wearing on public transport, at 11:59 pm on 30 August.[17] New Zealand moved to level 1 on 21 September at 11:59 pm while Auckland moved to level 2 on 23 September at 11:59 pm.[18] Auckland moved down to level 1 on 7 October at 11:59 pm.[19]

2021

edit

On 14 February 2021, after the new community cases were detected in Auckland, Auckland moved to alert level 3 at 11:59 pm, while the rest of New Zealand moved to alert level 2.[20] Auckland moved down a level to alert level 2, while the rest of New Zealand moved to alert level one, at 11:59 pm on 17 February.[21] Auckland moved down to level 1 on 22 February at 11:59 pm.[22] Auckland moved up to level 3, while the rest of New Zealand moved to level 2 on 28 February at 6:00 am.[23] Auckland moved down to level 2, while the rest of New Zealand moved to level 1 at 6:00 am on 7 March.[24] On 12 March, Auckland moved back to level 1 at midday.[25]

On 23 June 2021, the Wellington region including the Wairarapa and the Kāpiti Coast moved to Alert Level 2 at 6pm after a Sydney man travelled to the region while infected the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant. The Wellington lockdown was scheduled to last until 11:59 pm on 27 June.[26][27] On 27 June, Cabinet extended Wellington's Alert Level 2 lockdown for 48 hours until 11:59 pm on 29 June.[28][29][30] On 29 June, Wellington moved down to level 1 at 11:59 pm.[31]

On 17 August 2021, after a report of a new community case presumed to be infected with the Delta variant of the virus, Ardern announced that New Zealand would move to alert level 4 at 11:59 pm. New Zealand is expected to be at level 4 for a minimum of three days, while Auckland and the Coromandel Peninsula for 7 days.[32][33] On 23 August 2021, Ardern announced that most of New Zealand will remain at alert level 4 until 11:59 pm on 27 August, while Auckland will remain at alert level 4 until 11:59 pm on 31 August.[34][35] On 27 August, Ardern announced that New Zealand will remain on Alert Level 4 until 11:59 pm on 31 August. While Auckland and the Northland Region will remain on Alert Level 4 for at least two more weeks, the rest of the country will move into Alert Level 3 from 1 September 2021.[36][37]

On 30 August, the Government hinted that Northland's alert level could be lowered to Alert Level 3 at 11:59 pm on 2 September 2021 if wastewater testing confirmed no traces of COVID-19.[38] On 2 September, Ardern confirmed that Northland would move to Alert Level 3 at 11:59 pm on 2 September since wastewater testing within the region had not detected COVID-19. Checkpoints will be set up between Northland and the Auckland Region, which remained under Level 4.[39]

On 6 September, Ardern confirmed that all of New Zealand except Auckland will move to Alert Level 2 at 11:59pm on 7 September. However, new Level 2 restrictions will be introduced including mandatory mask wearing at most public venues, recommended mask wearing for school students above the age of 12 years, a 50-person limit at indoor venues, and a 100-person limit at outdoor venues.[40]

On 13 September, Ardern confirmed that Auckland would remain on Alert Level 4 until 11:59 pm at 21 September; with five week period marking the longest that the region has been under Level 4. In addition, the rest of New Zealand would remain on Alert Level 2 until at least 21 September.[41][42]

On 20 September, Ardern confirmed that Auckland would move down to Alert Level 3 at 11:59 pm on 21 September while the rest of the country will remain on Alert Level 2. Event limit restrictions were also relaxed for areas under Level 2, with 100 people being allowed in indoor hospitality venues. In addition, a "bespoke" lockdown requirement was established in Whakatīwai, Waikato due to recent community cases there.[43][44] Whakatīwai was given a Section 70-stay-at-home order for the next five days while the Health Ministry conducted contact tracing.[45]

On 22 September, Director-General Ashley Bloomfield confirmed that Waikato's Whakatīwai region would be moving into Alert Level 3 with the rest of Auckland due to the high level of testing and negative community cases in the region.[46][47]

On 3 October, an Alert Level three lockdown was reinstated in several parts of Waikato including Raglan, Huntly, Ngāruawāhia and Hamilton from midnight 4 October after two community cases were detected.[48] In response to the Waikato lockdown, Ardern stated that lockdowns would continue unless vaccination rates increased nationally.[49]

On 4 October, Ardern announced a three-stage strategy to move Auckland out of lockdown. The stages were:

  • The first stage allowed people to connect with relatives outdoors, up to a maximum of 10 people and two households at a time; the resumption of early childhood education for everyone, and people to move around Auckland for recreation such as beach visits and hunting.
  • The second stage allowed retailers to reopen with face masks and physical distancing requirements; allowed public facilities such as libraries and museums to reopen; and raise the maximum number of people able to meet outdoors to 25, removing the two-household limit.
  • The (unused) third stage allowed hospitality businesses to reopen with special restrictions including compulsory seating, separation, and a 50-person limit; the reopening of close contact businesses like hairdressers with mask use and physical distancing; and raised the limit on gatherings to 50 people.[50][51][52]

On 5 October, Auckland moved into stage one of the Government's three-stage strategy at 11:59 pm on 5 October.[50]

On 7 October, COVID-19 Response Minister Hipkins extended the Waikato Level 3 boundary extension to include more parts of the region including the Waitomo (including Te Kūiti), Waipa, and the Ōtorohanga districts." The boundary also covers the coast south to Mokau, then east along the northern Pureora Forest Park, and north to include Te Awamutu, Karapiro and Cambridge to meet the existing boundary.[53] The following day, Alert Level 3 restrictions reinstated in the Northland Region after an Auckland woman who tested positive for COVID-19 used false information to obtain travel documents and spent several days in the region.[54]

On 11 October, Auckland's Level 3 lockdown was extended for another week, with students being asked not to return to class next Monday. The Government has indicated that Alert level restrictions in Waikato and Northland will be lowered from Alert Level 3 to Alert Level 2 on 14 October at 11:59 pm.[55]

On 18 October, Ardern confirmed that Auckland would remain on Alert Level 3 for at least two more weeks. Waikato would remain on Alert Level 3 due to further cases and positive wastewater testing results. Northland will remain on Alert Level 3 due to continuing community transmissions.[56]

On 1 November, Ardern announced that the Waikato region will move down to step 2 of Alert Level 3 at 11:59 pm on 2 November. This allows retailers to operate with face masks and physical distance; increases the number of people at outdoor gatherings to 25; and removes the two-household restriction. Auckland will move down to step 2 of Alert Level 3 at 11:59pm on 9 November.[57]

On 2 November, COVID-19 Response Minister Hipkins placed the northern part of the Northland Region under an Alert Level 3 lockdown after authorities were unable to find any epidemiological links for two community cases.[58]

On 8 November, Ardern announced that Auckland will move down to step 2 of Alert Level 3 from 10 November. Retail stores, museums and zoos will be allowed to reopen. Outdoor gatherings, funerals, weddings, and civil unions will be allowed with an increased 25 person limit. The Far North District, which was put into level 3 in the middle of last week, will also move down to alert level 2 on 12 November. Ardern also indicated that Cabinet expects to move Auckland into the COVID Protection Framework from 29 November 2021.[59][60]

On 22 November, Ardern confirmed that New Zealand would enter the COVID-19 Protection Framework "traffic light system" from 3 December, ending the previous "alert level system." Auckland and areas with low vaccination would start on the "Red setting" (compulsory record-keeping, scanning, face masks, and limits on public gatherings) while the rest of the country would start on the "Orange setting" (Public facilities, education providers, workplaces and specified community events allowed to reopen subject to capacity limits while regional boundary restrictions are eased). In addition, hairdressers and barbers in Auckland were allowed to reopen from 25 November.[61][62]

Timeline

edit
Date[a] Alert Level[63]
New Zealand Wellington Region Northland Region[b] Upper Hauraki North West Waikato[c] Auckland Region
21 March 2020 2
23 March 2020   3
26 March 2020   4
28 April 2020   3
14 May 2020   2
9 June 2020   1
12 August 2020   2   3
31 August 2020   2   2.5
22 September 2020   1   2.5
24 September 2020   1   2
8 October 2020   1
15 February 2021   2   3
18 February 2021   1   2
23 February 2021   1   1
28 February 2021   2   3
7 March 2021   1   2
12 March 2021   1   1
24 June 2021   1   2   1
30 June 2021   1
18 August 2021   4
1 September 2021   3   4   3   4
3 September 2021   3   3   3
8 September 2021   2
22 September 2021   2   3   2   3
26 September 2021   2   3
4 October 2021   2   3
9 October 2021   2   3   2   3
20 October 2021   2
2 November 2021   3
11 November 2021   2
16 November 2021   2   2
  1. ^ Changes in alert levels typically occur at 11:59 pm the night before.
  2. ^ From 2 November, Northern Northland only.
  3. ^ From 4 October 2021 comprising Raglan, Te Kauwhata, Huntly, Ngāruawāhia, Hamilton City and some surrounding areas. This area was extended on 9 October to include Waitomo District, including Te Kuiti, Waipa District and Ōtorohanga District.[63]

Essential services

edit
 
Supermarket staff behind protective screens and wearing gloves on 31 March 2020

The "essential services" referenced in alert level 4 include:[64][65][66]

  • Accommodation
    • Any entity that provides accommodation services for essential workers, isolation/quarantine, and emergency housing
    • Retirement villages
  • Border
  • Building and construction
    • Any entity involved in building and construction related to essential services and critical infrastructure, including those in the supply and support chain
    • Any entity involved in any work required to address immediate health or life safety risks, or to prevent serious environmental harm, and relevant essential supply chain elements
    • Any entity with statutory responsibilities or that is involved in building and resource consenting necessary for the above purposes
  • Courts, tribunals and the justice system
  • Education
    • Any entity or individual determined by the Secretary for Education as required to provide distance or online learning (e.g. printers, devices, IT)
  • Fast-moving community goods
    • Any entity involved in the supply, delivery, distribution and sale of food, beverage and other key consumer goods essential for maintaining the wellbeing of people
  • Financial services
    • Any entity that operates consumer and business financial services, financial services infrastructure (including banking services), a stock exchange, broking services, payment and settlement systems, funds management (including KiwiSaver), insurance services, financial advice, and support services such as administrators, supervisors and custodians
  • Health
    • District health boards (and all of their facilities), Pharmac, New Zealand Blood Service, Health Promotion Agency, Health Quality and Safety Commission
    • Any person employed or contracted as a doctor, nurse, midwife, pharmacist, paramedic, medical laboratory scientists, kaiāwhina workers, social workers, aged-care and community workers, and caregivers more generally
    • Hospitals, primary care clinics, pharmacies, medical laboratories, care facilities (e.g. rest homes)
    • Emergency dental and optometry care services
    • Any entity providing ambulance services
    • Any entity involved with the deceased/tūpāpaku (e.g. funeral homes, crematoria, cemeteries)
    • Any entity producing health sector equipment, medicines and personal protective equipment
  • Local and national government
    • Any entity involved in COVID-19 response, enforcement, planning or logistics or that has civil-defence/emergency management functions (including any entity that supplies services for these purposes)
    • Key public services
  • Foreign government
    • Maintaining critical operations at foreign missions based in New Zealand.
  • Primary industries, including food and beverage production and processing
    • Any entity involved in the packaging, production and processing of food and beverage products, whether for domestic consumption or export
    • Any entity involved in relevant support services, such as food safety and verification, inspection or associated laboratory services, food safety and biosecurity functions
    • Any entity providing veterinary services
    • Any entity whose closure would jeopardise the maintenance of animal health or welfare standards (including the short-term survival of a species)
  • Public safety and national security
  • Science
    • ESR, GNS Science, GeoNet, NIWA, MetService
    • Any entity (including research organisations) involved in COVID-19 response
    • Any entity (including research organisations) involved in hazard monitoring and resilience
    • Any entity (including research organisations) involved in diagnostics for essential services like biosecurity, public health
    • Laboratories and Physical Containment Level 3 (PC3) facilities that could provide essential services and products that could be used to respond to COVID-19
    • Other significant research facilities including animal facilities, clinical trials and infrastructure that require constant attention (e.g. samples, collections and storage facilities) that are important to New Zealand
  • Social services
  • Transport and logistics
    • Ministry of Transport, New Zealand Customs Service, NZ Transport Agency, Civil Aviation Authority (including the Aviation Security Service), Maritime New Zealand (including the Rescue Coordination Centre), Airways NZ, MetService, KiwiRail (including Interislander), and any entity that is contracted by these entities
    • Any entity that provides, or is contracted to an entity that provides, logistics services, including New Zealand Post and courier services
    • Any entity providing, or is contracted by an entity that provides, transport services to the Ministry of Health, a District Health Board, a Medical Officer of Health, or a Controller (as defined in section 4 of the Civil Defence and Emergency Management Act 2002)
    • Any entity that provides services related to the maintenance and ongoing operation of critical infrastructure (e.g. roads, rail, ports, airports)
    • Any entity that operates or is contracted by a lifeline utility, an aerodrome, a passenger and/or freight aviation service, a passenger and/or freight shipping service, a road freight service, a rail freight service, a vehicle recovery service; or a public transport service (under contract with a Regional Council)
    • Any small passenger-service vehicle driver (who holds the relevant licence) such as ride-share or taxi drivers
    • Any entity providing services to keep vehicles operational for essential work purposes (e.g. vehicle testing, mechanics, tyre services)
  • Utilities and communications, including supply chains
    • Any entity involved in the production, supply, sale distribution or disposal of electricity, gas, water, waste water (e.g. sanitation), waste (e.g. rubbish collection and recycling), liquid and solid fuel, telecommunication services, and any entity that is contracted by these entities
    • The delivery of solid fuels (including firewood, pellets and coal) for immediate needs (e.g. home heating) or fulfilling existing orders, is an essential service.
    • News (including news production) and broadcast media
    • Internet service providers
    • Any entity that provides maintenance and repair services for utilities and communications, including supply chains
    • Any entity supplying services to an essential workplace that are required for the safe operation of that workplace (e.g. cleaning, security services)
    • Commercial cleaners that clean common areas of apartment buildings may continue to operate where there is high traffic (e.g. lifts, stairwells)
  • Additional decisions and exemptions
    • All supermarkets and dairies are considered an essential service. A supermarket's primary focus is selling food products, and is a retail store operating on a self-service basis, selling groceries, fresh produce, meat, bakery and dairy products, and sometimes an assortment of non-food goods. Dairies must operate a "one-in-one-out" rule, and cannot sell cooked food.
    • Essential consumer products other than food (e.g. blankets, heaters, kitchenware and appliances, whiteware, computer equipment and mobile phones) may be sold subject to conditions. If a business cannot meet these conditions, it must not offer goods for sale.
    • Food delivery other than cooked prepared meals such as takeaways is allowed (e.g. supermarket home delivery, food parcels from charitable organisations, subscription food boxes, or any other whole-food delivery service). Meals-on-Wheels may continue to deliver prepared food. Ordering, payment and delivery must be contactless and the business must operate safely within the general health guidelines such as physical separation and hygiene.
    • Locksmiths can undertake essential work on emergency call-outs and essential activity to maintain the security of premises/personal properties.
    • Turf maintenance is not considered an essential service and should not be undertaken at this time.
    • Pet care services are not considered to be essential, except where necessary to maintain existing boarding of animals in pet care, or for long-term care when no other alternatives are available.
    • Vehicle washing services must only be undertaken when supporting essential services to ensure they are complying with the necessary health and safety requirements (e.g. washing off contaminated or biohazard materials).
    • Road safety equipment for road construction should only be used only where maintenance is essential.
    • Farmers markets are not considered to be an essential service, as alternatives are available
    • Liquor stores must close to the public unless they are within monopoly Licensing Trust areas (i.e. West Auckland, Gore and Invercargill), in which case they can operate with a one-in-one-out rule.
    • Pest management may be undertaken only where required for human health and safety, and it is essential. However, operators must ensure people have somewhere safe to go while the process is underway, in particular where a property is being vacated
    • Campgrounds and backpacker accommodation providers may continue to operate under very strict protocols and management of access. (e.g. contact to be maintained only with people staying in the same abode/room; common social and recreation areas to be closed; split shift access to common areas)
    • Butchers, bakeries and similar small-scale food retailers are considered non-essential, as similar products are readily available in supermarkets.
    • Natural health services are considered non-essential.
    • Security is considered an essential service, even if security services are being provided in relation to a premise for a non-essential service.
    • Self-storage facilities can operate only to facilitate access for essentials. New sales or expiries of units are considered non-essential. Access to existing lockers is permitted for essential items or services only, e.g. fridges
    • Critical support services to ensure businesses and workers can continue working from home are considered to be essential. This includes functions such as IT and Payroll.
    • Every restaurant, café and bar must close all aspects of their operation.
    • Self-service laundries can stay open, with 2-metre physical distancing to be enforced.
    • Bunnings, Placemakers, Mitre 10 and other retailers essential to the supply chain for building and construction can stay open to trade customers for essential purposes only.
    • The Tiwai Point Aluminium Smelter is exempt from closure, due to the long and complicated process of closing and restarting the potlines.[67]
    • New Zealand Steel is to shut down in a way that allows for production to recommence easily.
    • Pulp and paper plants (e.g. Tasman, Kinleith) are to shut down their non-essential elements in a way that allows for production to recommence easily, and while maintaining essential production.
    • Methanex can remain in production, but at a scale consistent with the stability of gas supply.

References

edit
  1. ^ Hall, Kristin (15 October 2021). "Govt to ditch alert levels for new traffic light system". 1 News. Retrieved 16 October 2021.
  2. ^ "The traffic light system". Unite against COVID-19. Ministry of Health. Retrieved 23 November 2021.
  3. ^ Quinlivan, Mark (25 November 2021). "COVID-19: New Zealand would go back to alert level system 'if things got really bad' - Chris Hipkins". Newshub. Retrieved 4 December 2021.
  4. ^ "About the Alert System". covid19.govt.nz. New Zealand Government. 15 December 2020. Archived from the original on 17 August 2021. Retrieved 17 August 2021.
  5. ^ a b "COVID-19 – Managed isolation and quarantine". Ministry of Health. 3 July 2020. Retrieved 10 July 2020.
  6. ^ "Wear a face covering". covid19.govt.nz. New Zealand Government. Archived from the original on 30 August 2021. Retrieved 31 August 2021.
  7. ^ Littlewood, Matthew (29 August 2021). "Surprise as update to rules allows whitebaiting under level 4". Timaru Herald. Stuff. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  8. ^ "Home". Unite against COVID-19. Archived from the original on 21 March 2020. Retrieved 21 March 2020.
  9. ^ Cheng, Derek (20 March 2020). "Coronavirus: PM Jacinda Ardern outlines NZ's new alert system, over-70s should stay at home". The New Zealand Herald. ISSN 1170-0777. Archived from the original on 21 March 2020. Retrieved 21 March 2020.
  10. ^ O'Brien, Tova (21 March 2020). "Jacinda Ardern announces alert system for COVID-19". Newshub. Archived from the original on 7 April 2020. Retrieved 21 April 2020.
  11. ^ "Live: PM Jacinda Ardern to give update on coronavirus alert level". Stuff. Archived from the original on 23 March 2020. Retrieved 23 March 2020.
  12. ^ Devlin, Collette; Cooke, Henry (20 April 2020). "Coronavirus: Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says NZ will stay in lockdown until April 27". Stuff. Archived from the original on 20 April 2020. Retrieved 20 April 2020.
  13. ^ Small, Zane (20 April 2020). "Coronavirus lockdown in New Zealand to end in a week as nation will shift into COVID-19 alert level 3". Newshub. Archived from the original on 22 April 2020. Retrieved 20 April 2020.
  14. ^ Cooke, Henry (11 May 2020). "Coronavirus: New Zealand will start to move to level 2 on Thursday". Stuff. Archived from the original on 11 May 2020. Retrieved 11 May 2020.
  15. ^ "Live: New Zealand will move to Covid-19 Alert Level 1". Stuff. 8 June 2020. Archived from the original on 1 August 2020. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
  16. ^ "Covid 19 coronavirus: Auckland in lockdown, rest of country in level 2 – Four cases of community transmission". The New Zealand Herald. 11 August 2020. ISSN 1170-0777. Archived from the original on 24 August 2020. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
  17. ^ Cardwell, Hamish (30 August 2020). "Auckland moving to 'alert level 2.5' tomorrow". Radio New Zealand. Archived from the original on 30 August 2020. Retrieved 31 August 2020.
  18. ^ Wade, Amelia (21 September 2020). "Covid 19 coronavirus: Auckland moving to alert level 2 and NZ to level 1 – Jacinda Ardern". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 21 September 2020. Retrieved 21 September 2020.
  19. ^ Franks, Josephine (5 October 2020). "Covid-19: Auckland to move to alert level 1 from midnight Wednesday". Stuff. Archived from the original on 5 October 2020. Retrieved 5 October 2020.
  20. ^ Walls, Jason (14 February 2021). "Covid-19 coronavirus: Auckland to level 3 tonight; rest of country at level 2". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 17 February 2021. Retrieved 27 February 2021.
  21. ^ Wade, Amelia (17 February 2021). "Covid 19 coronavirus: Auckland to level 2, rest of NZ to level 1 – despite another new Covid case". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 23 February 2021.
  22. ^ Wade, Amelia (22 February 2021). "Covid 19 coronavirus: Auckland back to alert level 1 from midnight – face masks on public transport still mandatory throughout country". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 24 February 2021.
  23. ^ "Covid-19 coronavirus: Auckland in alert level 3 lockdown for a week – Jacinda Ardern". The New Zealand Herald. 27 February 2021. Archived from the original on 27 February 2021.
  24. ^ "Covid 19 coronavirus: Auckland to move to level 2, rest of NZ to level 1". The New Zealand Herald. 5 March 2021. Archived from the original on 5 March 2021.
  25. ^ Walls, Jason (12 March 2021). "Covid 19 coronavirus: Auckland moves to alert level 1 from midday Friday, announces Jacinda Ardern". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 12 March 2021. Retrieved 12 March 2021.
  26. ^ "Covid 19 coronavirus live: Wellington moves to alert level 2, two close contacts of Sydney man test negative". The New Zealand Herald. 23 June 2021. Archived from the original on 23 June 2021. Retrieved 23 June 2021.
  27. ^ Whyte, Anna (23 June 2021). "Wellington region to go to Covid-19 Alert Level 2 from 6pm". 1 News. Archived from the original on 23 June 2021. Retrieved 23 June 2021.
  28. ^ "Covid-19: Alert level 2 extended for Wellington, no new community cases". Radio New Zealand. 27 June 2021. Archived from the original on 27 June 2021. Retrieved 27 June 2021.
  29. ^ "Covid 19 coronavirus: Level 2 rules extended in Wellington; Masterton health worker returns negative second test". The New Zealand Herald. 27 June 2021. Archived from the original on 27 June 2021. Retrieved 27 June 2021.
  30. ^ "Covid-19 NZ Live: Wellington's alert level 2 extension 'fully justified'". Stuff. 27 June 2021. Archived from the original on 27 June 2021. Retrieved 27 June 2021.
  31. ^ Keogh, Brittany; Witton, Bridie (29 June 2021). "Covid-19: Wellington to move to alert level 1 at 11.59 pm on Tuesday, quarantine-free travel pause extended". Stuff. Archived from the original on 29 June 2021. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
  32. ^ "New Zealand to enter COVID-19 alert level 4 from midnight Tuesday". Newshub. Retrieved 17 August 2021.
  33. ^ "Covid-19 coronavirus: New Zealand going into lockdown – what you can and can't do under level 4". The New Zealand Herald. 17 August 2021. Archived from the original on 17 August 2021. Retrieved 17 August 2021.
  34. ^ Neilson, Michael (23 August 2021). "Covid 19 coronavirus Delta outbreak: NZ's lockdown continues until at least midnight Friday; Auckland's for longer". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 23 August 2021. Retrieved 23 August 2021.
  35. ^ "Covid-19 Delta outbreak: Level 4 lockdown extended for New Zealand". Radio New Zealand. 23 August 2021. Archived from the original on 23 August 2021. Retrieved 23 August 2021.
  36. ^ "Covid 19 coronavirus Delta outbreak: NZ to stay in lockdown until Tuesday night, Auckland likely to remain in alert level 4 for fortnight after that – Jacinda Ardern". The New Zealand Herald. 27 August 2021. Archived from the original on 27 August 2021. Retrieved 28 August 2021.
  37. ^ "New Zealand Covid update: national lockdown extended after 70 new cases". The Guardian. 27 August 2021. Archived from the original on 27 August 2021. Retrieved 28 August 2021.
  38. ^ Piper, Denis (30 August 2021). "Covid-19: Northland sees light at the end of the lockdown tunnel". Stuff. Archived from the original on 30 August 2021. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  39. ^ "Northland to move to alert level 3 at midnight tonight". Radio New Zealand. 2 September 2021. Archived from the original on 2 September 2021. Retrieved 2 September 2021.
  40. ^ Neilson, Michael (6 September 2021). "Covid-19 coronavirus Delta outbreak: PM Jacinda Ardern announces NZ outside of Auckland will shift to 'Delta level 2' at midnight tomorrow". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 6 September 2021. Retrieved 6 September 2021.
  41. ^ Cooke, Henry (14 September 2021). "Covid-19 NZ: Jacinda Ardern offers hope as level 4 extended, but expert says lockdown may be failing". Stuff. Archived from the original on 14 September 2021. Retrieved 14 September 2021.
  42. ^ "Ardern extends Auckland lockdown as New Zealand battles Delta variant". France 24. 13 September 2021. Archived from the original on 13 September 2021. Retrieved 14 September 2021.
  43. ^ Neilson, Michael (20 September 2021). "Covid 19 Delta outbreak: Auckland moves to level 3 for two weeks, rest of NZ in level 2 – with changes". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 20 September 2021. Retrieved 20 September 2021.
  44. ^ Whyte, Anna (20 September 2021). "Auckland moves to Level 3 at 11.59pm on Tuesday". 1 News. Archived from the original on 20 September 2021. Retrieved 20 September 2021.
  45. ^ "Mt Eden prisoner made four stops on way to Waikato bail address". 1 News. 20 September 2021. Archived from the original on 20 September 2021. Retrieved 20 September 2021.
  46. ^ "Alert Level 3 confirmed for Waikato's upper Hauraki". 1 News. 22 September 2021. Archived from the original on 23 September 2021. Retrieved 23 September 2021.
  47. ^ "Covid 19 coronavirus Delta outbreak: Upper Hauraki moves to level 3 days earlier than planned". The New Zealand Herald. 22 September 2021. Archived from the original on 21 September 2021. Retrieved 23 September 2021.
  48. ^ "World Politics Pacific Te Ao Māori Sport Business Country Local Democracy Reporting Comment & Analysis In Depth Weather NEW ZEALAND COVID-19about 1 hour ago Covid-19 briefing: Waikato joins Auckland in alert level 3 from tonight". Radio New Zealand. 3 October 2021. Archived from the original on 3 October 2021. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
  49. ^ Manch, Thomas (4 October 2021). "PM Jacinda Ardern warns lockdowns will continue without more vaccination". Stuff. Archived from the original on 3 October 2021. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
  50. ^ a b Coughlan, Thomas (4 October 2021). "Covid 19 Delta outbreak: Jacinda Ardern promises easing of some restrictions under transition plan". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 4 October 2021. Retrieved 4 October 2021.
  51. ^ "Alert Level 3 Steps 1 to 3". COVID-19.govt.nz. Ministry of Health. Retrieved 1 November 2021.
  52. ^ Corlett, Eva (4 October 2021). "New Zealand Covid elimination strategy to be phased out, Ardern says". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 4 October 2021. Retrieved 4 October 2021.
  53. ^ Yeoman, Scott (7 October 2021). "Level 3 zone in Waikato extended as five new community cases of Covid-19 confirmed". Stuff. Archived from the original on 7 October 2021. Retrieved 7 October 2021.
  54. ^ Cheng, Derek (8 October 2021). "Covid 19 Delta outbreak: Alert level 3 for Northland after Auckland woman with Covid visited region". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 8 October 2021. Retrieved 8 October 2021.
  55. ^ Cheng, Derek (11 October 2021). "Covid 19 Delta outbreak: Auckland rules to stay for another week; Northland, Waikato at level 3 until Friday". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 11 October 2021. Retrieved 11 October 2021.
  56. ^ Cheng, Derek (18 October 2021). "Covid 19 Delta outbreak: Auckland and Waikato to stay in level 3, Northland to move to level 2 – Jacinda Ardern". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 18 October 2021. Retrieved 18 October 2021.
  57. ^ "Watch: Auckland stays in level 3 step 1, parts of Waikato move to level 3 step 2 - PM". Radio New Zealand. 1 November 2021. Archived from the original on 1 November 2021. Retrieved 1 November 2021.
  58. ^ "Northern part of Northland to move to alert level 3 - Hipkins". Radio New Zealand. 2 November 2021. Archived from the original on 2 November 2021. Retrieved 2 November 2021.
  59. ^ Malpass, Luke (8 November 2021). "Covid-19: Restrictions to ease in Auckland as it moves to alert level 3, step 2 at 11.59pm Tuesday". Stuff. Archived from the original on 8 November 2021. Retrieved 8 November 2021.
  60. ^ "Covid 19 Delta outbreak: Auckland moves to level 3.2 tomorrow night, Far North to level 2 on Thursday; more freedoms likely from Nov 29". The New Zealand Herald. 8 November 2021. Archived from the original on 4 December 2021. Retrieved 4 December 2021.
  61. ^ Cooke, Henry (22 November 2021). "Covid-19: New Zealand to enter traffic-light system on December 3, opening up Auckland". Stuff. Archived from the original on 22 November 2021. Retrieved 22 November 2021.
  62. ^ "Explained: What the traffic light system is and how it works". Radio New Zealand. 22 November 2021. Archived from the original on 22 November 2021. Retrieved 22 November 2021.
  63. ^ a b "History of the COVID-19 Alert System". 29 June 2022.
  64. ^ "Essential businesses". covid19.govt.nz. New Zealand Government. 12 April 2020. Archived from the original on 14 April 2020. Retrieved 14 April 2020.
  65. ^ "Covid-19 essential services: What remains open during a lockdown". Radio New Zealand. 24 March 2020. Archived from the original on 24 March 2020. Retrieved 24 March 2020.
  66. ^ Walls, Jason (24 March 2020). "Covid-19 coronavirus lockdown: What is an 'essential' service that can stay open?". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 24 March 2020. Retrieved 24 March 2020.
  67. ^ "Coronavirus: Tiwai Point aluminium smelter exempted from lockdown". Stuff. 25 March 2020. Archived from the original on 26 March 2020. Retrieved 26 March 2020.
edit