Civil Defence is reminding local businesses of their responsibility to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Taranaki.
“We've heard concerns from the Mayoral Forum on businesses not pulling their weight when it comes to safe operating, and that’s just not good enough,” says Group Controller Craig Campbell-Smart.
“If a business is unable to operate in accordance with the Level 3 guidance, it should not open,” says Craig. “Heightened activity during Level 3 means a greater risk of Covid-19 transmission in our community, and it is critically important that businesses are following the health measures in place.”
Taranaki people are being encouraged to shop local to support our economy, but businesses need to play their part and ensure the safety of their staff and customers remain a priority for this to succeed. “It’s important to get as much trading underway as we can in Taranaki, but it must be done safely,” says Craig.
Businesses must self-assess their ability to meet health and safety rules just as they would normally to meet their duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act.
They need to operate in a contactless environment, meaning customers can pay online, over the phone or in another contactless way. Delivery or pick-up must also be contactless.
“Most importantly businesses need to adhere to basic hygiene measures such as physical distancing, regular cleaning of surfaces and hand washing - these are so simple, and they save lives,” says Craig.
If businesses are found to not be operating safely, they can be reported to the COVID-19 Compliance Centre online.(external link)
Remember where possible stick to having one person from your bubble do the shopping. The more people businesses have outside their premises at one time, the harder it is for them to maintain physical distancing and safety.
“Shop local, but shop safely,” says Craig.
Information for businesses:
- Doing business at Alert Level 3 guidance:https://covid19.govt.nz/businesses-and-employees/businesses-and-services/doing-business-at-alert-level-3/(external link)
- The govt.nz website(external link)has more information about what you can and can’t do under Alert Level 3 as a business.
- The WorkSafe website has general and sector specific guidance that will help businesses determine how they can operate safely. As a part of this, businesses are required to complete aCOVID-19 Work Safe Plan (external link)which has had staff input and is shared with staff.
- If businesses have further questions, they can call their industry body or WorkSafe for advice.