Today’s announcement from the Prime Minister gives us some understanding on what life at Level 2 will look like, but it’s not an invitation to start living by those guidelines.
“We’re still at Level 3 and must continue to comply with all Alert Level 3 restrictions to prevent further spread,” says Taranaki Civil Defence Group Controller, Craig Campbell-Smart. “Please continue to stay home and save lives.”
No decision has been made about when New Zealand will move to Alert Level 2. The Government will review the country’s progress on Monday 11 May.
“We can’t get ahead of ourselves now Taranaki – to do so would put our region at risk,” says Craig.
“Until then, we must stick to the restrictions of Level 3 and continue to practice the basics of hand hygiene and physical distancing, for everyone’s safety,” says Craig. “By continuing to unite together, we can earn the opportunity to move to Level 2.”
He says, “When the time is right, Level 2 will be a positive step towards returning to our new normal, but it still won't be a return to business as usual.”
“What we can do now, is plan for how we can safely live life at Level 2, to ensure that when the move does come, it’s as seamless as possible for our community,” says Craig.
“I would encourage all services to be proactive in their reopening planning,” says Craig.
Everything you need to know about what Level 2 will look like, and the support available for when we can transition, will be available on www.covid19.govt.nz.
While we are still at Level 3 remember to:
- Stay home. When you are not at work, school, exercising or getting essentials then you must be at home, the same as at level 4.
- Work and learn from home if you can.We still want the vast majority of people working from home, and children and young people learning from home. Students and staff with existing health conditions should also stay at home, and they will be supported to do so. Early learning centres and schools will physically be open for up to Year 10 for families that need them.
- Keep your bubble as small as possible.Preserve and protect to your bubble – your home and those in it. You can extend your bubble by joining a few of your close family, or bring in caregivers, or another whānau living alone. They must already be in your community.
- Wash your hands often with soap. Then dry them.Cough and sneeze into your elbow.
- Stay regional. You can exercise at parks or beaches within your region, but the closer to home the better. Activities must be safe – keep 2 metres away from anybody not in your bubble. Make minimal trips.
- If you are sick, stay at home and quickly seek advice from your GP, or Healthline about getting a test. There is no stigma to COVID-19. We will only be successful if everyone is willing to play their part in finding it wherever it is.
- Make your business COVID-19 safe. COVID-19 has spread through close contact in some workplaces; take care in your planning to re-open your business by keeping your staff and customers safe from spreading the virus.
ENDS
The most up to date information on COVID-19 is on www.covid19.govt.nz(external link).
For all Ministry of Health updates visit www.health.govt.nz/covid-19(external link) and for Taranaki DHB updates visit www.tdhb.org.nz(external link).
For information on Alert Level 3, visit: https://covid19.govt.nz/alert-system/alert-level-3/(external link)
For information on what life and business will look like at Alert Level 2 when we move to it, visit: https://covid19.govt.nz/alert-system/alert-level-2/(external link)