From 11:59pm tonight, Wednesday, New Zealand moves to Orange, COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins announced today.

 Under Orange there are no indoor capacity limits and the seated and separated rule for hospitality venues lifts, so bars, cafes and restaurants are able to fill up again.  

Minister Chris Hipkins said “wearing a face mask at Orange is still important, especially with capacity limits removed.”

“People are required to wear a face mask in many indoor settings.”

“We know this shift down to Orange will be welcome news to many as we head into Easter weekend and the school holidays and connect with loved ones.”

“But there is still Omicron in the community, and the threat of new variants arriving here is still risk, so I urge everyone to continue to be cautious and think about the health of others, especially those who are immunocompromised or at higher risk of long-term health impacts from infection. “

“It’s also important to make a plan in case you get COVID-19 on holiday.”

“If you’re not using your own vehicle to travel – such as being reliant on airplane or public transport – you need to make sure you can isolate where you are,” Chris Hipkins said.

There is no limit for indoor or outdoor gatherings.

• You do not need to wear a face mask at a gathering, but it is encouraged.

• Workers and volunteers at gatherings must wear face masks — unless they are exempt.

When to wear a face mask at Orange setting

• on domestic flights

• on public transport, this includes Cook Strait Ferries but does not include passengers within their allocated carriage on specified Kiwirail services or when you are on a ship that does not have an enclosed space for passengers

• at indoor arrival and departure points for domestic flights and public transport

• if you are aged 12 years or over on Ministry of Education funded school transport and public transport

• in taxis or ride share vehicles

• inside a retail business, for example supermarkets, shopping malls, pharmacies, petrol stations, and takeaway food stores

• inside public facilities, such as museums and libraries, but not at swimming pools

• at a vet clinic

• visiting the indoor area of a court or tribunal — unless the judicial officer does not require them

• at premises operated by local and central government agencies, social service providers, and NZ Police

• in the public area of premises operated by NZ Post Limited

• when visiting a healthcare service, for example a healthcare or aged care facility.