New Zealand will remain at the existing Alert Levels until Sunday

Auckland will stay at Alert Level 3 until 11:59pm on 30 August 2020. The rest of the country will remain at Alert Level 2.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the five extra days will provide a greater degree of security that we don’t allow further spread by moving Alert Levels too soon.

“We are taking a fact-based approach and basing our strategy on the view of medical and scientific experts.”

“The current outbreak of community transmission is the biggest we have experienced so far, involving workplaces, churches and public transport. These are everyday activities undertaken in some part by all New Zealanders.”

If there is no significant change in the cluster’s growth and trajectory, from 11:59pm on Sunday 30 August 2020 the Auckland region will move down to Alert Level 2 with some additional restrictions on gathering sizes.

That means schools and workplaces will reopen in Auckland next week.

These settings will be in place for 1 week, and will be reviewed again before Sunday 6 September 2020. 

After 30 August, the Auckland checkpoints will go, and inter-regional travel will be possible again.

This brings the risk of Aucklanders who may be infected spreading the virus to other parts of the country, or visitors to Auckland picking up the virus and taking it home.

Restrictions on Gatherings in Auckland in Alert Level 2

At Alert Level 2 in Auckland gatherings will continue to be limited to 10 people.

Funerals and tangihana will be limited to 50 people, and have to meet other conditions set by the Ministry of Health.

Outside Auckland, gatherings such as church services and social events will continue to be limited to 100 people.

Face coverings will be mandatory on public transport

From 11.59pm on 30 August New Zealanders will have to wear a mask or face covering on buses, trains, ferries, planes, taxis and Ubers.

QR codes are mandatory for all businesses and services

The display of QR codes will be mandatory for businesses and other venues at all Alert Levels.

A separate QR poster is needed for each unique location. Each location must display their poster in either a prominent place or near main entrances.