New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will announce additional guidelines today on what covid19 alert level 2 will look like. The Government has signaled it will be different to what New Zealanders experienced before the country went into full lock down. But here’s what we know so far:

Alert Level 2 — Reduce

The disease is contained, but the risk of community transmission remains.

Risk assessment

• Household transmission could be occurring.

• Single or isolated cluster outbreaks.

Range of measures that can be applied locally or nationally

• Physical distancing of 1 metre outside the home including on public transport.

• Gatherings of up to 100 people indoors and 500 outdoors allowed while maintaining physical distancing and contact tracing requirements.

• Sport and recreation activities are allowed if conditions on gatherings are met, physical distancing is followed and travel is local.

• Public venues can open but must comply with conditions on gatherings, and undertake public health measures.

• Health services operate as normally as possible.

• Most businesses open, and business premises can be open for staff and customers with appropriate measures in place. Alternative ways of working are encouraged, such as remote working, shift-based working, physical distancing, staggering meal breaks, flexible leave.

• Schools and Early Childhood Education centres open, with distance learning available for those unable to attend school, such as people self-isolating.

• People advised to avoid non-essential inter-regional travel.

• People at high risk of severe illness such as 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 work.

• People asked to stay at home where possible.

  Participating in sports and recreational activities is allowed, subject to conditions on gatherings. People at higher-risk of severe illness from COVID-19 (e.g. those with underlying medical conditions, especially if not well-controlled, and the elderly) are encouraged to take additional precautions when leaving home. They may work, if they agree with their employer that they can do so safely.