By RMBA chief executive David Kelly
The Government has announced changes to the COVID-19 Protection Framework, or Traffic Light System. The current Omicron outbreak has peaked in Auckland, with the rest of the country to follow suit. However, modelling suggests there will always be several thousand positive cases in our community. Therefore, the changes to the Traffic Light System can be reviewed at times where there is future spikes and new variants. Businesses are encouraged to be prepared for possible changes as COVID-19 progresses in the future.
Detailed information on all announced changes can be found here.
Changes to the Traffic Light System
Below is an overview of the changes at each level of the Traffic Light System. The changes are effective from March 25 at 11:59pm. Please note the new requirements around QR codes and My Vaccine Passes can be reinstated if there is a future spike or new variant.
We recommend you keep the QR Code scanner app on your phone and a copy of your My Vaccine Pass.
At Red:
From 11:59pm, March 25:
- There will be no limits for outdoor activities – such as gatherings and events, food and drink businesses and gyms if My Vaccine Pass is being used. From 11:59pm, April 4, My Vaccine Passes will no longer be required.
- There will be a 200-person limit for indoor gatherings and events with My Vaccine Pass. From 11:59pm, April 4, My Vaccine Passes will no longer be required but the 200-person limit still applies.
- You do not need to wear a face mask outdoors.
- Other face mask rules remain unchanged – face masks are still required in most indoor settings.
- There is no requirement to scan in or for a business to display a QR code poster or have mandatory record keeping.
At Orange:
From 11:59pm, March 25:
- There will be no limit for outdoor gatherings.
- There will be no limit for indoor gatherings.
- You do not need to wear a face mask outdoors.
- Other face mask rules remain unchanged.
- There is no requirement to scan in or for a business to display a QR code poster or have mandatory record keeping.
At Green:
From 11:59pm, March 25:
- There will be no restrictions – no change to current Green setting.
- There is no requirement to scan in or for a business to display a QR code poster or have mandatory record keeping.
Currently New Zealand is still at Traffic Light Red and this will be reviewed by the government on the April 4.
My Vaccine Pass:
General Use of My Vaccine Pass:
From 11:59pm on April 4, 2022, there will be no requirement to use My Vaccine Pass.
Until April 4, where My Vaccine Passes are not used, the current restrictions remain – but after this time, the new capacity limits will apply to everyone.
After April 4, businesses will still be able to use the My Vaccine Pass system if they would like to. Therefore, it is recommended you keep your My Vaccine Pass accessible.
The My Vaccine Pass system will continue to be available and will be updated to reflect boosters to facilitate the continuation of the pass system for those who wish to use it.
Vaccine Mandates:
The MBIE is currently in the process of reviewing advice for private businesses around vaccine passes and vaccine mandates. Businesses will be able to voluntarily introduce workforce vaccination requirements if appropriate to the workforce.
From 11:59pm on April 4, some government mandates will be removed. However, vaccine mandates will remain for those most at risk. Workers that will still be covered by a government vaccine mandate include:
- Health and disability sector workers
- Prison staff
- Border and MIQ workers.
We do expect members who work in shared environments with the above to continue to need a My Vaccine Pass and other increased health measures in order to undertake work.
Isolation Requirements:
There are no changes to isolation requirements. Isolation requirements remain at 7 days for positive COVID-19 cases. The 7 day household contacts isolation period also remains.
Guidance on how to self isolate safely can be found here.
The COVID-19 Leave Support Scheme continues to be available for those who need to self isolate and cannot work.
Further information on how to apply for this support and other financial support options can be found here.
Close Contact Exemption Scheme and Bubble of One
The Close Contact Exemption Scheme and Bubble of One are still in operation.
Please note the Close Contact Exemption Scheme is only available to vaccinated asymptomatic critical workers whose employer has applied to be in the scheme.
For the Bubble of One, the worker must be vaccinated, not have any symptoms (asymptomatic) and be able to maintain an individual ‘bubble of one’ while at work (whether indoors or outdoors).
Further information on these schemes can be found here.
Mental Health and Well-being
Master Builders is here 24/7 to support our members. We are continuing to provide our member counselling service, available anytime if you need support. You can call 0508 664 981 and be connected with professional, qualified support. Find out more by clicking here.
We understand this is a stressful time for many people. Please visit the Mates in Construction website for more information or call the national Telehealth Service on 1737.
