Covid 19 coronavirus fresh outbreak: What can I do at levels 2 and 3? What it means for you

Auckland is moving to alert level 3 from midday Wednesday, as four cases of community transmission of Covid-19 were announced last night.

Outside of Auckland, the rest of New Zealand will move to level 2 from midday Wednesday.

The restrictions will last three days until midnight Friday.

ALERTS

Auckland Airport is an essential service and will remain open.

From noon tomorrow, Auckland moves into Alert level 3 until midnight Friday, while the rest of NZ moves into Alert Level 2. As an essential service, Auckland Airport will remain open. If you have questions about your flight, contact your airline for the latest information.

— Auckland Airport (@AKL_Airport) August 11, 2020

The NZ Government has announced that Auckland will be moving to Alert Level 3 at 12pm today. Public transport will continue to operate to existing timetables for essential travel. Cash will not be accepted on public transport so you must tag on/off with your AT HOP card. pic.twitter.com/H9I7h6VsEq

— Auckland Transport (@AklTransport) August 11, 2020

Important Covid-19 notification - Following the PM's announcement that Auckland will move to Alert Level 3 from 12noon tomorrow, we're instructing all students and staff NOT to come into the University tomorrow, but to study and work from home: https://t.co/GMmYOn9RID #COVID19nz

— University of Auckland | Waipapa Taumata Rau (@AucklandUni) August 11, 2020

Effective immediately, all Auckland Libraries are closed. This follows tonight's COVID-19 government announcement regarding Auckland's return to Alert Level 3.
This decision will be reviewed when Alert Level 3 is re-evaluated on 14 August. More info: https://t.co/KLrUdv5f0g pic.twitter.com/RuAJfBLzl3

— Auckland Libraries (@Auckland_Libs) August 11, 2020

So what does this mean for you? What are we allowed to do?

Can I leave the house?

Aucklanders are asked to stay home to stop the spread.

"Act as if you have Covid and the people around you have Covid," Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said.

People are to work from home unless they are essential workers and should stay in their bubble.

Gatherings will be limited to 10 people at wedding services and funerals and tangihanga.

If you are outside of Auckland, under level 2, it is recommended you stay at home to be safe.

Under alert level 2, mass gatherings will be limited to 100 people.

You can exercise at parks or beaches within your region, but the closer to home the better. Activities must be safe – keep two metres away from anyone not in your bubble - and make minimal trips.

Also, don't even think about picking up a new hobby and trying to surf for the first time. This could put you and others at risk, so stick with going for a quick dip and stay within your comfort levels.

Can I go to the supermarket?

Yes, supermarkets will remain open at all levels. Do not panic buy - food and medicines will be available at all levels.

Can I still go to work?

Aucklanders must work from home unless they are essential workers.

If that's not possible, staff have to make sure they keep two metres apart, record who they interact with, have good hygiene practices and make sure surfaces are disinfected.

But if businesses involve face-to-face contact, they'll have to keep the doors closed. That includes gyms, house cleaners, hairdressers, sales people and masseuses. These, however, will be able to open under alert level 2 with the right measures.

"Customers cannot come on to your premises," Ardern said. "Unless you are a supermarket, dairy, petrol station, pharmacy or permitted health service.

"Your business must be contactless. Your customers can pay online, over the phone or in a contactless way. Delivery or pick-up must also be contactless."

The Government has given these examples for businesses opening:

• If you run a takeaway business, you can remain open if you have pre-ordered contactless pick up, or can do home delivery.

• A real estate agent can open, but people should work from home if they can. The agent can enter someone's home but can't have customers in the office. You cannot run an open home.

What can I do at alert levels 3 and 2? Your questions, answered.

• Construction businesses can work, but strict hygiene measures must be put in place – and office staff who can work from home should do so.

Does this mean I can get a takeaway meal?

Yes, you can get your favourite takeaway as long as you can place your order and pick it up without face-to-face contact.

For example, you can use your local KFC or McDonald's drive-thru or order a curry through a delivery service.

Can I go to the gym?

Not if you're in Auckland - all public venues must close under level 3.

This includes libraries, museums, cinemas, food courts, gyms, pools, playgrounds, markets.

At alert level 2, public venues such as museums, libraries and pools can open if they comply with public health measures and ensure one-metre physical distancing and record keeping.