A daily wrap of all the main developments in the Covid-19 Delta outbreak as New Zealand is plunged into lockdown for the fifth time. Video / Mark Mitchell / Brett Phibbs
Millions of Kiwis are waiting on tenterhooks for this afternoon's announcement about whether their region will be released from the Covid-19 national lockdown.
But if areas free of community cases of the deadly and swift-moving Delta variant do have their restrictions loosened - will life actually change much?
The answeris, not really.
Under the current lockdown rules every person must stay home if they can - and must only leave for essential supplies, work or exercise.
Travel is heavily restricted and only approved businesses can operate.
If the South Island and Delta-free parts of the North Island are moved down a level this afternoon there will be slightly more freedom under the current government Covid-19 rules.
However those rules can and could be tightened.
STAY HOME STAY SAFE - STILL
As they stand currently, at alert level 3 people must legally stay within their household bubble whenever they are not at work or school.
Bubbles can be expanded to connect with close family and whānau or to bring in caregivers, or support isolated people.
Masks are mandatory on public transport and domestic flights and everyone over the age of 12 legally must continue to keep a record of where they have been when visiting certain places so contact tracing can happen quickly.
Physical distancing must continue to be maintained and travel is still limited - you can travel within your local area for supplies and exercise but that's it.
"Now is not the time to take up new activities, or expose yourself or your bubble to any risk. You can do low-risk recreation activities in your local area," the government urges.
TRAVEL AND PUBLIC SPACES
Travel between regions will remain heavily restricted and if there is a boundary put in place by the government, that information will be made public and published on the Unite against Covid-19 official website.
Public spaces remain closed - libraries, museums, cinemas, food courts, gyms, pools, playgrounds and markets.
The tourist mecca of Queenstown is looking much like a ghost town after the Government put the country into a Level 4 lockdown. Photo / George Heard
Public events and venues also remain banned and closed.
But gatherings of up to 10 people will be allowed for wedding and civil union ceremonies, funerals and tangihanga.
Physical distancing and public health measures legally must be maintained at such events.
KAI AND BOOZE
Cafes, restaurants and takeaways can open at alert level 3, but only for contactless pick-up, delivery or drive through.
And - if your business requires close physical contact it cannot operate.
Businesses need to display a QR code and have an alternative contact tracing system.
Masks will have to be worn in Level 3. Photo / Sylvie Whinray
Customers cannot come on to your premises — unless you are a supermarket, dairy, butcher, fishmonger, greengrocer, petrol station, pharmacy or permitted health service.
Your business legally must be contactless. Your customers can pay online, over the phone or in a contactless way. Delivery or pick-up legally must also be contactless.
Basic hygiene measures legally must be maintained - physical distancing, hand washing and regularly cleaning surfaces.
Staff legally must remain a minimum of 1 metre apart at all times where practical.
Other measures, such as personal protective equipment (PPE) including face coverings, are recommended as being used where appropriate.
SCHOOL'S STILL OUT - MOSTLY
Children and young people should learn from home at alert level 3.
Any child who does not have supervision at home from an appropriate person can attend their service or school.
FUNERALS AND CEMETERIES
At alert level 3, priests, imam and religious celebrants can provide last rites in a hospital, hospice or private residence and funerals can be officiated by your imam.
Funeral directors will work closely with Muslim communities to support ghusl (ritual washing) and janaza (prayer over the body) being carried out safely.
