13 May 2020

This is a special edition of our newsletter to give you information about life at Alert Level 2.

Nau mai, haere mai

As we move into the first weekend at Alert Level 2, we will be resuming many of our everyday activities, including reconnecting with friends and family in person. Being able to make this move is testament we have all taken, including our essential workers and everyone who stayed home to save lives during Alert Levels 3 and 4.

The current limits for gathering size will be difficult for many people. Getting together for worship and companionship is an essential part of community life for many of us. At the moment, all gatherings can have up to 10 people, not including people leading or working at the gathering. The one exception is funerals and tangihanga which can have a maximum of 50 people. The limits for gathering size will be reassessed by the Government on 25 May, based on case numbers at the time and public health advice.

Although we have left the higher Alert Levels, this continues to be a difficult time for many. There is help available for people that need food and accommodation assistance, financial support for businesses, or support if you or someone you know are the target of racism or facing domestic violence. You can find information on our website about the types of wellbeing and welfare support available.

If you have any thoughts or concerns, please let us know by sending an email to ethnic.communities@dia.govt.nz. 

Mauri ora

Caroline Bridgland
Acting Director, Office of Ethnic Communities

Where to find key information on Alert Level 2

• The Government’s COVID-19 website has a page dedicated to life at Alert Level 2. This includes information about education, personal movement, recreation, self-isolation, and business operations, including the safety requirements for these activities.
   
• We have updated the COVID-19 page of our website to include key information relevant to ethnic communities during the current pandemic.
   
• Alert Level information tables are in 23 languages on the translation page of the COVID-19 website.
   
• Detailed factsheets have been developed for people who organise religious and community gatherings, in addition to the general gathering guidance on the COVID-19 website.
   
• The business.govt.nz website is the government's central resource for detailed COVID-19 business information and updates. The COVID-19 website also has resources to help your business operate safely — including posters, signs, and contact tracing templates.
   
• The Ministry of Education has released a set of frequently asked questions about education at Alert Level 2.

Alert Level 2 - what happens when?

Some aspects of moving to Alert Level 2 will be phased. Here are the key dates:

• Businesses can operate, if they’re able to do so safely, from the start of Alert Level 2 on Thursday 14 May.
   
• Early learning centres, schools and tertiary institutions will open for all students from next Monday 18 May.
   
• Bars can open for regular operations from Thursday 21 May – in the meantime, they can only open for people visiting to eat meals.
   
• On 25 May, Government will reassess the current limit on gathering numbers.

Playing it safe at Alert Level 2

Level 2 means people can start doing a lot more. However, COVID-19 is still out there so we must play it safe. Here’s how you can keep yourself and others safe:

• Wash your hands regularly with soap and then dry them. This makes a big difference.
   
• Sneeze or cough into your elbow – not into the air — so you don’t spread the virus.
   
• Write down the places you go and who you spend time with – so that if anybody gets sick, other people that could also be sick can be traced.
   
• Only get close to people you know.
  • Stay 2 metres away from people you don’t know if you are in an open space like a park or beach.
  • Stay 1 metre away from people you don’t know in places like shops or bakeries.
• On public transport, sit with someone you know or keep the seat next to you empty - don’t stand.
   
• Keep visitors to your home to a small number of friends and family – the current limit for gatherings is 10 people.
   
• Stay home if you’re sick. Don’t go to work or school or spend time with other people.
   
• Get a COVID-19 test if you have symptoms of cold or flu-like a runny nose or cough – call Healthline on 0800 358 5453.