COVID-19 update for Southland - 22 March 2020
Tēnā Koutou,
Please find below the latest information and resources provided by MBIE in response to COVID-19, and a quick recap of the Government's announcement yesterday. We are keeping in direct contact with Government and industry representatives so that we can continue to support the region in mitigating the social and economic impacts of this evolving situation. We are also undertaking a business survey to understand the impact of COVID-19 on our local business sector. Please take the time to fill this survey out so that we can identify how we can connect you with the support and resources you need at this time.
Ngā mihi
Graham Budd
Great South Chief Executive
Business survey to complete
To understand the impact of COVID-19 on Southland businesses and identify what support is required, Great South is carrying out a business survey. The information obtained will be collated by Great South and reported in aggregate only. Your feedback is critical to ensuring we can identify what support is needed across the business community.
Alert levels introduced
The Government has announced a four stage alert system for COVID-19 and advised New Zealand as currently being at Alert Level 2. At this level, it is recommended to reduce contact where possible, including New Zealanders over 70 and those with certain medical conditions recommended to stay at home as much as they can, workplaces to implement plans to reduce person-to-person contact, including working from home where possible and to limit all non-essential domestic travel
New guidelines for New Zealand's hospitality industry
New guidelines for the hospitality industry have been produced by the Ministry of Health. This includes implementing an 100 people occupancy limit and following physical distancing of at least 1 metre for placement of furniture and equipment, and keeping a register of guests on site.
COVID-19 Business support package
Below you will find the New Zealand government’s central resource for COVID-19 business information. Here you will find information on the wage and leave subsidies available,business cash flow and tax measures and the wider $12.1 billion economic package.
OSEA COVID-19 business briefing webinar
The Otago Southland Employers' Association and Polson Higgs are hosting a live interactive webinar on Tuesday, 31 March at 10.30 am to discuss COVID-19 implications on employment relations and business continuity planning.
Visitors and tourists in New Zealand
As the global situation changes, and more borders closer, visitors/tourists travelling in New Zealand should consider returning home as soon as they are able to. Please advise visitors to check flight, home and transit country restrictions
COVID-19 resources
There are a range of resources and digital assets available on the COVID-19 website, including learning what can be done to unite against the virus and slow its spread. You can also keep up todate with the Unite against COVID-19 Facebook page and Instagram page
