GUIDANCE FOR TRANSITIONING THROUGH ALERT LEVELS FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT
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This guidance has been developed with the local government sector based on the decisions for COVID-19 Alert Levels from the Government. It is intended to
support consistency across New Zealand in the delivery of council services.
This is a living document and may be updated to reflect future decisions and guidance from other sectors.
GUIDANCE FOR TRANSITIONING THROUGH ALERT LEVELS FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Function ALERT LEVEL 4 ALERT LEVEL 3 ALERT LEVEL 2
Reduce
Eliminate Restrict
Alert Level overview Strong restrictions to limit all people Further restrictions on activities, including at Physical distancing and restrictions on leisure
movement and contact to contain workplaces and socially, to address a high risk of and social activities to address sporadic cases or
community transmission and transmission within New Zealand. a cluster in New Zealand.
outbreaks.
Stay at home, other than for essential personal Businesses open, but physical distancing
Stay at home, other than for movement, and going to work/school. requirements apply.
essential personal movement and
Stay in extended bubble, which can now include close You can travel but do so in a safe way.
doing essential work.
family or caregivers.
Stay in immediate household People should keep their distance from people
People should keep 2 metres apart outside home
bubble. they don’t know (ideally two metres) when out
where possible (apart from with people within their
and about, with one metre physical distancing in
People should keep 2 metres apart extended bubble). This requirement does not apply to
other environments unless other mitigating
at all times outside home, including emergency and frontline public services (e.g.
measures are in place.
at workplaces. This requirement healthcare).
People must wear masks when using public
does not apply to emergency and
In a controlled environment such as a workplace, 1 transport and on all flights.
frontline public services (e.g.
metre distancing is required
healthcare).
People must wear masks when using public transport
For more information on operating
and on all flights.
safely in workplaces, further
guidance is available at:
https://www.business.govt.nz/covid-
19
MBIE has established a call centre to
specifically support queries related
to Alert Level 4 businesses and
services. This can be contacted at
0800 424 946 or alternatively
Guidance as at 18 August 2021GUIDANCE FOR TRANSITIONING THROUGH ALERT LEVELS FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Function ALERT LEVEL 4 ALERT LEVEL 3 ALERT LEVEL 2
Reduce
Eliminate Restrict
emailed at:
AL4businessservices@mbie.govt.nz.
It is mandatory for people aged 12+
to wear a mask when visiting
essential services – supermarkets,
pharmacies and service stations.
Staff must also wear masks.
People must wear masks when
using public transport and on all
flights. Masks must also be worn at
bus terminals and in taxis.
Gatherings All gatherings cancelled (essential Gatherings of up to 10 people at a time only for
Please see https://covid19.govt.nz/alert-
work and going to supermarket are wedding services, funerals and tangihanga.
system/alert-level-2/ for current conditions on
not considered gatherings). Wedding receptions and other celebrations are not
gatherings.
allowed. Consumption of food/drink not permitted.
Workplaces, education facilities, public transport and Additional conditions on gatherings:
supermarkets are not considered gatherings.
Additional conditions on gatherings:
• Physical distancing and infection prevention
• Physical distancing and infection prevention and and control requirements must be met.
control requirements must be met.
• All gatherings must record attendees to ensure
contact tracing can be conducted if necessary. • All gatherings must record attendees to ensure
• No participants allowed who have COVID-19
symptoms or who need to be in contact tracing may be conducted if necessary.
isolation/quarantine for any reason. • Hospitality guidelines to be strictly adhered to
• All venues can open for the purposes of dining.
Guidance as at 19 August 2021GUIDANCE FOR TRANSITIONING THROUGH ALERT LEVELS FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Function ALERT LEVEL 4 ALERT LEVEL 3 ALERT LEVEL 2
Reduce
Eliminate Restrict
• Venues have a capacity limit of 100 where
people are there for the same event such as
cinemas, restaurants/cafes and sports venues.
No participants allowed who have COVID-19
symptoms or who need to be in isolation/quarantine
for any reason.
Public venues Public venues closed (e.g. libraries, All public venues closed (e.g. museums, cinemas, food Public venues such as libraries and pools can
museums, cinemas, food courts, courts, gyms, pools, amusement parks, playgrounds, open if they comply with public health measures
gyms, pools, amusement parks). farmers’ markets). and ensure 1 metre physical distancing and
Public open spaces (e.g. parks) may be used, but contact tracing.
people need to maintain physical distancing outside Venues have a capacity limit of 100 where people
their bubbles. are there for the same event such as cinemas,
restaurants/cafes and sports venues.
Gatherings rules do not apply to public venues,
such as, museums, cinemas, food courts, gyms,
pools, amusement parks, playgrounds, farmers’
markets, as long as there are no large groups and
people are not intermingling.
See worksafe guidance on public venues here
https://worksafe.govt.nz/managing-health-and-
safety/novel-coronavirus-covid/public-venues-
during-alert-level-2/
Workplaces People required to work from home People required to work from home unless that is not Businesses must operate safely. This means:
unless that is not possible. possible. • Complying with Alert Level 2 settings in this
Workplaces can only open if: table, and
Workplaces can only open if:
• Workers cannot work from home, and • Meeting appropriate public health
• Workers cannot work from home, requirements for their workplace (e.g. having
and • Workplaces are operating safely, and
contact tracing systems), and
• They are operating safely, and • Customers are not allowed on premises, and • Fulfilling all other health and safety
• They are essential services. obligations.
“Operating safely” means:
Guidance as at 19 August 2021GUIDANCE FOR TRANSITIONING THROUGH ALERT LEVELS FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Function ALERT LEVEL 4 ALERT LEVEL 3 ALERT LEVEL 2
Reduce
Eliminate Restrict
• Complying with Alert Level 4 • Businesses can trade without physical contact All businesses are encouraged to use alternative
settings in this table, and with customers (e.g. through phone/online ways of working if possible. Business premises
• Meeting appropriate public health orders, delivery, pick-up and drive-through). can open for staff and customers. Services can
requirements for their workplace
Businesses cannot offer services that involve close also be provided on customers’ premises (e.g. in
(e.g. putting up physical barriers),
and personal contact, unless it is an essential service, homes).
emergency or critical situation. If a workplace cannot meet these measures it
• Fulfilling all other health and Supermarkets, dairies and petrol stations can have cannot open its physical premises.
safety obligations.
This means if a business providing customers on premises. All businesses must display a government issued
an essential service cannot operate If businesses cannot operate safely, workers must not QR code for use with the NZ COVID Tracer App
safely, workers must not go to work, go to work, and premises should remain closed. to enable contact tracing.
and premises should remain closed. “Operating safely” means:
Only supermarkets, dairies and • Complying with Alert Level 3 settings in this
petrol/service stations can open their table, and
retail premises to the public. • Meeting appropriate public health
Essential services must also comply requirements for their workplace, including for
with any specific restrictions on how workers (e.g. putting up physical barriers), and
they operate.
Fulfilling all other health and safety obligations.
All businesses must display a
All businesses must display a government issued QR
government issued QR code for use
code for use with the NZ COVID Tracer App
with the NZ COVID Tracer App
Mask use Masks/facial coverings are most During Alert level 3, masks are required when using During Alert level 2, masks are required when
useful when Covid-19 is present in public transport and on all flights. The use of masks is using public transport and on all flights. The use
the community and people are in recommended for other situations when outside your of masks is recommended for other situations
close contact with each other. A home. For example, when getting groceries, where physical distancing is not possible.
mask helps stop droplets spreading undertaking essential work, or exercising.
when someone speaks, laughs,
coughs or sneezes. This includes
someone who has COVID-19 but
feels well or has no obvious
symptoms.
Face coverings can be homemade.
There are online tutorials on how to
Guidance as at 19 August 2021GUIDANCE FOR TRANSITIONING THROUGH ALERT LEVELS FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Function ALERT LEVEL 4 ALERT LEVEL 3 ALERT LEVEL 2
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Eliminate Restrict
make face coverings or a bandana
or scarf can be used.
During Alert level 4, masks are
required for any person using public
transport and, on all flights, as well
as worn at bus terminals and in
taxis. Masks are also required for
people aged 12+ to wear a mask
when visiting essential services –
supermarkets, pharmacies and
service stations. Staff must also
wear a mask.
The use of masks is recommended
for other situations when outside
your home and it is difficult to keep
2 meters apart.
Health and safety • At all Alert Levels, councils are reminded of their duties toward employees and contractors as PCBUs under the Health and Safety at Work Act
obligations 2015, and their broader duty of care to the public. Health and safety plans which take all reasonably practicable steps to reduce or eliminate
COVID-19 transmission risks are essential in order to protect officers and the members of the public with whom they interact.
For most up to date guidance please refer to https://worksafe.govt.nz/ and https://www.business.govt.nz/covid-19/workplace-operations-covid-
19-alert-levels/
• Staff and customers should not participate in council services/operations if they have COVID-19 symptoms or who need to be in
isolation/quarantine for any reason. Staff should be reminded to stay home if they are sick.
• Businesses are obliged to eliminate transmission risks where possible, and where not, to substitute work practices or provide as higher level of
control as possible. We expect that businesses maintain, or create new, practices that meet or exceed the MoH guidelines as they are updated.
• Health and safety plans must incorporate protocols for, at a minimum*:
1. Appropriate physical distancing – minimise, or eliminate where practical, physical interactions among staff and with the public
2. Promoting cashless systems and avoid cash payment systems wherever possible
3. Where staff must work together in teams or pairs, create a consistent ‘work group’ as appropriate**
Guidance as at 19 August 2021GUIDANCE FOR TRANSITIONING THROUGH ALERT LEVELS FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Function ALERT LEVEL 4 ALERT LEVEL 3 ALERT LEVEL 2
Reduce
Eliminate Restrict
4. Businesses must display a government issued QR code for use with the NZ COVID Tracer App (and provide an alternative
method to sign in for those without the app) to enable contact tracing of all who enter the workplace or carry out work for the
business or service
5. PPE where appropriate
See here also for endorsed industry guidance: https://worksafe.govt.nz/managing-health-and-safety/novel-coronavirus-covid/endorsed-industry-
guidance/?stage=Live
*note engagement with workers when creating and implementing COVID-19 Health and Safety Plans and mental health support is a key step
** ‘work groups’ are intended to ensure staff are exposed to a consistent and exclusive set of their colleagues. The groups must be able to
operate safely and are not exempt from the above requirements.
Council offices Remote working • Everyone should work remotely unless it is not • Council offices can open to the public if they
possible can operate safely, meaning:
Call centre • Council offices can only open for staff if: o Must display a government issued QR
o Workers cannot work from home, and code for use with the NZ COVID Tracer
• Open remotely
o Workplaces are operating safely, and App (and provide an alternative
method to sign in for those without the
o Customers are not allowed on premises, and app) to enable contact tracing of all
Counter services
o Council staff can work without physical who enter the workplace or carry out
• Closed contact with public/customers work for the business or service
o Recommend staff wear a mask in situations o Complying with Alert Level 2 settings;
where physical distancing is not possible o Meeting appropriate public health
• “Operating safely” means: requirements for their workplace (e.g.
o Complying with Alert Level 3 settings, and having contact tracing systems), and
o Meeting appropriate public health o Fulfilling all COVID-19 health and safety
requirements for their workplace, including obligations in addition to normal health
for workers (e.g. putting up physical barriers), and safety obligations
and • We encourage councils to use alternative
o Fulfilling all other health and safety ways of working if possible, including some
obligations staff to be working remotely where
• If these measures cannot be taken, staff must not practicable
go to work, and premises should remain closed • Recommend staff wear a mask in situations
where physical distancing is not possible,
Call centre or they are public facing
Guidance as at 19 August 2021GUIDANCE FOR TRANSITIONING THROUGH ALERT LEVELS FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Function ALERT LEVEL 4 ALERT LEVEL 3 ALERT LEVEL 2
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Eliminate Restrict
• Operates remotely Call centre
• Can open (staff working remotely where
Counter services practical)
• Remain closed
Counter services
• Open to public if they can operate safely
with physical distancing
• Promote cashless systems and avoid cash
payment systems wherever possible.
Manual disinfection of EFTPOS machines
required
• Limit entry to maintain physical distancing
as required
• Recommend staff wear a mask in situations
where physical distancing is not possible,
or they are public facing. Recommend
customers wear a mask
Territorial authority functions
Operation and • Essential service • Most staff continue to work remotely Operations activities fully reinstated
maintenance of • Workstream to ensure • Recommend staff wear a mask in situations • Consider what capital programmes
drinking water and continuity of service and where physical distancing is not possible would be allowed to start
wastewater services supply of key chemicals; • More people working on site
Operational sites
focus on keeping networks
• Site separation continues with physical distancing • Some people continue to work remotely
operational • Must display a government issued QR code
of staff on sites
• Recommend staff wear a for use with the NZ COVID Tracer App (and
mask Operations activities reinstated provide an alternative method to sign in for
• Maintenance practices on linear assets (pipes etc) those without the app) to enable contact
• Planned maintenance and connections work on tracing of all who enter the workplace or
the retail network carry out work for the business or service
Guidance as at 19 August 2021GUIDANCE FOR TRANSITIONING THROUGH ALERT LEVELS FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Function ALERT LEVEL 4 ALERT LEVEL 3 ALERT LEVEL 2
Reduce
Eliminate Restrict
• Pump station cleaning where required • Construction health and safety protocols for
• Maintenance of valves and equipment COVID 19 are available here:
• All non-essential work continues to be deferred https://www.chasnz.org/covid19 .
• Avoid activities that interrupt domestic supplies Additional guidance is available here:
where possible https://www.sitesafe.org.nz/guides--
resources/covid-19-protocols/new-zealand-
• Reactive maintenance extended
construction-covid-19-protocols/
Developer Services Reinstated • Recommend staff wear a mask in situations
• Compliance and inspections – including where physical distancing is not possible
subdivision connection works, subject to
restoration of housing construction works
• Connections of water and meters to address
outstanding connection applications – subject to
wastewater being connected and drainlayers etc.
services also restored
Meter Reading (where relevant and with safety
measures in place including precautions taken to
prevent spread of disease between dwellings)
• Reading cycles start again
Active Construction Sites
• Active construction sites reopen where safe work
practices and physical distancing can be
maintained
• Safe work practice guidance can be found here:
https://www.building.govt.nz/covid-19/
• Continue design work and project development
work where possible
Solid waste including • Solid waste considered an • Solid waste considered a vital service • Residential kerbside solid waste,
transfer stations essential service recycling and organics services to
Guidance as at 19 August 2021GUIDANCE FOR TRANSITIONING THROUGH ALERT LEVELS FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Function ALERT LEVEL 4 ALERT LEVEL 3 ALERT LEVEL 2
Reduce
Eliminate Restrict
• Recommend staff wear a mask • Waste exempted for access through alert level continue as normal and in accordance
• Residential kerbside solid waste, border restrictions with safe working practices for level 2
recycling and organics (https://gazette.govt.nz/notice/id/2020- (https://covid19.govt.nz/covid-19/alert-
collections to continue as normal go3791) system/alert-level-2/#workplaces-and-
wherever practicable with safe businesses)
• Residential kerbside solid waste, recycling
working practices for level 4 • Recommend staff wear a mask in
• Commercial collections only for and organics collections to continue as situations where physical distancing is
waste and recycling that normal with safe working practices for not possible, or they are public facing.
supports other essential service level 3 (https://covid19.govt.nz/covid- Recommend customers wear a mask in
activities 19/alert-system/alert-level- situations where physical distancing is
• In support of essential services, 3/#workplaces) Commercial service-related not possible
collection of recycling to commercial solid waste collection continues Transfer stations
continue in all cities/districts (commercial level 3 volumes increase from • Transfer stations, solid waste disposal
level 4, decrease from level 2)
(this may still end up in the facilities and green rubbish transfer
• Recycling collected may end up in the waste
waste stream after collections stations/facilities can open (to avoid fly
stream after collection depending on local
and depending on the local tipping, vermin control) if access can be
Materials Recovery Facilities operations and
Materials Recovery Facilities controlled (COVID compliant -
market demand for materials
operations and market demand https://www.business.govt.nz/covid-
for materials) Materials • MRFs operational in some cities/districts
19/operating-at-alert-levels/#e-22813)
where physical distancing protocols can be
Recovery Facilities operational in • Promote cashless systems and avoid cash
some cities/districts maintained, and manual processing risks can payment systems wherever possible,
be managed include manual disinfectant of EFTPOS
Transfer stations • Recommend staff wear a mask in situations machines
• Recommend staff wear a mask where physical distancing is not possible • Must display a government issued QR
• Transfer stations/ solid waste code for use with the NZ COVID Tracer
disposal facilities open to • Other waste collection services such as
App (and provide an alternative method
essential service waste operators inorganic or green waste collections can
to sign in for those without the app) to
only. Safe operating procedures continue if physical distancing, contact tracing
enable contact tracing of all who enter
are able to be implemented and and contactless payment requirements can be
the workplace or carry out work for the
access including traffic maintained.
business or service
Guidance as at 19 August 2021GUIDANCE FOR TRANSITIONING THROUGH ALERT LEVELS FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Function ALERT LEVEL 4 ALERT LEVEL 3 ALERT LEVEL 2
Reduce
Eliminate Restrict
management, physical • Recommend staff wear a mask in
distancing and contactless situations where physical distancing is
payment to be implemented not possible, or they are public facing.
(customers should be reminded Transfer stations Recommend customers wear a mask
that they should not travel • Transfer stations, solid waste disposal facilities where physical distancing is not possible
outside their local areas to and green rubbish transfer stations/facilities
access these facilities unless permitted (to avoid fly tipping, vermin • Promote cashless systems and avoid cash
authorised to do so). control) if safe operating procedures are able payment systems wherever possible,
• Transfer stations and green to be implemented and access including traffic include manual disinfectant of EFTPOS
rubbish transfer machines
management can be adequately controlled
stations/facilities closed to the
(customers should be reminded that they
general public and non-essential Resource recovery centres
should not travel outside their local areas to
services. • Bin drop for bottles, paper, cardboard
• Must display a government access these facilities)
can open
issued QR code for use with the • Must display a government issued QR code
• Eco shops can open if they can operate
NZ COVID Tracer App (and for use with the NZ COVID Tracer App (and
provide an alternative method to sign in for safely
provide an alternative method to
those without the app) to enable contact • Physical distancing requirements
sign in for those without the
tracing of all who enter the workplace or • Must display a government issued QR
app) to enable contact tracing of
all who enter the workplace or carry out work for the business or service code for use with the NZ COVID Tracer
carry out work for the business • Transfer stations and green rubbish transfer App at each facility (and provide an
or service stations/facilities can open to the general alternative method to sign in for those
public if physical distancing and contact without the app) to enable contact
Resource recovery centres tracing requirements can be maintained tracing
• Residents advised to check their (COVID compliant - • Recommend staff wear a mask in
local council website for details. https://www.business.govt.nz/covid- situations where physical distancing is
• Bin drop for separated 19/operating-at-alert-levels/#e-22810) not possible, or they are public facing.
collections of bottles, paper, • Contactless payment is required to ensure Recommend customers wear a mask in
cardboard permitted only in cash is not handled. Manual disinfection of situations where physical distancing is
areas where no kerbside not possible
EFTPOS machines required
collection service is provided.
Guidance as at 19 August 2021GUIDANCE FOR TRANSITIONING THROUGH ALERT LEVELS FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Function ALERT LEVEL 4 ALERT LEVEL 3 ALERT LEVEL 2
Reduce
Eliminate Restrict
Access to be controlled including • Recommend staff wear a mask in situations • Promote cashless systems and avoid cash
physical distancing and where physical distancing is not possible, or payment systems wherever possible,
contactless payment in use. they are public facing. Recommend include manual disinfectant of EFTPOS
• Must display a government customers wear a mask in situations where machines
issued QR code for use with the physical distancing is not possible
NZ COVID Tracer App (and ** See ShopCare retail protocol for COVID-19
provide an alternative method to Resource recovery centres (PDF)(external link) for guidance on handling of
sign in for those without the • Residents advised to check their local council second hand goods – see returned goods
app) to enable contact tracing of website for details.
all who enter the workplace or • Bin drop for separated collections of bottles,
carry out work for the business paper, cardboard permitted if access can be
or service controlled including contact tracing. Must
• Processing of the materials is display a government issued QR code for use
available within the with the NZ COVID Tracer App (and provide
district/region and operations an alternative method to sign in for those
must be safe (COVID compliant)
without the app) to enable contact tracing of
• Recommend staff wear a mask
all who enter the workplace or carry out
• Eco shops closed
work for the business or service
• Commercial collections and processing of the
materials is available within the district/region
and operations must be safe (COVID
compliant)
• Recommend staff wear a mask in situations
where physical distancing is not possible
• Household item drop offs are not permitted
• Eco shops closed
Cemeteries and • Open for pedestrian access • Cemetery grounds can remain open with • Cemetery grounds can remain open with
crematoria only; COVID19 risk restrictions on operation of cemeteries restrictions on operation of cemeteries
management practices. • Open to funerals and tangi only of up to 10 • Open to funerals and tangihanga as per
people if they can operate safely, and: restrictions on:
Guidance as at 19 August 2021GUIDANCE FOR TRANSITIONING THROUGH ALERT LEVELS FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Function ALERT LEVEL 4 ALERT LEVEL 3 ALERT LEVEL 2
Reduce
Eliminate Restrict
• See Ministry of Health oPhysical distancing and infection prevention https://covid19.govt.nz/alert-system/alert-
guidelines for more and control requirements must be met level-2/
information o Buildings for funeral services must display a • Buildings for funeral services must display a
• Recommend staff wear a government issued QR code for use with the government issued QR code for use with
mask NZ COVID Tracer App (and provide an the NZ COVID Tracer App (and provide an
alternative method to sign in for those alternative method to sign in for those
without the app) to enable contact tracing
without the app) to enable contact tracing
• Recommend staff wear a mask in situations
• Recommend staff wear a mask in situations
where physical distancing is not possible, or they
where physical distancing is not possible, or
are public facing. Recommend customers wear a
they are public facing. Recommend
mask
customers wear a mask
See detailed guidance here:
Animal services • Essential service • Flexible working practices – working remotely. • Normal operation resumes provided it can
o caring for • Good physical distancing and Only responding to urgent requests for service, operate safely
impounded dogs COVID19 risk management e.g. dog attacks, wandering stock, with good • Controlled public access to animal shelters if
o investigating dog practices physical distancing and COVID19 risk they can operate safely, and:
attacks and • Animal shelters closed to management practices o Physical distancing and infection
seizures for public, • Animal shelters closed to public prevention and control requirements
police • Staff caring for animals • Staff caring for animals currently housed. Good must be met
o welfare of currently housed. Good physical distancing and COVID19 risk o Must display a government issued QR
animals physical distancing and management practices applied code for use with the NZ COVID Tracer
App at each facility (and provide an
recovering COVID19 risk management • Animal Management Officers responding to
alternative method to sign in for those
practices priority complaints, with physical distancing and
without the app) to enable contact
• Some Animal Management COVID19 risk management practices applied tracing
Officers responding to priority • Restart registration processes where these can be • Staff caring for animals currently housed.
complaints. Good physical undertaken in a contactless way • Recommend staff wear a mask in situations
where physical distancing is not possible, or
Guidance as at 19 August 2021GUIDANCE FOR TRANSITIONING THROUGH ALERT LEVELS FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Function ALERT LEVEL 4 ALERT LEVEL 3 ALERT LEVEL 2
Reduce
Eliminate Restrict
distancing and COVID19 risk • Recommend staff wear a mask in situations they are public facing. Recommend
management practices where physical distancing is not possible customers wear a mask where physical
• Some stock control distancing is not possible
• Recommend staff wear a mask
Maintenance of public • Toilets only on main freight • Toilets only on main freight routes open (and • Most public toilets open
toilets routes open (and where where requested by essential services) • Increased cleaning frequency
requested by essential services) • Increased cleaning frequency • Recommend staff wear a mask in situations
• Increased cleaning frequency • Recommend staff wear a mask in situations where physical distancing is not possible
• Recommend staff wear a mask where physical distancing is not possible
Social housing • Essential service • COVID19 risk management practices in place to • Normal service resumed if they can operate
• COVID19 risk management operate safely safely, and:
practices Capital programme (new builds or empty units) o Physical distancing and infection
• Essential /emergency • Stand up planned capital programme dependent prevention and control requirements
maintenance only with COVID19 on: must be met
risk management practices o Supply chain (availability) o Should record attendees to ensure
o Contractor availability contact tracing may be conducted if
• Recommend staff wear a mask
o H&S plan (ability to maintain distance and necessary
hygiene, tracking) Tenant management
o Limited work group on sites provided they • Regular contact with tenants done virtually
strictly limit person to person contact and
allow contact tracing • Some physical engagement with tenants
Maintenance reinstated where this can operate safely
• Priority maintenance with COVID19 risk • Recommend staff wear a mask in situations
management practices to operate safely where physical distancing is not possible
• Recommend staff wear a mask in situations
where physical distancing is not possible
Tenant management
• Regular contact with tenants done virtually
Guidance as at 19 August 2021GUIDANCE FOR TRANSITIONING THROUGH ALERT LEVELS FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Function ALERT LEVEL 4 ALERT LEVEL 3 ALERT LEVEL 2
Reduce
Eliminate Restrict
Community and social • Alert level 4 businesses and • •
services services include: Social and
community-based services
provided to support persons to
maintain critical well-being or as
crisis support for people who
are unsafe or homeless.
• Four categories for social and
community-based services at
Alert Level 4 have been
identified. Organisations are
being asked to determine which
category your service or activity
falls into. The four categories
are:
o Where the social service is
the only way for people
accessing food and other
goods they need to survive
(e.g., money management
(but not budget advice),
food banks, and other
delivery of essential goods)
o A social service that provides
and supports a place for
someone to live (e.g.,
Supported Accommodation,
Housing First, Residence, Bail
Hostels, Night Shelters,
Guidance as at 19 August 2021GUIDANCE FOR TRANSITIONING THROUGH ALERT LEVELS FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Function ALERT LEVEL 4 ALERT LEVEL 3 ALERT LEVEL 2
Reduce
Eliminate Restrict
Family homes, remand
homes, foster carers of
children in state care,
resettlement services for
recent migrants and
refugees.
o A social service that supports
disabled people to maintain
critical wellbeing (e.g.,
disability services for those
with high needs or very high
needs and excluding
disability employment
services).
o Crisis support for people
who are unsafe (e.g., Funded
helplines, refuges and family
violence services, foster care
support services, sexual
violence crisis services).
• If employees need to work on
site, you should apply the same
Alert Level 4 requirements as
noted above (e.g., keep 2
metres apart, clean the
workplace regularly, use PPE,
and display QR codes).
Guidance as at 19 August 2021GUIDANCE FOR TRANSITIONING THROUGH ALERT LEVELS FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Function ALERT LEVEL 4 ALERT LEVEL 3 ALERT LEVEL 2
Reduce
Eliminate Restrict
• If you need proof of travel, a
Travel letter template can be
downloaded here.
Roading/highways • Essential service: roading • All freight can be distributed • Normal operations, with COVID19 risk
maintenance and repairs to • Personal and interregional travel remains management practices in place
keep the roads safe restricted • Recommend staff wear a mask in situations
• Procurement continuing • Essential works will continue. where physical distancing is not possible
remotely • Works that can be performed following the
• Recommend staff wear a mask COVID19 risk management practices re physical
distancing may also be viable depending on
advice/guidance and procedures.
• e.g. Road rehabs; road maintenance, small capital
projects.
• Recommend staff wear a mask in situations
where physical distancing is not possible
** Please refer to Ministry of Transport for up to date
guidance as issues evolve
Noise Control • Councils should accept and • At Alert Level 3 and below any councils which • At Alert Level 2, Councils must deliver noise
triage noise complaints via their suspended noise control services during Alert control services at a level consistent with
call centre or other normal Level 4 should resume them. The service level their business-as-usual arrangements
means that are operating should be close to that provided during business provided they can operate safely
remotely. Information should as usual, though attempts should be made to
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be made publicly available on resolve noise issues remotely before attending a • Recommend staff wear a mask in situations
council websites to enable site (for example, via a phone call if contact where physical distancing is not possible
people to direct queries relating information is available), or there may be a
to noise control to council in the modified threshold for deciding to undertake a
first instance site attendance
• Where possible, councils should • Recommend staff wear a mask in situations
aim to resolve noise complaints where physical distancing is not possible
remotely. Noise officers should • Police will not attend noise calls unless there is a
only attend sites where this is breach of an Excessive Noise Direction, an
already part of the service level escalated incident (such as threatening
being provided under level 4, behaviour), or the noise is associated with a
e.g. where security firms are suspected breach of requirements relating to
already supporting and are gatherings of people
taking all of the following • At all Alert Levels, Councils are reminded of their
measures: duties toward employees and contractors as
o minimise, or eliminate if PCBUs under the Health and Safety at Work Act
possible, physical 2015, and their broader duty of care to the
interactions among staff public. Health and safety plans which take all
and with and between the reasonably practicable steps to reduce or
public eliminate COVID-19 transmission risks are
o ensure appropriate health, essential in order to protect noise control officers
hygiene and safety and the members of the public with whom they
measures are in place interact
o restrict activity to only • Health and safety plans must incorporate
what is ‘essential’ during protocols for, at a minimum:
the Alert Level 4 period o Physical distancing – minimise, or eliminate
• Council officers should contact where practical, physical interactions among
police for assistance as they staff and with the public
normally would following o One officer per vehicle
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triaging. Police can issue o Appropriate PPE (if required)
excessive noise directions
where they are attending a
complaint at the request of a
noise officer (s327(1) and
s328(3) of the Resource
Management Act). Councils
should provide remote support
for these assessments and any
notices to be issued
Council governance and • Meetings and public • Meetings and public engagement to be held • Physical meetings resumed where they can
decision making engagement to be held remotely operate safely, and:
remotely o Physical distancing of 2 meters is
maintained between members of the
public and with councillors and staff *
o Infection prevention and control
requirements must be met
o Must display a government issued QR
code for use with the NZ COVID Tracer
App at each facility (and provide an
alternative method to sign in for those
without the app) to enable contact
tracing
o Arrangements will still be needed for
councillors, staff and public who are at
risk of severe illness should they
contract COVID-19 to participate
remotely, if required (e.g. people aged
70 and over)
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• If public meetings cannot be held safely
they may be held remotely
• Recommend staff wear a mask in
situations where physical distancing is
not possible, or they are public facing.
Recommend public attendees wear a
mask
*where physical distancing is maintained
restrictions on gatherings do not apply
Pools • Closed • Closed to the public • Generally, pool facilities can open to the
Scheduled maintenance and capital programme public if they can operate safely, and:
• Stand up planned capital programme dependent o Physical distancing and infection
on: prevention and control requirements
o Supply chain (availability) must be met
o Contractor availability o Must display a government issued QR
o H&S plan (ability to maintain distance and code for use with the NZ COVID Tracer
hygiene, tracking) App at each facility (and provide an
o Limited work group on sites provided they alternative method to sign in for those
strictly limit person to person contact and without the app) to enable contact
allow contact tracing tracing
• Recommend these staff wear a mask • Some facilities shut, such as spa pools, hydro
slides, steam rooms, saunas and hot pools
• Recommend staff wear a mask in situations
where physical distancing is not possible, or
they are public facing
• Consider ability to provide programmes
depending on ability to apply COVID19 risk
management practices, for example:
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o programme groups are no larger than
the maximum allowed under
restrictions on gatherings;
o there are adequate measures to
provide for physical distancing between
a group and the public/other groups;
o contact tracing measures are in place;
and
o there is no intermingling between
groups
• Limit entry according to site size/ability to
practice physical distancing – there is no
maximum capacity for swimming pools
within building/structures
Libraries • Closed • Closed to the public • Generally, can open to the public with
• Mobile and outreach services • Limited access to staff to enable priority work COVID19 risk management practices in
closed that cannot be done at home, such as digitisation place
• All public programmes and projects, if adequate measures in place re • Recommend staff wear a mask in
venue bookings cancelled physical distancing and contact tracing - situations where physical distancing is
• All return bins closed recommend these staff wear a mask in not possible, or they are public facing.
Online services situations where physical distancing is not Recommend customers wear a mask
• Some service continues online possible • Consider ability to provide programmes
• Digital content available 24/7 • Mobile and outreach services closed depending on ability to apply COVID19
• Sign up for a library • All public programmes and venue bookings risk management practices, for example:
membership online to allow you cancelled o programme groups are no larger
to access our digital online • All return bins closed than the maximum allowed
services. under restrictions on gatherings;
• Finger-tip (Phone) Library Online services o there are adequate measures to
• Some service continues online provide for physical distancing
Service operating 7 days
• Digital content available 24/7
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Loans • Free Wi-Fi available outside some libraries to be between a group and the
• Loan period extended, resumed where appropriate measures are in public/other groups;
unlimited renewals and holds place re physical distancing (to help with digital o contact tracing measures are in
suspended dive & visitors trapped in country with border place; and
controls) o there is no intermingling
between groups
• Take steps to avoid Wi-Fi users clustering in an
• Limit entry according to ability to
unsafe way, e.g. messaging around distancing
practice physical distancing – there is no
• Finger-tip (Phone) Library Service operating 7
maximum capacity for libraries
days
• Must display a government issued QR
code for use with the NZ COVID Tracer
Loans App at each facility (and provide an
• Loan period extended, unlimited renewals and alternative method to sign in for those
holds suspended without the app) to enable contact
• All return bins closed tracing
• No pick up and drop off • Promote self-service kiosks where
practical
Library staff should be advised to:
• Regularly wash and dry their hands or
use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser
• Avoid touching their face, particularly
while handling returned items
• Cough or sneeze into their elbow and
wash and dry hands or use hand sanitiser
after blowing their nose
• Stay home if they are sick
• With good hand hygiene, shared staff
equipment does not need to be wiped
between use, but equipment and high
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touch surfaces in the library should be
regularly cleaned throughout the day
Library Users should be advised to (consider
signage as appropriate):
• Not enter the facility if they are unwell
• Use hand sanitiser on entering the library
• Wash and dry their hands/use hand
sanitiser when using library items at
home for the first couple of days after
issue, if they are concerned
• Cough or sneeze into their elbow and
wash and dry hands or use hand sanitiser
after blowing their nose
• Recommend public wear a mask
*If the above precautions are followed, there
should be no need for library users to disinfect
items (risking damage) before returning them to
the library, and no need to quarantine returned
items
Galleries and Museums Closed • Closed to the public • Generally, can open to the public with
• Online • Limited access to staff to enable priority work COVID19 risk management practices in
that cannot be done at home, such as digitisation place for appropriate physical distancing
projects, if adequate measures in place re – minimise, or eliminate where practical,
physical distancing and contact tracing online physical interactions among staff and
service - recommend these staff wear a mask in with the public
situations where physical distancing is not • Limit entry according to site ability to
possible practice physical distancing – there is no
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maximum capacity for museums and
galleries
• Must display a government issued QR
code for use with the NZ COVID Tracer
App at each facility (and provide an
alternative method to sign in for those
without the app) to enable contact
tracing
• Promote cashless systems and avoid cash
payment systems wherever possible,
include manual disinfectant of EFTPOS
machines
• Recommend staff wear a mask in
situations where physical distancing is
not possible, or they are public facing.
Recommend public attendees wear a
mask
Rec Centres, Gyms, Closed Closed • Generally, gym facilities can open with
Stadia • Online services available e.g. o Online service available, workouts, stretch additional cleaning regimes in place
workouts, stretch classes etc classes etc • Recommend staff wear a mask in
• Construction sites closed situations where physical distancing is
• Capital programme planning, Scheduled maintenance and capital programme not possible, or they are public facing.
design and procurement and • Stand up capital programme dependent on: Recommend customers wear a mask
tendering continuing remotely o Supply chain (availability) where physical distancing is not possible
o Contractor availability • Consider ability to provide programmes
o H&S plan (ability to maintain distance and depending on ability to apply COVID19
hygiene, tracking) risk management practices, for example:
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o Limited work groups on sites provided they o programme groups are no larger
strictly limit person to person contact and than the maximum allowed
allow contact tracing under restrictions on gatherings;
• Recommend these staff wear a mask o there are adequate measures to
provide for physical distancing
between a group and the
public/other groups;
o contact tracing measures are in
place; and
o there is no intermingling
between groups
• Limit entry according to site size/ability
to practice physical distancing – there is
no maximum capacity facilities where
customers/clients are members of the
business or service, such as gyms
• Promote contactless entry systems
where possible
• Must display a government issued QR
code for use with the NZ COVID Tracer
App at each facility (and provide an
alternative method to sign in for those
without the app) to enable contact
tracing
• Stadia closed to gatherings over the
number specified here
https://covid19.govt.nz/alert-
system/alert-level-2/
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• Organised sport activities will be allowed
in accordance with Sport and Recreation
guidance in this table
Community Halls Closed Closed • Can re-open if they can operate safely and
• Capital programme planning, Scheduled maintenance and capital programme meet requirements for gatherings
design and procurement • Stand up capital programme dependent on: • Capital works can continue subject to
continuing remotely o Supply chain (availability) COVID19 practices
o Contractor availability • Limit entry according to site size/ability to
o H&S plan (ability to maintain distance and practice physical distancing
hygiene, tracking) • Should record attendees to ensure contact
o Limited work groups on sites provided they tracing may be conducted if necessary
strictly limit person to person contact and • Consider ability to provide programmes
allow contact tracing depending on ability to apply COVID19 risk
management practices, for example:
o groups are no larger than the maximum
allowed under restrictions on
gatherings;
o there are adequate measures to
provide for physical distancing between
a group and the public/other groups;
o contact tracing measures are in place;
and
o there is no intermingling between
groups
• Recommend public attendees wear a mask
Playgrounds, Parks*, • Parks open. With Messaging re • Recommend public attendees wear a mask • Recommend public attendees wear a mask
Cycle Parks, and Skate social distancing • Playgrounds, skate parks, cycle parks & exercise where physical distancing is not possible
Parks • Recommend public attendees equipment closed • Council-owned sports facilities e.g.
wear a mask • Signs and tape where possible advising closure clubrooms open if they can operate safely,
advised and councils have adequate assurances of
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• Carparks within parks closed for • Public toilets closed COVID-19 best practice messaging to public
vehicle access, pedestrian • Below facilities open subject to council being re physical distancing
*note regional parks access open satisfied sufficient measures are in place to re • Below facilities may open subject to council
discussed below • Playgrounds & exercise messages about physical distancing and cleaning satisfaction they can operate safely, with
equipment closed of touchpoints (e.g. gates, latches): messages about physical distancing and safe
• Public toilets closed o Parks can open with messaging re physical use as appropriate, and hygiene measures in
• Dog waste must be taken home distancing place for touchpoints
and disposed of in bin for o Associated carparks can open o Parks can open. With messaging re
normal kerbside collection • All council-owned sports facilities e.g. clubrooms physical distancing as appropriate
• Facilities within parks closed are closed o Associated carparks can open with
including the visitor/information • Full urban and regional park ranger service messaging re physical distancing as
centres operating – with COVID19 risk management appropriate
• Skeleton crew of essential practices in place o Playgrounds & exercise equipment open
workers checking parks daily, with safe practice messages in place*
vermin control, fly dumping, fire Scheduled maintenance and capital programme o Associated public toilets can open with
hazard, bin emptying • Stand up planned capital programme dependent extra cleaning
• Wharfs and jetties closed on: o Dog parks can open with safe practices
o Supply chain (availability) guidelines
o Contractor availability
o H&S plan (ability to maintain distance and Full urban and regional park ranger service
hygiene, tracking) operating – with COVID19 risk management
o Limited work groups on sites provided they practices in place
strictly limit person to person contact and
allow contact tracing Scheduled maintenance and capital programme
• Maintenance of facilities deemed as permitted • Stand up planned capital programme
exceptions recommend these staff wear a mask dependent on:
o Supply chain (availability)
o Contractor availability
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o H&S plan (ability to maintain distance
and hygiene, tracking)
• Recommend these staff wear a mask
*Users should be advised:
• To wash and dry their hands or use hand
sanitiser before and afterwards (you may
wish to consider supplying hand sanitizer as
appropriate)
• not to touch their face, cough and sneeze
into elbow
• if they have cold or flu symptoms to stay off
the equipment
Sports Fields and Closed Closed Limited access
Athletics Facilities • All council-owned sports • All council-owned sports facilities e.g. clubrooms • Recommend public attendees wear a
facilities e.g. clubrooms are are closed mask where physical distancing is not
closed possible
• Can open to organised sport as
permitted by Sport and Recreation
guidance in this table
• Council-owned sports facilities e.g.
clubrooms open if they can operate
safely and councils have adequate
assurances of COVID-19 best practice
messaging to public re physical
distancing
• Where indoor facilities are available -
must display a government issued QR
code for use with the NZ COVID Tracer
App at each facility (and provide an
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alternative method to sign in for those
without the app) to enable contact
tracing
Walking/mountain bike • Tracks may open if they can operate safely and in • Open
tracks and horse trails accordance with Alert Level 3 restrictions e.g. • Tracks and associated facilities may open if
physical distancing they can operate safely in accordance with
• Recommend public users wear a mask Alert Level 2 restrictions
• Recommend public attendees wear a mask
in situations where physical distancing is
not possible
Camping Grounds and • Public camp sites closed • Public camp sites closed • Recommend users wear a mask in
Holiday Parks • Some holiday parks limited • Some holiday parks limited bookings for self- situations where physical distancing is not
bookings for self-contained contained vehicles only possible
vehicles only • Recommend users wear a mask when outside • Can choose to open with increased cleaning
• Recommend users wear a mask their vehicle frequency
when outside their vehicle • Some emergency provision for freedom campers • Consider appropriate capacity and number
• Some emergency provision for – separate facilities. No communal facilities open of sites to ensure these can operate safely
freedom campers – separate e.g. showers, toilets, kitchen or laundry etc and maintain physical distancing
facilities. No communal facilities • Note that restrictions on travel outside local area • Serviced, bookable campsites and those
open e.g. showers, toilets, (with exceptions) mean freedom campers and with a camp manager present must display
kitchen or laundry etc others should not be moving or travelling - See a government issued QR code for use with
• Temporary accommodation for https://www.transport.govt.nz/about/covid- the NZ COVID Tracer App at each facility
self-isolation 19/transport-and-travel-by-alert-level/ for up to (and provide an alternative method to sign
Freedom camping facilities date guidance on movement at Alert Levels in for those without the app) to enable
• Closed • Temporary accommodation for self-isolation contact tracing
Freedom camping facilities Freedom camping facilities
• Closed • Dependent on local circumstances, can
choose to open provided they can operate
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safely including direct management or
oversight of their use
• Communal facilities (e.g. showers, toilets,
kitchen or laundry etc.) can open if they can
operate safely within the COVID-19 Alert
Level 2 restrictions and with increased
cleaning frequency
• Consider appropriate capacity and number
of sites to ensure these can operate safely
• Appropriate signage about COVID-19 safe
practices on site and appropriate use of
facilities
• Associated dumping stations may reopen
Regulatory and • Staff working remotely • Staff continue to work remotely • Flexible working practices as appropriate
licensing As other businesses resume requiring inspections: (staff working remotely where practicable,
• Inspections and site visits to be arranged with split shift)
limited interaction with the public, appropriate • Inspections and site visits to be arranged to
physical distancing and contact tracing measures limit interaction with the public
in place • Recommend staff wear a mask in situations
• Recommend staff wear a mask in situations where physical distancing is not possible, or
where physical distancing is not possible they are public facing
Consenting functions • Continuation of all consenting • Continuation of all consenting services which • Flexible working practices as appropriate
(building and resource services which can be provided can be provided by staff working remotely at (working remotely where practicable, split
consents) by staff working remotely at home shift)
home • Virtual hearings for resource consents • Inspections and site visits to be arranged so
• Virtual hearings for resource • Site inspections permitted provided physical distancing can be maintained with
consents with remote arrangements made remotely with COVID19 the public and good hygiene practices in
appearances risk management practices applied Guidance place
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