VERSION DATE: 18 MARCH, 2020 - Restaurant Association of New ...
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VERSION DATE: 18 MARCH, 2020
In January 2020, Chinese authorities confirmed a new type of
coronavirus, known as 2019-nCoV, or COVID-19. The World Health
Organization declared a global health emergency as a result of the
coronavirus outbreak, which is officially a global pandemic.
The outbreak has caused significant concerns for many of our members and our aim
is to update and provide information and support to members. This support package
of information for members seeks to provide some general guidance, however,
members can also contact our Helpline on 0800 737 827 with specific questions.
This is a rapidly evolving issue and it is not possible to predict what will happen in
the coming weeks. We do not know how long the disruption to international
visitation is likely to last and how long the recovery period might be. However,
there have been global health scares in the past, and on those occasions,
the impact on travel has been relatively brief.
Please stay in touch with the Association (0800 737 827, info@restaurantnz.co.nz)
if you have concerns or questions regarding your business.
This update is available online by going to: www.restaurantnz.co.nz (keyword
COVID-19).
2
In the COVID-19 SUPPORT PACKAGE
for Restaurant Association members
Government economic response package for Employers Page 4
Government response / travel restrictions Page 7
General health advice Page 9
Business continuity support Page 12
Employment advice Page 15
Food safety advice Page 20
Health & Safety advice Page 23
Health & Wellbeing Page 26
Advice from Immigration New Zealand Page 28
Useful Links Page 29
3
Government economic
response package:
On 17th March, the Government released an economic response package
to help support the economy during the COVID-19 crisis.
Read the Finance Minister’s Statement to Parliament on the economic relief to COVID-19 here:
(https://www.beehive.govt.nz/speech/statement-parliament-economic-response-covid-19)
For employers, the package includes:
wage subsidy scheme
leave and self-isolation support
business cash flow and tax measures
wider $12.1 billion package.
Wage subsidy scheme
Wage subsidies are available for all employers that are significantly impacted by
COVID-19 and are struggling to retain employees as a result. The wage subsidies are
available for businesses in all sectors and all regions that can show a 30 per cent
decline in revenue for any month between January and June 2020 compared to the
year before (including projected revenue).
The subsidy is $585.80 per week for a full time employee (20 hrs or more) or $350.00
per week for a part time employee (less than 20 hrs). The payment will be made as a
lump sum for a period covering 12 weeks. This means employers will receive a
payment of $7,029.60 for a full time employee and $4,200 for a part time employee.
The maximum amount any one employer can receive is $150,000.
To qualify:
your business must be registered and operating in New Zealand
your employees must be legally working in New Zealand
the business must have experienced a minimum 30% decline in actual or
predicted revenue over the period of a month when compared with the same
month last year, and that decline is related to COVID-19
your business must have taken active steps to mitigate the impact of COVID-19
4
you must make best efforts to retain employees and pay them a minimum of
80% of their normal income for the subsidised period.
MSD will be processing and approving applications as quickly as they can. They are
aiming to make payments five working days after they have all the information they
need from you – but this will depend on the volume of applications received.
You can apply online for either the COVID-19 Wage Subsidy or COVID-19 Leave
Payment here:
https://services.workandincome.govt.nz/ess/employer_applications/new
More information can also be found on the Work and Income website:
https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/products/a-z-benefits/covid-19-
support.html
Leave and self-isolation support
Workers and businesses have responsibilities to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The
purpose of the COVID-19 leave and self-isolation scheme is to support workers
financially to self-isolate, or while ill with COVID-19, where this is required, so that all
businesses and workers can do the right thing.
The COVID-19 Leave Payment will be available to support people financially if they
need to self-isolate, cannot work because they are sick with COVID-19 or cannot work
because they are caring for dependents who are required to self-isolate or who are
sick with COVID-19.
The payments are $585.80 per week for full time and $350 per week for part time
workers. The COVID-19 Leave Payment are available for eight weeks from 17 March
2020. Employers will be able to apply for this more than once.
More information on who qualifies for the leave payment, and how to apply, can
be found on the Work and Income website:
https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/products/a-z-benefits/covid-19-
support.html
5Business cash flow and tax measures
There are a number of business cash flow and tax measures that have been
announced, including:
The Government is proposing to give Inland Revenue the ability to write-off
the interest charged for late payments, also known as use-of-money interest
(UOMI).
Increasing the provisional tax threshold from $2,500 to $5,000 from 2020/2021.
Increasing the small asset depreciation threshold from $500 to $1,000 — and to
$5,000 for the 2020/21 tax year.
Allowing depreciation on commercial and industrial buildings from 2020/2021.
Removing the hours test from the In-Work Tax Credit (IWTC) from 1 July 2020.
More information on the business cash flow and tax measures can be found on
the Inland Revenue website:
https://www.ird.govt.nz/Updates/News-Folder/tax-relief-coronavirus
Other support for employers:
MSD
If you’ve been affected by COVID-19, MSD may be able to help in other ways. There
are various ways they can help, whether you’re an individual or an employer. MSD can:
meet with you to talk about your situation,
discuss ways to help you retain your staff,
co-ordinate with other agencies, eg. Inland Revenue or Careers New Zealand,
meet with your employees to talk about what support is available (either one-
on-one or group sessions),
help your employees with:
o finding another job
o re-training
o skills assessment
o financial support.
MSD have also set up rapid response teams in various regions and have a fact sheet
which includes Labour Market Managers contact information. Please let us know if
you need help contacting MSD, call us on 0800 737 827.
6Government Response / Travel
Restrictions:
In response to growing concerns about the spread of the virus, the New
Zealand Government has placed temporary entry restrictions into New
Zealand. The decision to restrict travel will be reviewed every 48 hours.
Currently, the restrictions prevent the following foreign nationals from entering New
Zealand:
those who have been present in, or transited through, Iran or mainland
China, 14 days prior to them departing for New Zealand. Mainland China
includes all of China, but not Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR, and not Taiwan.
The decision to refuse entry does not apply to New Zealand citizens, permanent
residents and their immediate family, who will still be able to come to New Zealand.
However, they will be required to self-isolate for 14 days on arrival back in the country.
Australian citizens and permanent residents are also excluded if they ordinarily reside
in New Zealand.
Otherwise,
every person entering New Zealand from anywhere in the world, apart from
the Pacific (Category 2 countries*), will be required to self-isolate for 14 days
and register with Healthline (0800 358 5453).
People who have recently travelled from Category 2 countries and territories
(excluding airport transit) should be aware of the COVID-19 symptoms. You do
not have to self-isolate if you are well.
*Category 2 countries are Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru,
New Caledonia, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Tokelau,
Wallis and Futuna
For New Zealanders travelling overseas, the New Zealand Government is encouraging
New Zealanders to avoid all non-essential travel. Travel advisories are also being
updated constantly. Currently, there are advisories around travel to the following
countries: China, Hong, Kong, Iran, Italy, Japan, Samoa and South Korea.
View updates here: https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/news/covid-19-coronavirus.
7In addition, all New Zealanders traveling overseas are encouraged to return to New
Zealand.
New Zealanders travelling should also consider that many other countries have border
restrictions on foreign nationals entering the country.
For information on COVID-19 related border restrictions, please check the
International Air Transport Association (IATA) website before you travel:
https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/international-travel-document-
news/1580226297.htm.
8General health advice:
The Ministry of Health is closely monitoring the situation and following
guidance from the World Health Organization (who have declared the
outbreak a global pandemic). There are now a number of confirmed
cases of COVID-19 in New Zealand. However, the likelihood of a
widespread outbreak remains low.
The Ministry of Health website is your best source of information about the
Coronavirus:
https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/novel-
coronavirus-china-2019-ncov .
The website includes information on
the current status in New Zealand
Latest advice: Symptoms, prevention, treatment, how it spreads & more
Contact tracing
Countries and areas of concern
Face mask and hygiene advice
Home care information
Managing your mental wellbeing
Questions and answers
The Ministry of Health also have guidance for self-isolation:
https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/novel-
coronavirus-2019-ncov/novel-coronavirus-self-isolation .
For any coronavirus health advice and information and any questions you have about
coronavirus, the Ministry of Health has established a dedicated 0800 Healthline
number for health advice and information. The number is 0800 358 5453 – it is free
and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you have been in close contact with a person who has a confirmed case of COVID-
19 you should self-isolate for 14 days. If you develop symptoms including fever,
coughing and difficulty breathing you should call Healthline.
9What are the signs and symptoms of COVID-19?
Symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to a range of other illnesses such as influenza and
do not necessarily mean that you have COVID-19. Symptoms include:
fever
coughing
difficulty breathing.
Difficulty breathing is a sign of possible pneumonia and requires immediate medical
attention.
If you have these symptoms and have recently been to any country (except those
listed in the countries and areas of concern under Category 2), or have been in close
contact with someone confirmed with COVID-19, please contact Healthline on 0800
358 5453 or your doctor immediately.
How does COVID-19 spread?
Like the flu, COVID-19 can be transmitted from person to person. The scientific
evidence confirms that COVID-19 is spread by droplets. This means that when an
infected person coughs, sneezes or talks, they may generate droplets containing the
virus. These droplets are too large to stay in the air for long, so they quickly settle on
surrounding surfaces.
Droplet-spread diseases can be spread by:
coughing and sneezing
close personal contact
contact with an object or surface with viral particles on it and then touching
your mouth, nose or eyes.
That's why it's really important to practice good hygiene, regularly wash and
thoroughly dry your hands and practice good cough etiquette.
How do I protect myself and others from COVID-19?
You should always practice good hygiene by:
covering coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues
washing hands for at least 20 seconds with water and soap and drying them
thoroughly:
before eating or handling food
10 after using the toilet
after coughing, sneezing, blowing your nose or wiping children’s noses
after caring for sick people.
People with symptoms of acute respiratory infection should practice good cough
etiquette (maintain distance, cover coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues, and
wash hands). If you have concerns, you can contact the dedicated COVID-19
Healthline for free on 0800 358 5453.
Additional up-to-date information is also available from the World Health
Organization (WHO):
Questions and answers https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-
coronaviruses
Emergency preparedness, response https://www.who.int/csr/don/en/
WHO Twitter account https://twitter.com/WHO
Advice for international travel https://www.who.int/ith/2020-
0901_outbreak_of_Pneumonia_caused_by_a_new_coronavirus_in_C/en/
11Business continuity support:
Our mobilisation following Covid-19 to help members has included:
Restaurant Association’s 24/7 Helpline (0800 737 827) – members are
encouraged to contact us to discuss their business needs, so we can guide you
through next steps.
Additional Restaurant Association membership services include legal support,
human resources, payroll, business mentoring and marketing advice.
Weekly COVID-19 webinar – for a situation update and FaQ’s.
https://www.restaurantnz.co.nz/event_category/professional-development/
Increased mobilisation of on the ground support, to ensure our member
businesses who indicated they were struggling, could get in-house support as
soon as possible.
Public advocacy – the Restaurant Association has been vocally calling on the
Government to offer support to affected hospitality businesses in the form of
a business continuity package.
Development of the #DineoutNZ marketing campaign encouraging the public
to continue to dine out and support their local hospitality businesses.
The roll-out of emergency memberships for hospitality businesses that are
severely impacted by COVID-19.
Government assistance:
Businesses affected by the coronavirus can access government support through the
Regional Business Partners programme to help businesses around the country with
practical advice on issues such as payroll and liaising with Inland Revenue on tax
payments. In addition, 16 rapid response Ministry of Social Development teams have
been established to assist with immediate needs such as helping move workers into
other employment and referring those in need of further support to other government
agencies.
The Government have announced the implementation of a Business Continuity
Package to help support the economy through the disruption caused by COVID-19.
12The Business Continuity Package includes:
wage subsidy scheme:
leave and self-isolation support scheme
business cash flow and tax measures to free up cashflow, including a
provisional tax threshold lift, the reinstatement of building depreciation and
writing off interest on the late payment of tax
wider $12.1 billion package
Further information is provided in the Government economic response package
section of this guide.
Other business considerations:
Banks:
Get in contact with your bank if you’re experiencing cash flow issues, especially in
regards to loans repayments or lack of funding. They might be able to help or put you
in touch with someone who can.
Westpac support for coronavirus affected customers: Westpac NZ is offering
support to customers financially affected by the global outbreak of coronavirus. The
relief package features a range of possible support options for both business and
personal customers.
These may include:
A temporary overdraft facility;
Suspension of principal loan payments for up to three months;
Deferred payment on business credit cards for up to three months.
Customers requiring access to term deposit funds should also get in touch to
discuss options.
Anyone who has been affected should call Westpac on 0800 606 606 to discuss their
individual needs or drop into a branch in person.
Insurance:
Unfortunately, standard business insurance offered by local and offshore insurers
usually have a specific policy exclusion called “Infectious / Contagious Disease” which
means that any loss or damage or business interruption loss in connection with a
13notifiable infectious disease is specifically not covered. Some exceptions include
travel insurance where the policy was in place prior to public notification. Check with
your insurer if you need clarification.
IRD:
Tax relief and income assistance is available to people affected by the downturn in
business due to the Coronavirus COVID-19. There are a range of ways to help,
depending on your circumstances. You may be able to make an estimate or re-
estimate of provisional tax or if you’re having difficulty paying outstanding tax, you
may be able to set up an installment arrangement. Find out more here:
https://www.ird.govt.nz/Updates/News-Folder/tax-relief-coronavirus
Worksafe
have prepared some advice on workplace readiness for novel coronavirus:
https://worksafe.govt.nz/topic-and-industry/work-related-health/workplace-
preparedness-for-novel-coronavirus/
WorkSafe expectations about COVID-19: The emergence of COVID-19 across the
globe has created a new work health and safety risk that businesses need to manage.
Worksafe expect all businesses to:
follow the latest Ministry of Health advice about preventing COVID-19 and to
promote good hygiene practices at work
identify and manage any emerging risks brought about by the COVID-19
situation. For example, changes in consumer demand may impact worker
health and safety, and supply issues for worker personal protective equipment
(PPE).
Worksafe also expect workers to take care of their own health and safety, and the
health and safety of others, while at work. This means following and cooperating with
any reasonable health and safety instructions, policies and procedures they’re given.
You can also view the Health & Safety section of this guide for more information.
14Employment advice:
Unfortunately, the legal and practical issues associated with coronavirus
and employment are not straightforward. Employers must try to find a
balance between taking reasonable precautionary measures and being
prepared for further developments. Employers should act in line with the
overarching obligation of good faith when making decisions on how to
deal with individual circumstances.
Some key considerations as the situation develops further and New Zealand
reports more cases of people infected with COVID-19:
Introduce additional hygiene measures, such as providing hand sanitisers at
wash stations, counters, customer service areas and the entrances to your
premises.
Remind staff and customers that no discrimination will be tolerated and no
one will be treated differently due to nationality and/or religion. Ensure
employees are aware that any such behaviour will not be tolerated.
Reassure staff and provide information if they request it.
Make sure that there is a clear point of contact within the business for
employees if there are any sudden developments due to the virus spreading.
Employees have a right under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 to
refuse work if they consider their workplace to be unsafe, so ensure that you
do all that is reasonably within your control to create a safe workplace.
Record any agreements made with employees in writing.
Consider these issues including the questions below and what your response
might be, bearing in mind that this situation is likely to evolve over time.
In brief, here is an update and some responses to potentially frequently asked
questions members may have:
What if someone is feeling unwell?
Encourage employees to take sick leave if they are feeling unwell. Employees should
not be at work if they are sick. If you are in a position to do so, consider developing an
emergency policy that increases sick leave entitlement during any pandemic, should
15that become necessary. Employees may also request to take annual leave as an
alternative if they have no sick leave entitlement.
What if an employee self isolates for 14 days after returning to New Zealand, or
has potentially come into contact with the virus, or has the virus?
The Government has now introduced the COVID-19 leave payment scheme which
will provide support for those people unable to work who are in self-isolation, are sick
with COVID-19, or caring for others with COVID-19.
The payments will be $585.80 per week for full time and $350 per week for part time
workers.
The payment does not affect any paid leave entitlements that are owed and is
available even if an employee is on paid leave for part of the period. It is not available
to those who can work from home during the period of self-isolation, and who can be
paid normally by their employer.
The entitlement is for:
Those who self-isolate in accordance with public health guidance and who
register with Healthline;
Those who are ill with COVID-19;
Those who cannot work because they are caring for a dependent in either of
these circumstances.
Those who leave New Zealand to travel overseas from 16 March, 2020 will not be
eligible for this payment for self-isolation on their return.
More information on the sick leave scheme, including how to apply, and other
support for businesses can be found at www.govt.nz/coronavirus.
It is advisable to have a discussion with any employees in self-isolation and reach a
reasonable arrangement. This may include the employee/s taking a combination of
leave types. If practicable, an alternative arrangement may be to facilitate the
employee working from home during this period, however, this is likely to be
impractical for most of our Members. Please note there is no provision in the Holidays
Act 2003 allowing an employer to force an employee to take their accrued sick leave.
16Can an employer require an employee to stay away?
In general terms, if an employee is ready, willing and able to work, the employer is
obliged to provide the employee with work. However, an employer may want an
employee who is suspected of having come into contact with coronavirus to stay
away from work, so as not to pose a risk to others in the workplace and may
potentially be obliged under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA) to direct
that the employee not come in to work.
If there is a risk of general infection, or if the workplace is unable to function
effectively due to employee absences, an employer may also be justified in closing
the workplace altogether. Additionally, employees are required to comply with any
reasonable instruction given to them by the employer. Given this, requiring a high-risk
employee to self-isolate from the workplace, depending on the circumstances, may
be considered a “reasonable instruction”. Generally speaking, if it is the employer
deciding that the employee must stay away, the employee may be entitled to be paid
so long as the employee is ready, willing and able to work.
What if the employee is compulsorily quarantined?
In these circumstances, the employee is not ready, willing and able to work and may
not be entitled to be paid. The employer and employee may also agree to the
employee using other entitlements, such as sick leave or annual holidays.
The employee may also be able to access the Government’s COVID-19 leave
payment scheme which will provide support for those people unable to work due to
COVID-19. It is not available to those who can work from home during the period of
self-isolation, and who can be paid normally by their employer. More information on
the sick leave scheme, including how to apply, and other support for businesses can
be found at www.govt.nz/coronavirus .
Can an employee refuse to attend work?
Under the HSWA, employees can refuse to work if they have reasonable grounds to
believe that the work they are required to perform is likely to cause them serious
harm. An employee may also have a broader right to refuse to attend work where
the employee has a reasonable fear of contracting coronavirus in the workplace.
17Either way, employees will be obliged to discuss such an issue with their employer,
and they may be able to find other solutions. If an employee refuses to attend work,
the employer may not be obliged to pay them. For example, if the employer allows
an evidently infected employee to continue working with a risk of infecting others in
the workplace, as this would not be compliant with the HSWA. If you are considering
starting a disciplinary process for unauthorised absence, be sure to consult with the
Restaurant Association first.
Does an employee have to be paid if they are voluntarily staying away from
work?
Some employees may want to voluntarily remain at home due to a risk of exposure to
the virus, and not wanting to run the risk of infecting others.
It is possible that the employer does not have any obligation to pay the employee.
However, clear communication between employer and employee is key in this
situation. Employers should ensure they have a clear understanding of the extent of
the risk that may be posed by that employee attending work, considering its
obligations to other people in the workplace who may be impacted.
Can employers require employees to undergo medical testing?
In short, no – employees must consent to medical testing. Despite this, an employer
could be justified in requiring an employee to stay home, if he or she refused to take a
test to confirm infection, where there was a reasonable chance of that having
occurred. This may not be straightforward, so contact the Restaurant Association for
further advice.
What if the business is quiet because of a virus outbreak and I must temporarily
reduce hours for employees?
Employers may be able to access the Government’s wage subsidy scheme which is
for businesses that are significantly impacted by COVID-19 and are struggling to retain
employees as a result. Employers must have suffered, or are projected to suffer, at
least a 30% decline in revenue compared to last year for any month between January
2020 and the end of the scheme in June 2020. Applications can also be made on the
basis of forecast revenue loss within the period of the scheme.
Some of the key undertakings of the scheme are:
18 Employers will need to declare that, on their best endeavours, they will
continue to employ the affected employees at a minimum of 80% of their
income for the duration of the subsidy period. This is the equivalent of keeping
people working 4 out of 5 days of the week.
Employers must also have taken active steps to mitigate the impact of
COVID-19 (eg. engaged with their bank/financial advisor) and sign a
declaration form to that effect.
Applications can be made through an online portal on the Work and Income
website www.workandincome.govt.nz . MSD will aim to make first payments no
later than five working days from when applications are received.
More information on the wage subsidy scheme, including how to apply, and
other support for businesses can be found at www.govt.nz/coronavirus .
Employers should also review your employment agreements for clauses that deal with
such a situation, such as an “Interruption of Employment” clause and consider what
action you might take. Communicate with your staff and consult with them in good
faith to discuss any potential variations and act in accordance with the terms of their
employment agreements. The Restaurant Association Agreements include a
Business Interruption clause. We can provide advice on managing this situation in
your business – call 0800 737 827.
Please remember that the Restaurant Association is here to support you and your
business as well. This includes the Helpline advice, as well as business mentoring and
marketing advice.
Members are encouraged to call the Restaurant Association Helpline on 0800 737 827
for advice on managing the current situation, or planning for the future, in your
business.
19Food Safety advice:
For information and updates about food safety and 2019 Coronavirus
(COVID-19), and New Zealand Food Safety’s guidance for food handlers
and food businesses, visit www.mpi.govt.nz/coronavirus-and-food-
safety/.
New Zealand Food Safety, in conjunction with the wider Ministry for Primary
Industries, Ministry of Health and international organisations, is closely monitoring
developments around the COVID-19 outbreak.
Can the virus be transmitted through food?
Experience with recent acute respiratory diseases such as Severe Acute Respiratory
Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) suggests that people
are unlikely to be infected with the virus through food. There isn’t evidence to date of
this happening with the 2019 Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Coronaviruses cannot grow in food – they need a host (animal or human) to grow in.
Cooking for at least 30 minutes at 60°C kills SARS, which is a similar coronavirus.
Coronaviruses are most commonly passed between animals and people and from
person-to-person contact.
The source of the COVID-19 virus is believed to be animals, but the exact source is not
yet known.
The virus is commonly transmitted through direct mucous membrane contact by
infectious droplets, e.g. breathing in airborne virus from the sneeze of someone who is
infected, or through hand to mouth/nose contact after fingers have touched a
contaminated surface.
Investigations in China are continuing to identify the source of the outbreak and ways
it can be transmitted to people.
20What can food handlers do?
It is possible that infected food handlers could introduce the virus to the food they are
in contact with by coughing and sneezing, or through hand contact. However, this is
unlikely to occur if food handlers in food businesses and in the home follow standard,
good personal hygiene practices that reduce the risk of transmission of most
foodborne illnesses.
These practices include:
proper hand hygiene
safe food practices
cough/cold hygiene practices
avoiding close contact, when possible, with anyone showing symptoms of
respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.
Food handlers must wash hands (even if they have no disease symptoms):
before starting work
before handling cooked or ready-to-eat food
after handling or preparing raw food
after handling waste
after cleaning duties
after using the toilet
after blowing their nose, sneezing or coughing
after eating, drinking, or smoking
after handling money.
Good hygiene and cleaning will also prevent cross-contamination between raw or
undercooked foods and cooked or ready-to-eat foods in the kitchen or service area.
It is important that food handlers inform their employer, avoid preparing food for
other people, and seek medical advice if they think they have symptoms of
respiratory illness.
Employers may ask staff to stay home until after medical advice is given. Similarly, if
staff have been overseas to affected regions or in contact with persons who have,
they should inform their employer and seek appropriate medical advice.
21What can food business owners/managers do?
It is unlikely that COVID-19 can be transmitted through food, and there isn’t evidence
to date of this happening. Usual good hygienic manufacturing practices and thorough
cooking for cooked products will minimise the risk of transmission for any foodborne
illness.
Employers still have an important role to play in preventing foodborne illness. They
should:
ensure staff are aware of the COVID-19 issue
stay informed of staff who have been overseas to affected regions or in
contact with persons who have, and seek appropriate medical advice
ensure that food handlers are trained appropriately in food hygiene practices
appropriate to their premises
ensure effective supervision of food handlers to reinforce hygienic practices
ensure that appropriate facilities are provided for hand washing or sanitation
(e.g. alcohol gels/wipes) to enable food handlers to practice good hygiene
ensure that food handlers and external contractors are aware that they must
report any signs/symptoms of respiratory illness before or during work
keep vigilant and ensure that food handlers and other staff are not ill and are
fit to work
ensure that staff with symptoms stay home until medical advice is obtained
fully support staff through access to medical advice and during
convalescence.
22Health & Safety advice
Numerous obligations are owed by a Person Conducting a Business or
Undertaking (PCBU), which includes an employer. This requires you to
protect workers health, safety and welfare from hazards and risks that
arise in their workplace.
Obligations, include, but are not limited to, PCBUs owing a duty of care to eliminate
risks to health and safety, so far as reasonably practicable, for their employees (while
undertaking work for their employer), and also workers that undertake work for the
PCBU where it is directed by the PCBU.
A worker is therefore someone who does work, in any capacity, for a business. This
includes someone who does work as:
An employee
A contractor or subcontractor, or someone employed by one
Someone employed by a labour hire company who is assigned to work in the
business
An apprentice or trainee
An outworker
Someone getting work experience or doing a work trial
A volunteer worker
You need to manage risks, to the extent you have, or would be expected to have, the
ability to control what the risks relate to. Duties cannot be transferred from one
person and/or business to another.
Health and Safety Policy for COVID-19
Pursuant to these Health and Safety obligations, it is our advice that in consultation
with your employees, you should be introducing a COVID-19 (Coronavirus) policy now
via email, or some other form of communication.
23The Restaurant Association helpline team has produced the following resources
which are available for members through the Resources section of the website:
https://www.restaurantnz.co.nz/membership-resources/resources/ (note these
are member-only documents and you will need to be logged in to access). :
a sample health & safety policy and email template to introduce the policy
for COVID-19 .
a sample health & safety signage for customers for COVID-19
a sample health & safety policy for suppliers for COVID-19
COVID-19 cleaning and hygiene guidelines
a sample email update for customers to outline what the business is doing
– COVID-19
Other resources are also available from
https://www.restaurantnz.co.nz/membership-resources/resources/:
HPA infosheet – How to protect yourself and others
HPA infosheet – What is contact tracing?
HPA infosheet – How is COVID-19 spread
Ministry of Health Poster – Protect yourself and others from coronavirus – Chinese
Ministry of Health Poster – Protect yourself and others from coronavirus – English
Please note that our resources are templates only, and that you need to consider the
individual requirements of your business, risks that are specific to your workplace, and
eliminate these risks so far is reasonably practical to do so.
In the event that it is not reasonably practicable to do so, then the PCBU needs to
minimise the risks so far as reasonably possible.
These posters and other assets, including social media images available also on
the Ministry of Helath website: https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-
and-conditions/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-novel-coronavirus-
resources#posters and the HPA website: https://www.hpa.org.nz/covid-19.
24Some general guidance, is as follows:
At this time, in order to meet your obligations as a PCBU, it would be prudent to
implement a Health and Safety policy in consultation with your employees. In
accordance with the above definition of “workers”, such obligation extends to persons
falling within that definition, and would also potentially include patrons to your
business in the form of a notice in your workplace warning affected persons not to
enter your workplace. Although we know that you may be reluctant to do so, this has
become more common recently and would be a relevant consideration at this time.
Currently, such policy should include matters concerning, but not limited to the
following (it needs to be tailored to you specific business requirements, identifiable
risks, and steps you are taking to mitigate such risks):
Hygiene in your workplace;
That an employee should not attend work if they are unwell including the
correct notification procedures to follow and who to contact;
That if they are experiencing particular symptoms, in accordance with the
Ministry of Health (MOH) guidelines, they should not attend work, contact you
immediately if they suspect that this is the case, contact Healthline
immediately, and take their direction from this Government agency including
that you (the employer) will communicate with the employee throughout this
process, and that the employee will do the same;
That an employee can contact you confidentially with any concerns that they
may have. Please provide both your mobile number and appropriate email
address;
In accordance with the MOH guidelines, self-isolation is only necessary at this
stage, if an employee has been in direct personal contact with someone who
is infected, or has recently arrived in New Zealand from anywhere in the world
(excluding the Pacific), or been in close contact with someone who has
recently arrived in New Zealand from overseas (excluding the Pacific); and
That the situation may change at any time and that you will keep them
updated as best you can.
25Health & Wellbeing
We recognise that this is a very difficult time for many people and it is
important that we all take note of our own health and wellbeing, as well
as those of your staff.
It’s normal to feel distressed and experience symptoms of stress in this time. However,
if over days and weeks your distress or stress symptoms are escalating or you feel
you are not coping, help and professional support is available:
Restaurant Association members and your staff can access a professional
EAP service to help if they are experiencing personal or work-related
difficulties. This service is provided by an independent company called EAP
Services Limited, and their professionals are all qualified, registered and
experienced EAP specialists. Find out more here.
The Restaurant Association has also created, in collaboration with the Mental
Health Foundation, specific resources on mental health and wellbeing, which
are available here: https://www.restaurantnz.co.nz/membership-
resources/resources/?category=mental-health-wellbeing&access=.
Resources available include:
o Tip card: A How-To on having mental health conversations in your
workplace
o Why talk about mental health at work?
o How to have a conversation about mental health
o Helplines and Local Mental Health Services
o A Guide for Managers: Let’s make mental health part of the conversation
o Frequently asked questions about mental health
o Managing Employees’ Mental Health Issues
o Incorporating Wellness into your Life in Hospitality
o Five Ways to Wellbeing at Work Toolkit
For support with grief, anxiety, distress or mental wellbeing, you can also call
or text 1737 to talk with a trained counsellor at the Mental Health Foundation,
for free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
26Tips for managing your own mental wellbeing
1. Spend time in places that feel safe and comfortable as much as possible.
2. Tell yourself that how you are feeling is a normal reaction and will pass – it
is nothing to be afraid of.
3. Reach out to your usual supports – family and whānau, friends and
workmates. Sharing how we feel and offering support to others is important.
4. Keep to usual routines – mealtimes, bedtime, exercise and so on.
5. Keep active – going to work, doing usual leisure activities and seeing friends
can improve general wellbeing and help distract from distressing feelings.
27Advice from Immigration New Zealand
regarding visa applications:
Immigration New Zealand understand visa applicants and current visa
holders may have some questions about their specific circumstances.
Please go to the Immigration New Zealand website:
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/media-centre/news-
notifications/coronavirus-update-inz-response for information and FaQ’s around work
visas that may address your concerns.
28Useful links:
o www.covid19.govt.nz
o Ministry of Health:
https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-novel-coronavirus
o MSD / Work & Income:
https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/products/a-z-benefits/covid-19-support.html
o IRD:
https://www.ird.govt.nz/Updates/News-Folder/tax-relief-coronavirus
o MPI:
https://www.mpi.govt.nz/protection-and-
response/responding/alerts/coronavirus/coronavirus-and-food-safety/
o Mental Health Foundation:
https://www.mentalhealth.org.nz/get-help/covid-19/
o Regional Tourism Organisations:
https://rtnz.org.nz/destinations
o Tourism New Zealand:
https://www.tourismnewzealand.com/
o World Health Organisation
https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses
29The Restaurant Association has taken all reasonable care to ensure that the information materials contained on our
website and in this guide are true and correct at the time of publication. The information provided is general
information only and is not intended to constitute legal advice. Therefore, the Restaurant Association accepts no
responsibility for any loss, errors or omissions which may arise pertaining to such reliance.
Restaurant Association of New Zealand
p: 09 638 8403 e. info@restaurantnz.co.nz
www.restaurantnz.co.nz / www.dinefind.co.nz
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