Covid-19 Alert Level Four – Clarification around leaving your home

Clarification around leaving your home.

There has been a lot of misconception in the community regarding restricted activity and what is permitted. A number of questions have arisen surrounding accessing the beach, use of vehicles, and visitation of family and friends.

We would like to remind you that:

• You are allowed to walk, bike and exercise outside permitted that you do this within walking distance of your house, only undertake activities with members of your own household and maintain a distance of at least 2 meters if you encounter anyone else.
• You are allowed to go to the beach provided that the beach is within walking distance to your house.
• You are allowed to use your vehicle to access essential services including: Going to the supermarket, going to work (if you are an essential service), going to the pharmacy, or taking your children to another parent’s house as part of a shared custody agreement.
• You are NOT allowed to enter another household, unless as stated above you have a shared custody agreement. This includes two people who live alone in separate houses. You are not allowed to visit one another.

For further information regarding restrictions and permitted activities please go to: https://covid19.govt.nz/help-and-advice/for-everyone/staying-at-home/

Here are the latest updates from the Director-General of Health and Director of Civil Defence Emergency Management.

• There are 85 new cases today. This comprises of 76 new confirmed cases and 9 probable. The total number of cases is now 368. 37 individuals are confirmed to have recovered.

• We do expect cases to grow. This will only turn round if we do our bit. If we all follow the rules it will have a greater impact on reducing the number of cases.
• 8 people are currently in hospital. 3 in Wellington Regional Hospital. 1 in Nelson, 1 each in Waikato, Northland and Auckland Hospitals. 6 are stable, 2 are critical and one of is in intensive care in Nelson.
• The confirmed cases still have a strong link still to overseas travel and their close contacts.
• Labs reporting results are being done as quickly as possible with an average of 1479 tests each day. Anyone who has been tested and waiting should stay in complete isolation until confirmed.
• We are finalising and circulating updated advice to health professionals about when to use personal protective equipment (PPE). This will be updated later today and circulated to workplaces. Similar advice will be provided to essential workers on what precautions to take.
• We have put a call out to retired and non-practicing health professionals and had a great response. 2,500 are already registered and this is growing.
• New Zealanders please continue to follow the rules. Stay home, get fresh air, be active but stay in your bubble.

Visit our website for more information: www.covid19.govt.nz