23/03/2020
Lockdown to contain the spread of the COVID-19!!
Essential businesses, and those that support them, will continue to provide the necessities of life for everyone in New Zealand," the government says.
"This means food, medicine, healthcare, energy, fuel, waste-removal, internet and financial support will continue to be available."
The government says while these businesses will continue working, they will put in place alternative ways of working to keep employees safe, including shift-based working, staggered meal breaks, flexible leave arrangements and physical distancing.
All non-essential businesses must now close, as well as bars, restaurants, cafes, gyms, cinemas, pools, museums, libraries, and playgrounds.
List of essential businesses:
1. Accommodation services for essential workers and people who need to be isolated/quarantined
2. Customs New Zealand, Immigration New Zealand and the Ministry for Primary Industries
3. Building and construction related to essential services, critical infrastructure, or immediately needed to maintain human health and safety at home/work
3. Courts of New Zealand and tribunals
Critical Crown entities (eg Electoral Commission)
4. At level 3 only: Schools and educational facilities (e.g. ECE centres)
5. Businesses involved in the supply, delivery, distribution and sale of food, beverage and other key consumer goods (but not takeaway shops)
6.Banks, insurers and other financial institutions
Health
7. Hospitals, primary care clinics, pharmacies, medical laboratories, care facilities, Ambulance services, Mortuary services, New Zealand Blood Service donations, Local and national government
Any entity involved in COVID-19 response or that has civil defence/emergency management functions
Key public services:
1. Primary industries, including food and beverage production and processing
2. Packaging, production and processing of food and beverage products
3. Food safety and verification, inspection or associated laboratory services, food safety and biosecurity functions
4. Veterinary and animal health/welfare services
5. Public safety and national security:
Emergency services, Security and intelligence services
Justice system, Public safety and national security roles, Science
Any entity (including research organisations) involved in COVID-19 response, hazard monitoring, resilience, diagnostics for essential services
6. Welfare and social services, including NGOs, which meet immediate needs (further guidance will be provided)
7. Transport and logistics services, New Zealand Post and courier services, Any small passenger service vehicle driver - including taxis and ride-share services
8. Utilities and communications, including supply chains - Electricity, gas, water, waste, fuel, telecommunication services, internet providers and media.
Read more :
All other non-essential businesses must now close.