COVID-19 Update: Auckland remains at Alert Level 3, with less restrictions
4 October, 2021
Auckland remains at Alert Level 3, but with reduced restrictions from midnight tomorrow, October 5. Parts of the Waikato also remain in Alert Level 3 to the end of the week, and the rest of the country remains at Alert Level 2.
The Government announced that the outbreak of the Delta variant of COVID-19 had been largely controlled, but that the return to zero cases was very difficult. The Prime Minister, Hon Jacinda Ardern, said restrictions were not the answer, but that combined with vaccinations there was a different way forward.
The new roadmap reflects the transition towards control of outbreaks through greater vaccination rates and every day public health measures. Each outbreak would still be actively controlled with contact tracing and isolating.
The approach to easing restrictions in Auckland is in three stages. This will mean friends and whānau will be able to reconnect with each other and start to enjoy recreation, outings, and shopping at safe limits.
- At Alert Level 3, you must continue to wear a face covering at certain places, and to keep 2 metres away from people who are not in your bubble. Scan in to keep track of where you go.
- The easing of Alert Level 3 restrictions will not extend to the Waikato Alert Level 3 area.
- There are no changes to the reasons for personal and business travel.
- The air and road boundaries between Auckland and the rest of the New Zealand, including the Alert Level 3 area in Waikato, will remain in place.
- Schools can reopen from 18 October 2021, depending on public health advice. A decision will be made a week earlier.
- Moving to each step will depend on public health advice.
- Border restrictions remain in place.
Find out more about what is allowed at each of the Steps here:
For businesses, the Wage Subsidy still applies at Alert Level 3, and the Resurgence Support Payment at Level 2 and above across the country.
Please continue to check the locations of interest if you have been identified as a contact by being in the same place at the same time as someone who has the virus. Isolate and call Healthline on 0800 358 5453.
Please see our dedicated site covid19.ema.co.nz and from 8am Monday, for specific queries please call AdviceLine on 0800 300 362, otherwise call the Business Helpline on 0800 500 362.
Kia kaha
Brett O’Riley
Chief Executive