At Alert Level 3 Step Two all retail stores can open to customers. Provided all shoppers and staff are 2 metres apart and wearing a face covering (unless exempt), retail can resume whilst maintaining a reasonable level of safety for staff and customers. Retail stores can also limit the number of people allowed on their premises to help with physical distancing requirements. It is also important to note that stores should restrict customers who attempt to eat or drink inside any retail stores. With that said, food courts inside shopping malls must continue to offer contactless pick-up or delivery options only. Customers cannot consume food or drink inside a shopping mall.
Furthermore, fruit and vegetable markets can reopen. Food trucks and other hospitality businesses that operate at a market can resume but only if they provide food and drinks for contactless pick up or takeaway. Customers will not be able to eat or drink at the market as they must wear a face covering at all times. In addition to standard retail stores, animal and pet care stores can have customers in store (whilst following social distancing and mask requirements) and home based services such as plumbers, electricians, and tradespeople can enter homes for repairs, however, they will need to follow public health guidelines.
Generally, there are five golden rules for all retail stores:
- Limiting customer numbers so everyone can safely stay two metres apart
- Asking customers to stay home if they are unwell
- Reminding customers to scan in using the NZ COVID Tracer app every time they enter a store
- Offering contactless options for payment, pickup and delivery
- Providing hand sanitiser for people to use, and regularly cleaning and disinfecting shared surfaces
In Step Two, hospitality venues such as cafes, bars, restaurants and takeaway stores must remain contactless. These businesses can only offer contactless pick-up, delivery or drive through options. For businesses that still cannot reopen, applications for the increased Resurgence Support Payment are available. Businesses can receive $3000 per business plus $800 per full-time employee (FTE), up to 50 FTE with the maximum fortnightly payment being $43,000. For those who are self-employed or a sole trader, payments of $3,800 are available. The application for this can be found here.
For businesses that employ 50 or fewer staff, there is the Small Business Cashflow Scheme (SBCS) which was introduced to support small to medium businesses and organisations struggling with a loss of actual revenue due to COVID-19. This is a one-off 5 year loan. Businesses can borrow a maximum of $10,000 plus $1,800 per full-time-equivalent employee within your business. The application, eligibility criteria and other key details about this scheme can be found here.
In terms of the grants available to support your business such as Business Advice, the Implementation Grant and Health & Wellbeing Support, these are facilitated through Auckland Unlimited and you can find more details here ActivateTamakiMakaurau. Applications can be submitted from December 1.
Here in Auckland, we’ll initially move into the Red setting of the new framework. When that happens, you’ll need proof of vaccination to do many of the things you love – like going out to bars and restaurants, getting a haircut, or working out at the gym. I don’t want anyone in Upper Harbour to miss out, so I strongly encourage those of you who haven’t yet been vaccinated to take that step now.
Once you’re fully vaccinated, you’ll need to visit mycovidrecord.health.nz and request your Vaccine Pass. You can also do this by calling 0800 222 478.
The Auckland boundary will be opening on 15 December, so that we can reconnect with loved ones. Until 17 January, travellers with a valid vaccination pass or negative pre-departure test will be able to cross the Auckland boundary for any reason. This safety net will reduce spread and allow us to safely spend our summer holidays with family and friends. After this, there will no longer be a boundary in place around Auckland.
Thank you for doing your bit to help keep COVID at bay.
