COVID-19 Update on Alert Levels

12 October 2021

The Government announced yesterday that due to the continuing number of daily cases, and the fact the R-Value has increased slightly to around 1.2 or 1.3, Auckland will remain at the current Phase One of Alert Level 3. This will be reviewed by Cabinet next Monday 18 October. Northland and Waikato will also remain at Alert Level 3 until 11:59pm on Thursday 14 October. Cabinet will meet this Wednesday to consider the final decision regarding Northland and Waikato, with Minister Hipkins providing final confirmation at the announcement on Wednesday.

It was also confirmed today that schools in Auckland will not re-open on Monday 18 October in time for term 3 as hoped. Cabinet will consider the opening of schools in Auckland and provide a further update on Monday 18 October.

The Government has also announced that it is extending mandatory vaccinations to the health and education workforces. The decision has been made to focus on workforces that are interacting with vulnerable communities. Once the deadline set for final vaccinations has passed, workers who choose not to vaccinate will no longer be able to work in their roles. 

Workforces can also conduct their own health and safety assessment on whether any or all roles at their workplace are required to be undertaken by a vaccinated worker. For more information on the assessment please click here.

The Prime Minister also announced that they are starting to see some increases of cases in a small number of work sectors. Unfortunately, this includes the construction sector, which is disappointing. We remind all our members, and all in our sector, to please make sure you are following all the health and safety protocols and requirements while at work. This includes maintaining social distancing, face coverings, and adhering to the CHASNZ protocols, which can be found here.

And finally, I can’t reiterate enough the vital importance of vaccinations. If you have not yet received your first dose, please go and have it today or tomorrow. The only way we are going to move out of restrictions and back to some sort of normality is by increasing New Zealand’s vaccination rate. If you have had your first dose, you can now have your second dose three weeks later, you don’t need to wait six weeks. 

Important General Information

The financial support for businesses will continue with the wage subsidy and the resurgence payment continuing while Auckland remains in any of the three phases under Alert Level 3. For more information click here. 

For any further questions relating to the building and construction sector please email info@building.govt.nz 

Click here for our last COVID-19 update.

Please continue to check the locations of interest and ensure you follow the isolation and testing requirements if they relate to you or your household members. Confirmed locations of interest can be found here. 

Please also continue to get tested if you have any symptoms at all. Testing is strongly encouraged across the country.

The government continues to strongly encourage anyone over 12 years of age to get vaccinated as soon as possible, which we absolutely support. Vaccinations are the main tool we have in both saving lives and avoiding strict lockdowns. There remain around 880,000 eligible people who are yet to get vaccinated. If you are one of these please do not put if off any longer, you can get vaccinated today. There is no need to wait for a booking you may have in the future, you are able to find a slot now.  You can book your vaccine here or you can attend a drive through or walk in vaccination centre without a booking.

Click here to find out general information regarding this outbreak.

Kia Kaha. 
David Kelly