COVID-19 Member Update

23 August 2021

 The Government this afternoon announced that Auckland will remain at Level 4 until 11:59pm on Tuesday 31 August (with review on Monday 30 August), and the rest of New Zealand will remain in Level 4 until 11:59pm on Friday 27 August (with review on Friday).

Although not unexpected it is still difficult to know we face more time in a level 4 lockdown. However, it remains essential that we follow the requirements of level four.

This outbreak is not yet contained and, as announced today by the Prime Minister, we are not yet at the peak. There are 107 cases (eight in Wellington and the rest in Auckland), over 13,000 contacts spread around New Zealand and over 300 locations of interest.

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 click here to find out general information regarding this outbreak.

Working at Level 4
It is only very rare circumstances that you will be able to operate your business at Level 4. Building, construction and maintenance services are only able to operate during COVID-19 Alert Level 4 restrictions if they meet the Government criteria of Alert Level 4 businesses and services. This includes:

  • Any entity involved in building, construction or maintenance related to nationally important infrastructure that enables or supports supply chains that are needed for one or both of the following: to provide for the current needs of people and communities, and; to enable or support the immediate recovery of the whole or any part of New Zealand from the effects of COVID-19
  • Any entity involved in any work required to address immediate health or safety risks
  • Any person undertaking any necessary work in any premises to maintain the condition or value of, or clean, the premises, or any plant, equipment, or goods in the premises
  • Any entity with statutory responsibilities or that is involved in building and resource consenting necessary for the purposes stated above.

By joining forces with organisations such as CHASNZ, we have been able to form protocols that your business can follow in all Alert Levels to keep you and those you work with safe. It is crucial you read through these and follow them. Make sure those you work with are also aware of the protocols. You can download copies of the CHASNZ standards and protocols here.

Visit the CHASNZ website to see the updated protocols

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

For more information on essential businesses, you can contact AL4businessservices@mbie.govt.nz or call 0800 424 946

Education at Level 4
At Alert Level 4, all education facilities are closed.

Face coverings
Face coverings are now mandatory for all people (employees and customers) over the age of 12 at businesses and services operating at Alert Level 4, involving customer contact. 
All workers must wear masks when indoors and or when working within 2 metres of any other worker or member of the public or where there is a risk of coming into close contact with another person. Remember that you can only continue to work outside your home if it meets the Alert Level 4 requirements. Information on what these circumstances are included in the previous update.

More information regarding the Level 4 requirements can be found here.

Vaccinations
Vaccines centres are open again and are operating under Alert Level 4 protocols. Vaccination bookings are currently open to those in Groups 1,2 and 3 and those in Group 4 aged 40 or over. If are booked in for a vaccine, you may now take those in your whānau who are aged 12-15 years old to be vaccinated with you.

For information on how to book a vaccine, please click here

COVID-19 Business Support
From 9am this morning, the government's wage subsidy scheme will be reopened for applications. Successful applicants will get $600 a week for each full-time employee they retain, and $359 a week for part-timers. The subsidy is for businesses whose revenue drops by 40 percent because of the lockdown.

To access more information on the wage subsidy scheme and apply, please click here.

For those whose revenue drops by 30 percent, a separate resurgence support payment provides up to $1500, plus $400 per full-time worker. Applications for the RSP can be made via Inland Revenue Department’s website, which should begin accepting applications from early next week. Payments are expected to be made about three days after the lodging of the application.

NZ COVID Tracer app
Turn on Bluetooth tracing and scan in at all locations you visit using the NZ COVID Tracer app.  

All businesses must display the Government Covid-19 Tracer App QR code. Creating a code is simple, it takes five minutes. You only need your details and your company NZBN.
To create a code for your business, click here.

At all Alert Levels it is important that:

  • Any sick person stays at home and does not come onto site.
  • Sites maintain appropriate hand and surface hygiene.
  • All sites ensure proper sign-in and out processes are followed (for any person entering the site, including deliveries and inspections).  


Mental Health and Wellbeing
Master Builders is here 24/7 to support our members. We are continuing to provide our member counselling service, available anytime if you need support. You can call 0508 664 981 and be connected with professional, qualified support. Find out more by clicking here.

We understand this is a stressful time for many people. Please visit the Mates in Construction website for more information or call the national Telehealth Service on 1737. 

Future Announcements
Updates will continue to be sent to you as necessary. Click Here to access the previous COVID-19 Member Update.

Please look after yourselves and your loved ones. 

Stay Safe. Kia Kaha. 

David Kelly