Covid-19 Member Update - Orange 

14 July 2022

All New Zealand remains at Orange of the COVID-19 Protection Framework.  

We are headed into a second wave of the Omicron variant. With new variants taking off, as well as winter illnesses, it is important to follow public health advice and continue to monitor for symptoms. This also includes wearing a mask and getting vaccinated for influenza and COVID-19. 

What is Orange?
For more detailed information on life at Orange click here. 

In summary, Orange means: 

  • No capacity limits for indoor events. Outdoor events have no capacity limits at any traffic light setting. 
  • Face masks remain important and are still required in most places indoors. This includes supermarkets, retail and public transport including flights. Face mask requirements can be found here. 
  • Isolation requirements remain unchanged. If you or a household contact tests positive, you will need to isolate for 7 days. Please stay at home if you are unwell. You can report a COVID-19 test result here. 

Reinfection Advice
If a person develops new COVID-19 symptoms, and it is 29 days or more since their previous infection, it is possible that they are experiencing a COVID-19 reinfection and they should get tested.

If you test positive, you will be treated as a new case and will need to self-isolate as per current public health advice. 

If you are experiencing symptoms and it has been 28 days or less since a previous infection, there is no need to complete a RAT. You should stay home if you are unwell until 24 hours after your symptoms have passed. 

Second Booster 
A second booster is now available to eligible people six months after your first booster. 

The following people can receive a second booster as a priority:

  • People aged 65 and over
  • Māori and Pacific peoples aged 50 and over
  • Residents of aged care and disability care facilities
  • Severely immunocompromised people who received a 3-dose primary course and a fourth dose as a first booster (this would be a fifth dose for these people)
  • People aged 16 and over who live with disability with significant or complex health needs or multiple comorbidities
  • People aged 16 and over with a medical condition that increases the risk of severe COVID-19 illness.

The following people can also receive a second booster:

  • All people aged 50 and over
  • Healthcare, aged care and disability workers aged 30 and over.

It is recommended you wait 3 months after testing positive before getting any COVID-19 vaccination.

Access to medical face masks & RATs 
Free medical masks will be available along with RATs at current collection points. You are no longer required to have symptoms to access free RATs, anyone will be able to book and collect masks and RATs. Please use the booking system in order to collect these supplies. This ensures stock is available for everyone. The booking system can be accessed here. 

Wearing a medical surgical mask or N95 mask can half the risk of infection when worn properly. 
 
Business Advice 
The Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment will be engaging with businesses to ensure they are aware of the guidelines for creating safe work environments.
This includes:

  • Ensuring people don’t work when they are unwell
  • Encouraging mask use 
  • Use of ventilation techniques, such as opening doors and windows

Influenza
Influenza is most prevalent in winter, as well as other viruses including COVID-19, and so any action we can take to prevent these illnesses can protect ourselves and our loved ones. 

Eligibility criteria for a free influenza vaccine has been extended. Check with your local health service to see if you are eligible. Some workplaces offer free influenza vaccines or have a scheme in place to be reimbursed for one. 

Financial Support
The COVID-19 Leave Support Scheme continues to be available for those who need to self-isolate and cannot work. Information and how to apply for this scheme can be found here. 

More information on other types of financial support available can be found here. 

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.