AL1: Strict border control applies, all restrictions on hospitality, churches, and community events to be lifted

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said that as and when the country moves into Alert Level 1 sometime next week, all restrictions on gatherings in the country will be lifted. 

This means the hospitality sector can accommodate customers over a hundred, no restrictions on the number, event centres, community centres and stadiums can take bookings for full house occupancy. 

But strict border control restrictions will apply, and Jacinda Ardern urged New Zealanders to keep themselves safe and maintain appropriate distances when out, stipulated physical distances on public transport and planes will be lifted.

Big gatherings such as funerals, tangi, gatherings at religious places can go as normal with no cap on the number of people gathering at a time. 

Prime Minister listed ten golden rules to follow when the country dives into Alert Level 1. 

1. If you’re sick, stay home. Don’t go to work or school. Don’t socialise.

2. If you have cold or flu symptoms call your doctor or Healthline and make sure you get tested.

3. Wash your hands. Wash your hands. Wash your hands.

4. Sneeze and cough into your elbow, and regularly disinfect shared surfaces.

5. If you are told by health authorities to self-isolate you must do so immediately.

6. If you’re concerned about your wellbeing, or have underlying health conditions, work with your GP to understand how best to stay healthy.

7. Keep track of where you’ve been and who you’ve seen to help contact tracing if needed. Use the NZ COVID Tracer app as a handy way of doing this.

8. Businesses should help people keep track of their movements by displaying the Ministry of Health QR Code for contact tracing.

9. Stay vigilant. There is still a global pandemic going on. People and businesses should be prepared to act fast to step up Alert Levels if we have to.

10. People will have had different experiences over the last couple of months. Whatever you’re feeling — it’s okay. Be kind to others. Be kind to yourself.

When will the country move into AL1 will be decided by the cabinet on Monday next week. 

The Government has previously given 48 hours notice of a shift in alert levels.

Ardern this afternoon said it was the Government's "strong desire" to get to alert level 1 as soon as was safe and possible.

Ms Ardern said New Zealand is in an enviable position for the world with zero Covid-19 cases in almost two weeks, but over 100,000 new cases have been reported on a daily basis overseas. 

"The war from Covid-19 is far from over, for now, stick to Alert Level 2 rules," Ms Ardern said.