As of midday today (Wednesday 12 August) the Auckland region (Auckland Council area) will move to alert level 3 for three days until midnight on Friday 14 August. The rest of New Zealand will move to alert level 2. 

The National Road Carriers Association advises that all freight should continue to move as per normal with physical distancing being observed, and the use of masks and PPE should be as per general instructions (see below).

Key messages to people in Auckland:

• Travel in and out of Auckland will be restricted to essential travel only, with roadblocks in place. 

• Work from home unless you are an essential worker.

• All schools and childcare facilities will be closed except for children of essential service workers. 

• All public facilities, bars, restaurants and businesses should close. 

• Supermarkets, pharmacies, and petrol stations remain open – shop as normal. Food delivery will be available.

• Keep a 2m physical distance and wear a mask when in public when you can‘t distance.

• Stay home if you‘re sick, wash your hands, cough or sneeze into your elbow, clean surfaces

• Keep a record of where you have been, use the NZ Covid app.

• If you have cold or flu like symptoms call your GP or Healthline to book a free Covid-19 test, and get tested if asked.

• The latest information can be found on www.covid19.govt.nz or the Unite Against Covid social media channels.

Key messages to people outside Auckland:

• The rest of New Zealand moves to alert level 2.

• There will only be essential travel to/from Auckland.

• Don‘t panic buy; all businesses outside Auckland are open, with social distancing in place.

• Keep a 2m physical distance and wear a mask when in public when you can‘t distance.

• Stay home if you‘re sick, wash your hands, cough or sneeze into your elbow, clean surfaces.

• If you are sick call your GP or Healthline to book a free Covid-19 test, and get tested if asked.

• Keep a record of where you have been, use the NZ Covid app.

• The latest information can be found on www.covid19.govt.nz or the Unite Against Covid social media channels.

These measures are temporary to stop the spread of Covid-19 and will apply for the next three days while information is gathered and contact tracing and testing is under way. 

The Ministry of Transport is seeking advice as to whether a short extension to physical distancing requirements for public transport (including ferry operators) can be allowed to enable operators to put this into place with the least disruption to those seeking to return home; advice will be provided on this tomorrow.

This situation is fast-moving and further updates will follow. Please visit the Ministry of Transport website for updates: https://www.transport.govt.nz/about/covid-19/

https://covid19.govt.nz/assets/resources/tables/COVID-19-alert-levels-detailed.pdf

https://covid19.govt.nz/alert-system/alert-level-3/

The NRC team will be working from the office and home and will all be available 24/7 for any questions or issues, on the contact details below:

David Aitken – 021 771 911

Paula Rogers – 021 771 951

Jason Heather – 021 771 946

Richie Arber – 021 193 3555

Maria Klokova – 021 192 7799