Covid-19: What a move to alert level 4 means for New Zealand
All of New Zealand will move to alert level 4 at 11.59pm after a new community Covid-19 case emerged in Auckland.
New Zealand will initially spend three days at alert level 4, except for Auckland and the Coromandel, which will remain at level 4 for seven days at this stage.
What are the rules at alert level 4?
Staying at home
People are asked to stay at home, unless they are undertaking essential travel to the supermarket or dairy, seeking necessary medical care or being tested for Covid-19, or to get physical exercise in their neighbourhood.
Unnecessary trips outdoors have spread the variant overseas, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said.
She advised people to wear a mask when leaving the house, and stay 2 metres away from others. “Stay local, do not congregate. Don't talk to your neighbours.”
Schools, workplaces and business
Businesses will be closed, except for essential services such as supermarkets, pharmacies, health clinics, petrol stations and lifeline utilities.
Only essential workers are permitted to go to work, others must work from home.
Schools and universities will shut down, and travel is severely limited.
Events and recreation
All gatherings are cancelled at alert level 4.
All public venues, including libraries, pools, leisure centres, gyms, early childcare centres, community venues and playgrounds are closed. Some public toilets will remain open.
Many large events have been canned.
Staying in your bubble
Once you go into a bubble you must stay in it, Ardern said.
If you are completely isolated, or you live alone, you can join a bubble with one other person.
Households are advised to nominate just one person to go shopping, and “always act like you have Covid-19”.
Travelling home
There is a grace period of 48 hours for people who are away from home to return home, if they cannot shelter safely in place. After this time, movement between regions will be restricted.
Covid-19 jabs
Covid-19 vaccinations will be suspended for 48 hours to ensure they can be carried out safely.
Read more here.
Poll: Do you mind when neighbours leave freebies on the street?
Some spare wood, used furniture or children's toys - do you mind when your neighbours leave goods on the street for others to make use of?
Share your thoughts in the comments and poll below.
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83.1% It's fine!
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15.1% It annoys me!
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1.8% Other - I'll share below
Poll: Should the Christchurch Southern Motorway have a 110kph speed limit?
The government wants to increase the speed limit on Christchurch’s Southern Motorway to Rolleston to 110kph.
The proposed change would apply from the Curletts Rd interchange in Addington to the Weedons Rd interchange in Rolleston.
Transport Minister Simeon Brown said it would mean faster journey times for Kiwis travelling in and out of Christchurch.
“Boosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy. This proposal supports that outcome by reducing travel times and increasing efficiency on this key South Island freight route.”
“We know how critical this connection is for motorists and freight operators, and we’re committed to ensuring that this state highway enables people to get to where they want to go, quickly and safely.”
Brown said the Southern Motorway was built to a high safety standard, with features “that greatly reduce the risk of death or serious injury in a crash”, including a flexible median barrier, and a smooth alignment which offers good visibility for drivers.
In July, Selwyn mayor Sam Broughton wrote to the Ministry of Transport, Brown and Act Party leader David Seymour suggesting the speed limit be increased to 120kph.
“Whether it is for general traffic, direct public transport services, or moving freight ... increasing the speed ... will assist in improving efficiency and connectivity while still being safe,” he wrote.
“This is reflected in generally higher average speeds above 100kph we already observe along the motorway.”
Consultation on the increased speed limit begins on September 3 and closes on October 1.
Read more local news at thepress.co.nz |thepress.co.nz|.
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46.1% Yes
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51.2% No
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2.7% I'm not sure/something else (tell us in the comments)
Latest scam - nationwide
Police are warning people to be on alert for the latest round of email scams referencing Police and other justice agencies.
The email claims authorities have done a search of the email recipient’s computer and located explicit illegal material.
The recipient is directed to reply within 72 hours, or a warrant will be issued for their arrest. This email is a scam and anyone who receives it should not reply under any circumstances.
Although some versions of the email do not specifically reference money, other similar scams involve the recipient being issued a ‘fine’ when they respond.
While the nature and specific details of scams often varies, it’s important to note that Police and other government agencies will never contact you out of the blue and ask for your password, credit card or bank details.
Police have received several reports of this scam and enquires are underway.
Anyone who received this email can either forward the spam email to the Department of Internal Affairs directly at complaint@spam.govt.nz or use their online reporting portal: www.reportspam.co.nz...
Police recommend taking a cautious approach to unsolicited emails. Trust your gut instinct - if it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
Information on other scams currently operating can be found on the Consumer Protection NZ website: www.consumerprotection.govt.nz...
Consumer Protection NZ, along with Netsafe, also provides helpful advice about keeping safe online.
Anyone who has received this email can report it to police online via www.police.govt.nz.... Please reference file number 240830/5842.
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