End of mask mandates welcomed

Retail and hospitality businesses have welcomed the Government’s decision to scrap all mask requirements for customers.

The changes came into effect at 11.59pm yesterday.

Greg Harford, the chief executive of Retail NZ, said the decision to scrap mask mandates was good news for the retail sector, because it would increase confidence and compliance was low anyway.

Countdown spokesperson Kiri Hannifin said the supermarket company would ‘‘undertake a risk assessment’’ following the announcement to assess what the changes meant for the business.

Harford said he hoped the ending of mask requirements would remove the point of tension from interactions with some members of the public.

‘‘I think it will certainly encourage customers to be a little more confident and send a message that it is safe to get back to the shops.’’

Rule changes may also help relieve staff shortages, with household contacts of positive cases no longer needing to isolate for seven days. Household contacts would only be asked to undertake a daily RAT test before going about their life as normal.

Harford said the decision brought New Zealand back in line with most of the rest of the world.

‘‘However, we encourage the Government to review the isolation period for Covid-19 cases within the next four weeks.

‘‘Other countries have a far more dynamic approach of review and continue to revise isolation periods, with most between three to five days as best practice.’’

Businessnz also welcomed the changes. Chief executive Kirk Hope said it was encouraging to see the Government putting trust in individual businesses again.

‘‘No two sites are the same and each business can decide what works for their own environment when it comes to minimising the spread of Covid-19,’’ he said.

‘‘Businesses are highly incentivised to keep employees, customers and visitors safe in order to continue operating.’’

Hope said it was important that support was left in place while any self-isolation requirements remained, because it allowed people to isolate without suffering financially.

Hospitality workers will also be breathing a sigh of relief.

A Restaurant Association spokesperson said a survey of members conducted at the end of July found 77% thought the mask regulations for hospitality should be reviewed.

Prior to the announcement, only customer-facing staff indoors had to wear masks. ‘‘The main feedback for mask requirements to be removed for staff are the health and safety challenges of working all day in hot, physical environments wearing masks.’’

‘‘It will certainly encourage customers to be a little more confident.’’

Greg Harford Retail NZ chief executive