Life in level three

From today, restrictions across New Zealand are easing slightly. But the fight to contain and eliminate the novel coronavirus continues.

The country moved to alert level three at midnight. The changes aren’t dramatic and the message remains to stay home as much as you can. But retailers, restaurants and schools will be allowed to reopen on a smaller scale.

Here’s everything you need to know about life in level three.

SCHOOLS

Primary and secondary schools up to year 10 and early childhood education (ECE) centres will be open for children who need to attend from tomorrow.

ECE centres will decide individually if they will open in level three. There are various restrictions to ensure the safety of children.

Some primary schools planning to open are engaging directly with parents about their plans. Physical distancing measures must be in place and activities that require children to get too close will be cancelled.

The same is happening with secondary schools, with the exception of years 11 to 13. Students in those years must continue distance learning. High school students will be working with their teachers to meet the qualification requirements for NCEA.

Universities across the country will continue distance learning.

EATING

Good news: Most takeaway food businesses will be reopening for business in level three. Dining in still isn’t an option, but contactless deliveries and pick-up orders are being accepted by a number of restaurants and eateries across the country.

Others have been expanding their online offerings to cater to customers all around the country.

Restaurants are required to follow a number of public health measures to protect the safety of staff. For example, physical distancing must be in place in the kitchen.

The Restaurant Association of New Zealand was launching DineFind.co.nz today to collate information on all of the eateries operating during level three.

SHOPPING

For all shops and services resuming trading in level three, contactless service is the key.

Depending on the setup of the store, contactless click-and-collect will be available, in addition to online orders and at-home deliveries.

Stores are also able to expand their online stores to include nonessential items.

People with a green thumb will be pleased to know that gardening and trade stores will be selling again. In addition to the big stores’ online offerings, local nurseries are setting up email and phone ordering systems.

Local sellers on Trade Me can also complete transactions.

SPORTS AND RECREATION

Don’t expect to see Super Rugby make a return – sports competitions are still off the table in level three.

However, that might change in level two.

Minister for Sport Grant Robertson said it was likely that professional sport could return when we moved down another level.

Some recreational activities are allowed to resume.

Golf courses are being given the choice to open and hunters have the green light to hunt locally, provided they have the landholder’s permission, stay within their bubble, and only go on foot.

The likes of swimming, surfing, fishing and mountain biking are also allowed under level three. Outdoor activities should be low-risk and nonmotorised and people should stay within their region, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said.

People should still be mindful of sharing equipment, common surfaces and spaces.

WORK

The workforce in level three is expected to double, but again, safety measures still apply.

‘‘Covid-19 has spread in workplaces, so the quid pro quo of being able to open is doing it in a way that doesn’t spread the virus,’’ Ardern said.

Major worksites are allowed to start up again, as are plumbers, electricians and builders, provided they kept 2 metres from residential occupants at home.

In the construction industry, strict hygiene measures must be put in place and everyone entering the site must be registered to assist with potential contact tracing.

Tools and equipment also need to be cleaned before and after every workday, and workers must sit 2 metres apart on their lunch breaks.

Those who don’t need to work in the office or at a site are still being asked to work from home.

TRAVEL

If you got stuck away from home when lockdown began four weeks ago, you’re allowed to move through the country to get home during level three. But you should only move once and in one direction.

If you’re questioned by police or other authorities while travelling, you need to be able to clearly explain your reasons for travelling and how it complies with the levelthree rules. You will need to carry documentation such as proof of address for a residence or business, a tenancy agreement, or a letter from your employer.

Other exemptions for travel restrictions include people travelling for work or school, shared bubble arrangements, medical reasons or emergencies.

Foreign nationals leaving New Zealand and people returning home after mandatory 14-day quarantine upon arrival are also exempt.

POLICE

Just like in lockdown, police will be patrolling to ensure everyone is abiding by the rules at level three.

Police Commissioner Andy Coster said police would be ‘‘reasonable’’ in this alert level.

‘‘We recognise that there will be some bedding-in in the early period.’’