The dos and don’ts of LOCKDOWN

An easy-to-follow guide for New Zealanders living under coronavirus level 4 alert conditions

Most liquor stores and The Warehouse is out but dairies are in as New Zealand entered level 4 of the Government’s coronavirus alert system at 11.59pm last night.

The move to threat level 4 means that everyone will have to stay at home.

Kiwis are not able to go to work unless they’re considered an ‘‘essential worker’’. All nonessential businesses – restaurants and bars – must close.

The Government on Tuesday night gave further guidance as to what were essential services, which could remain open.

■ Dairies to stay open, with ‘‘one-in one-out’’ rule

■ The Warehouse to shut, some big-box retailers open to trade customers

■ Food delivery prohibited, except Meals on Wheels and delivery of food not precooked

■ Liquor stores closed, unless within a Licensing Trust Area and with ‘‘one-in one-out’’ rule

■ Self-service laundries can stay open, 2-metre physical distancing to be enforced

■ Retirement villages are included.

MBIE deputy chief executive Paul Stocks said: ‘‘Only the businesses absolutely essential to ensure the necessities of life like supermarkets and pharmacies can stay open. If in doubt, the business premises should be closed.’’

Essential workers

Who is considered an essential worker?

There are 15 sectors deemed to include essential services.

Supermarket workers, pharmacists, teachers, doctors and nurses, ambulance officers, police officers, Defence Force personnel and journalists are all counted as essential workers.

The list also includes accommodation providers who are required for people in selfisolation or quarantine, staff at the border, and people working in courts and the justice system.

Essential businesses and those that support them will continue to provide necessities for everyone in New Zealand.

This means food, healthcare, energy, internet, waste collection and financial support will always be available. They must have health measures and contact tracing in place to operate.

Physical distancing measures require business staff and the public to stay 2 metres apart, hand hygiene and cleaning must be maintained. Keeping full details of guests, and keeping people away if they are sick, is required.

Food and shopping

Can I buy and order groceries?

Grocery stores are essential services and will remain open.

Primary industries, including food and beverage production and processing, will still be operational during the level 4 shutdown period.

Food distributors, such as people who work in supermarkets, will be expected to keep showing up to work.

What about restaurants, bars and cafes?

These are considered nonessential. At level 3 and 4 all nonessential businesses must close.

All bars, restaurants, cafes, gyms, cinemas, pools, museums, libraries, playgrounds and any other place where the public congregate must close their faceto-face function.

Will my food be delivered?

Freight and courier drivers are also considered essential workers as they transport and deliver food.

It’s understood grocery food deliveries – such as My Food Bag and Hello Fresh – are considered as essential and will continue as long as the food is not precooked.

Can I still order takeaways?

All takeaway services must close their operations.

Can I order McDonald’s? What about Uber Eats?

No. Some retailers had earlier been insisting they would be able to keep sending out food but ‘‘for clarity, every restaurant, cafe and bar must close all aspects of their operation, including delivery’’, Stocks said.

‘‘Food delivery services like Uber Eats and Deliver Easy pose a risk to human health. We cannot guarantee every kitchen operates strict food preparation controls or that everyone who works in a kitchen is well. Evidence overseas suggests the virus has been spread via poor food hygiene practices, so it’s a real risk we have to eliminate.

‘‘Delivery of food that is not precooked will be allowed under strict health conditions. Many New Zealanders now receive their food via a delivery company and are in effect no different to a supermarket delivery option.’’

Can I take my children to the grocery store?

There aren’t any set rules around this, and realistically some parents may have to. However, people should remember social distancing and hygiene rules apply.

Are liquor stores open?

Liquor stores are being treated as other non-essential retail outlets and must close.

Wine and beer, however, will continue to be sold at supermarkets.

Are dairies open?

Dairies can continue to operate, but there are rules. They must observe strict physical distancing rules for customers, the Government said.

The Warehouse will close

The Warehouse initially said its stores would remain open as an essential service like supermarkets, with safety rules in place.

At a government press conference, officials then cast doubt on the plan and urged companies to be cautious of making such claims.

Stocks has now confirmed it will have to close.

Some big retailers will be open – but only for trade

Stocks said ‘‘big box’’ retailers like Bunnings, Placemakers and Mitre 10 can stay open – but to trade customers for essential purposes only.

‘‘These retailers play an important part in the construction supply chain, but they cannot sell goods to the general public.’’

The Government said businesses that are a critical part of the supply chain for essential services are also able to continue operating, but must do so in a way that is safe.

‘‘For example, if you make chemicals that are needed for our wastewater plants, then we need you to keep operating at the minimum level required,’’ Stocks said.

Schools and childcare

Are any schools still open? Schools and early education centres had been ordered to close to most students from Monday afternoon – the only exception around this is for the children of essential workers.

Under level 3, the children of essential workers – like doctors, nurses, ambulance drivers and police – were able to go to school or early childhood centres on Tuesday and yesterday.

Then for these families, schools closed from the end of yesterday.

Many students have been sent home with distance learning. The school holidays will be brought forward to be captured in this month-long closure.

What about universities?

Universities have now closed. Many universities have already began holding virtual lectures for students now learning from home.

Can I get a babysitter?

This is a grey area but technically no. Self-isolation means you must stay home with just those around you. People are allowed outdoors for exercise but must maintain social distancing rules.

You can self-isolate with family members though. For example, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is self-isolating with her daughter, partner and her parents for additional help.

Can I take the kids to the playground?

No, playgrounds are classed as an area where people congregate and so are off-limits.

Transport and holidays

Can I catch a domestic flight?

Those arriving in New Zealand need to go straight to the address they are self-isolating at, preferably in a private car.

For domestic flights, people have until tomorrow to get to where they need to be. Physical distancing is required on these flights.

Can I still get road assistance?

An email from AA says that it hopes to continue providing AA Roadservice and AA Home Response assistance as essential services from today, and are currently seeking confirmation from the Government that these services will be allowed to continue.

However, all AA sites nationwide, including AA Centres, AA Auto Centres and AA Vehicle Inspection sites are now closed. AA’s driving school and courses have been temporarily suspended.

Are mechanics open?

Some mechanics are expected to shut up shop for the lockdown duration.

However the Government’s website states that any entity providing services to keep vehicles operational for essential work purposes (eg vehicle testing, mechanics, tyre services) will remain open.

What about service stations?

Yes – service stations will remain open and will be supplied.

Can I still catch public transport?

Public transport including trains and buses will not generally be available from midnight last night. Public transport and regional air travel is going to be restricted to ‘‘those involved in essential services and freight’’ once the lockdown kicks in.

But domestic flights and ferries will still operate to take people home until tomorrow due to demand.

Transport is available to those working in essential services, for medical reasons, or to move essential goods – including ferry services between the North and South Island.

It’s understood someone should be able to catch a bus to their local supermarket for essential items, or to visit their doctor. But these transport options are not for someone to simply use to go their friend’s house, for example.

Bus timetables may also vary depending on council areas. In Wellington, at least, parking will be free during the period of level 4.

Taxi drivers and rideshare services are considered essential services and will continue.

Visitors and tourists in New Zealand will be able to buy a ticket to leave the country, but should not show up at an airport without a booking.

I have an Airbnb or a cottage escape booked, can I still go?

This is not advised. Kiwis are being told to limit travel and selfisolate at home.

Services

Will my post be delivered?

Yes. NZ Post will deliver mail and courier drivers will continue making deliveries as they are considered to be essential services.

Will there be builders available?

Building and construction workers will carry on working on essential services, critical services, or in cases where they’re needed to maintain human health or safety.

Meaning if your roof is taken off by a gust of wind, a builder would presumably be allowed to fix it.

Electricians, telco workers, internet providers, and the media will still be able to go to work.

Can I finish renovating?

If you’re at home in selfisolation and are in the midst of renovating, there’s no reason why you can’t work on it – but you may be limited in what you can do.

Hardware stores, such as Bunnings or Mitre 10, will not be open to the public.

Are retirement homes still open?

Retirement villages are included as essential services.

If my cat gets sick, can I go to the vet?

Veterinarians are considered an essential service. The Government’s website states that an entity providing veterinary services will remain available.

The SPCA has said it will also remain open.

Can I donate blood?

Yes – considering you meet all the established criteria. Blood donations are considered an essential service and there’s a need for donations.

The NZ Blood Service website states that: ‘‘Travelling to donate blood is classified as essential travel.’’

Will my rubbish still be collected?

Rubbish, and recycling, is classified as an essential service and should continue.

Can I use the laundrette?

Self-service laundries can stay open, as long as 2-metre physical distancing is enforced.

Recreation and exercise

Can I see a movie or borrow a book?

No. Cinemas, museums, libraries, playgrounds and any other place where the public congregate must close their faceto-face function.

Can I go to the gym or the swimming pool?

No, all gyms and pools will be closed.

Can I go for a walk/run?

Yes. Those self-isolating are allowed out to go for a walk, run, or bike ride.

Can I go tramping, camping or hunting?

The New Zealand Mountain Safety Council is advising everyone to put their hiking and hunting trips – especially overnight trips – aside for now. The Department of Conservation has closed campsites and huts.