At 11.59pm on Monday 27 April, New Zealand will move out of Level 3 lockdown.
Can your business begin operating safely at level 3? What steps do you need to take beforehand? Here are some industry-related links to help you prepare.
Can your business operate at Level 3?
Business.govt has released information about workplace activities and what they look like at Level 3. This is a great starting point if you are unsure when and how your workplace can reopen: https://www.business.govt.nz/covid-19/workplace-operations-covid-19-alert-levels/
Level 3 ‘golden rules’ for businesses: The Government has announced that from 11.59pm on Monday 27th April it will ‘hold at Alert Level 3 for 2 weeks, before Cabinet reviews how we are tracking and makes further decisions on 11th May.’ View the Government ‘golden rules’ of Level 3 here: https://covid19.govt.nz/latest-updates/new-zealand-be-at-alert-level-3-from-tuesday-28-april/
Building and construction sector
At level 3, most building and construction sector business can go back to work. Further Government advice here: https://www.building.govt.nz/covid-19/get-prepared-for-working-at-alert-level-3
Civil Contractors Association: The CCNZ explored the new construction return to work protocols. Watch their webinar via this link: https://civilcontractors.co.nz/CCNZ-webinars-explore-new-COVID19-protocols/10912-0928f047-bfbe-4489-b300-7226e4362999/
Primary industries
The Ministry for Primary Industries has announced that under level 3, primary sector businesses, including those previously regarded as non-essential, will be able to operate. View the MPI’s FAQs here: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/protection-and-response/coronavirus/latest-questions-about-covid-19-and-primary-industries/frequently-asked-questions-in-alert-level-3/
Road transport
The Road Transport Forum has released guidance and protocols to help businesses transition to Alert Level 3. These include Covid-19 workplace protocols for road freight transport. Read more here: https://www.rtfnz.co.nz/covid-19/
Retail sector
Retail New Zealand has put together a useful selection of FAQs for those in the retail sector here: http://www.retail.org.nz/advice/covid-19-alert-level-3
Manufacturing
Employers and Manufacturers’ Association (EMA): The EMA has a site dedicated to COVID-19 featuring downloads such as risk assessments, site registers etc. Check it out here: https://covid19.ema.co.nz/
What next?
This is not an exhaustive list and if your association is not listed, we recommend you contact them directly for advice. You can also find more support links, including subsidies, etc available, here: https://www.partnersfinance.co.nz/covid-19-support-for-businesses/