The city of Auckland is now under level 3 lockdown for three days starting today after a family of three from Papatoetoe tested positive to CoViD-19.

The rest of New Zealand is under level 2 lockdown over the same period.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the restrictions yesterday “to give us time to gather further information, undertake large scale testing, and establish if there has been wider community transmission”.

The level 3 means people in Auckland are urged to stay home to avoid any risk of spreading CoViD-19. 

This includes working from home where possible, and children staying home from school. However, schools and daycare are open to children of essential workers.

Essential services such as supermarkets, pharmacies, primary produce retailers, and petrol stations can remain open, while public venues, such as libraries, museums, cinemas, food courts, gyms, pools, playgrounds, and markets will be closed.

People are to maintain physical distancing of 2 metres outside, or 1 metre in controlled environments.

Gatherings of groups of 10 are allowed for weddings and funerals, and healthcare services will revert to using virtual, non-contact consultations where possible.

A border is in place around Auckland to limit travel and people are required to wear masks on planes, trains, buses, ferries and taxis.

Under level 2, the remainder of New Zealand will see businesses and schools remain open, with people urged to maintain physical distancing and record keeping.

People must wear masks on public transport and in places where physical distancing cannot be maintained.

Mass gatherings will need to be limited to 100 people.

Later this week, CoViD-19 vaccines are expected to arrive in the country with vaccinations scheduled to start on 20 February.

Air New Zealand adjusts services

Meanwhile, New Zealand has made adjustments to its services after level 3 restrictions were imposed on Auckland and level 2 for the rest of the country starting today.

The airline has closed its Auckland lounges and will only permit 100 customers in Level 2 areas.

The airline announced that its Auckland Valet will stay open with staff wearing PPE and wiping down touch points in vehicles, however no new vehicles will be accepted

Food and beverage won’t be served on all domestic flights, and unaccompanied minors service has been suspended.

Meanwhile face masks continue to be required on all flights. The airline said it hands out masks to passengers who don’t have their own. The airline will also try to introduce physical distancing on planes where possible.

“Customers who have existing bookings between 15 March to 21 February won’t be charged the fare difference if rebooking travel before 7 March. For domestic flights scheduled to depart up until 31 March 2021, customers with bookings can opt for credit,” said Air New Zealand.

The airline has also extended their international fare flexibility policy. Those who hold an existing credit have until 30 June 2022 to make a new booking and until 30 June 2023 to travel.