Libraries, Zoo and cafes in food courts can open but not bars and restaurants
Jacinda Ardern gives ‘Christmas surety.’
Venkat Raman
Auckland, November 8, 2021
Auckland is gradually moving towards its promised freedom with the State Cabinet agreeing to place the country’s biggest City on Alert Level 3, Step 2 from 11.59 pm tomorrow, Tuesday, November 9, 2021. This means the retail sector can open but staff and visitors must practice physical distancing and wear face coverings. Cafes and food courts within these businesses can also operate only takeaway services.
Malls, Public amenities to open
Libraries, museums and zoos can also open but the number of persons (all observing social distancing and present with face covering) will be restricted. Similarly, people can meet outdoors for catch-up but limited to 25 persons.
Funerals, weddings and other private functions can be held with social distancing and face-covering measures and restricted to 25 persons other than staff in attendance.
Covid-19 restrictions will be eased again in Auckland, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced.
Ms Ardern said that Vaccination rates are high in Auckland, with 90% of the population having had the first dose.
“Therefore, we can continue to ease restrictions safely on our way to re-opening. IN the first instance, restrictions are being eased in areas that pose the least risk. For instance, we know that outdoor gatherings or picnics have not contributed to case increases but have made a difference to people’s wellbeing,” she said.
According to her, based on the current Vaccination rate, Auckland should achieve a ‘fully vaccinated’ status of 90% of the population by the end of November 2021.
Freedom from December 1?
“The Cabinet will evaluate the situation at its meeting on November 29, 2021. There is a strong expectation that Auckland will move to the Covid-19 Protective Network,” she said.
Ms Ardern said that this would give certainty to Aucklanders and the rest of New Zealand. It will mean all businesses can be open and operate, it will mean we will manage Covid safely, but differently, she said.
Ms Ardern said that she will visit Auckland (a demand by Opposition Leader Judith Collins and ACT Party Leader David Seymour) on Wednesday (November 10, 2021) and meet with local businesses and representatives of the government.
Speaker Trevor Mallard had ruled that MPs should not travel to Auckland since the Delta Variant of Covid-19 struck the City about three months ago but relaxed the rule last week.
The far north of Northland will move back to Level 2 at 11.59 pm on Thursday, November 11, 2021, Ms Ardern said and added that testing rates had tripled in the past week in the far North. Tracing and testing will continue, she said.
Mayor welcomes move
Auckland Mayor Phil Goff welcomed the government’s decision to move Auckland to Alert Level 3, Step 2, and said that people will be able to visit shops and retail outlets again.
“We have been in lockdown for around three months and people will enjoy being able to visit shops and retail outlets again. It will be an important boost for those businesses and people working in them that have been hit hard by the extended lockdown,” he said.
Mr Goff said that the response from Aucklanders, with 92% vaccinated with the first dose and 82% having had their second dose, is a major factor in enabling the continuing easing of restrictions.
“A huge thank you to every Aucklander who has stepped up to get vaccinated and a massive vote of thanks to our vaccinators and healthcare staff, essential workers, community leaders and to everyone who has played a role in helping us achieve this milestone. We have set a target of getting at least 90% of Aucklanders double vaccinated, at which time most restrictions on those who have had their shots will be removed. We want this to happen before Christmas,” he said.
