Alert 3 gives them liberty of movement but caution recommended
Venkat Raman
Auckland, April 26, 2020
People above 70 years of age are vulnerable, and the oncoming winter season could be harsh and hence should consider their movements carefully when the country moves to Alert Level 3 from the morning of Tuesday, April 28, 2020.
Septuagenarians and their seniors can go to work places if they so desire, but they should be conscious of the fact that they belong to high-risk group.
Tracey Martin, Minister for Seniors said that it is important for people to know what is expected of people over 70 years of age and what they are allowed to do under Alert Level Four.
Freedom of movement assured but..
“The basic rules are the same. We want everyone, wherever possible, to say in their bubble and work from home to reduce the risk of catching or spreading Covid-19,” she said.
Ms Martin said that while the seniors in this and other higher-risk groups have the same rights as others to go to work, exercise and access essential services like supermarkets and banks, they should be careful.
“Like everyone else, travel should be kept to a minimum. Therefore, please use online services or have others shop for you where possible. When you are out, please keep two metres distance from other people,” she said.
Ms Martin said that Under Alert Level 3, seniors can (a) extend their bubble carefully; for example, by letting close family or a caregiver into their home (b) go to a local beach or park for fresh air and exercise (c) shop for essential services such as at the chemist or supermarket (d) take children to school if they are caregivers and (e ) volunteer or go to work if inevitable, but is safe.
“No workplaces should be operating unless they are safely managing Covid-19 risks; so, there is no reason to exclude workers on the basis of age or disability. The other side is that some people have specific health conditions; meaning that they need to manage themselves differently, and they need to talk to their employers and agree on these work and leave arrangements,” Ms Martin said.
Leave Support Scheme
The Covid-19 Leave Support Scheme covers workers who are unable to work from home and need to self-isolate, has been expanded to all businesses, organisations and self-employed people, in addition to those providing essential services.
Ms Martin said that various groups and individuals have been seeking clarification on Alert 3.
“People want to do the right thing. Seniors have been incredibly good at doing their bit and following the rules and a whole range of groups and individuals have been great at providing support to them. We just need to make sure this continues,” she said.
Today by Numbers
The Ministry of Health said that as of this morning, there were nine new Covid-19 cases, of which five were probable cases. The total number of Coronavirus cases in the country is now 1470, while the total number of people who have recovered now stands at 1142. There are now seven persons in various hospitals.
The total number of Covid-19 deaths in New Zealand is now 18.
If you suspect you have COVID-19 symptoms, please call 0800-3585453.
For any other COVID-19 related queries, please contact the government helpline 0800-779997
For text messages: 1737
Visit allright.org.nz for practical mental health and wellbeing advice
For essential business enquiries essential@mbie.govt.nz or 0800-226657
To report breaches of self-isolation, please visit 105.police.govt.nz
Stay up to date on all the latest information on the New Zealand government’s website, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram and LinkedIn.
