New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is leading by example as she’s called off her own wedding at a time when the country is moving from ‘orange setting’ to ‘red setting‘. This indicates a tightening of COVID-19 restrictions, which comes after nine cases of the omicron variant were detected within a single family, which flew to Auckland to attend a wedding. 

Referring to the situation, Ardern announced “Such is life”, as per AFP. Under the new setting, which kicked in on Sunday, vaccinated New Zealanders have significantly more freedom than unvaccinated ones. 

Socializing 

Vaccinated people have the option to attend gatherings and visits at venues, or homes, with a maximum of 100 people attending. Physical distancing is to be maintained, and the rule holds for indoor and outdoor events. While the pre-decided number includes children, staff are excluded. 

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Unvaccinated people can only attend events that don’t need vaccination passes, have a maximum of 25 attendees, and adhere to physical distancing.

Travelling 

Ardern has stressed, “red is not lockdown”, and accordingly, people are free to move around the country. No proof of vaccination or negative test results is needed unless one chooses to travel by plane or ferry. 

Working

Businesses and places of work have the option to remain open with and without vaccine mandates. However, gathering limits have to be strictly followed by all employers. 

Hospitality 

If a venue checks vaccine certificates, it can be open for up to 100 people. However, if businesses opt not to check vaccination status, then they have to operate with a contactless model. 

Education 

Early childhood centres, schools, playgrounds can operate but have to follow public health measures. Students aged four and above have to wear masks, as do teachers and staffs. Those attending tertiary educational institutions must have vaccine passes. 

Shopping 

Shops, outdoor markets, and takeaway joints can operate with certain capacity limits, following the 1-meter distancing. Retail businesses might choose to have vaccine passes, but it wouldn’t affect capacity limits. 

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Under the new setting, most situations involving public interaction require people to have a face mask on at all times. Ardern also stated, “Our plan for managing omicron cases in the early stage remains the same as delta, where we will rapidly test, contact trace and isolate cases and contacts in order to slow the spread”. 

[Edited with AP inputs]