No locations have been placed under the green light just yet
Starting Friday, New Zealand's traffic light scheme will be taking effect across the country. Different places will be under varying restrictions depending on their classification. Areas have been placed under either red or orange light, according to the latest announcement, based on vaccinations, state of the health system, testing, contact tracing, case management capacity, and the rate and effect of COVID-19 transmission.
Under the red light are the following areas:
- Northland
- Auckland
- Taupō
- Rotorua Lakes Districts
- Kawerau
- Whakatane
- Ōpōtiki Districts
- Gisborne District
- Wairoa District
- Rangitikei
- Ruapehu Districts
For orange light:
- Rest of the north Island
- Whole of the South Island
"We've prepared well for this moment by maintaining a cautious approach focused on protecting people and their jobs. Our next phase is focused on minimising the impact of COVID-19 and protecting people," said Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
Those under the red light are placed under the tightest restrictions, with workers encouraged to work from home.
"Red provides extra protections against COVID-19 such as requiring both Vaccine Passes and some capacity limits in the most-high risk settings," Ardern expounded.
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Those under the orange light will have lesser restrictions, with those vaccinated to experience a life closer to normal. Meanwhile, life for vaccinated people under the green light areas will be essentially normal, with schools, retail, and hospitality all open with no limits.
"Vaccinated New Zealanders using vaccine passes will be able to do many of the things that were previously treated as high risk like safely going to bars and restaurants, getting a haircut, and going to a concert or the gym. In Auckland, it means seeing friends and family indoors again," said Ardern.
According to the prime minister, the traffic lights will replace the sudden lockdowns and restrictions of Alert Levels.
No areas will also be placed under the Green light just year, said Ardern, as the country aims to hike vaccination rates.
An update on the new framework will be provided by December 13, while the next update from minister will be on January 17 before continuing fortnightly.
