Alert Level 2

• As of 11:59pm on Wednesday 13 May, New Zealand will start the transition into Alert Level 2
• Cafes, malls, retail shops, hairdressers etc. can open from this time
• Education facilities will open fully from Monday 18 May
• Bars can open from Thursday 21 May
• From 12 noon Friday 29 May, gatherings can be held with up to 100 people.
• The new limit applies to gatherings at your home, events outside of home and public venues – including church services, weddings and, funerals and tangihanga.

Play it Safe

• We know COVID-19 is still out there
• Continue to keep your distance from other people in public
• If you’re sick, stay at home
• If you have symptoms of cold or flu, call your doctor or Healthline and get tested
• Maintain hygiene practices – wash your hands regularly, and sneeze and / or cough into your elbow
• If you’re told to self-isolate, you must do so immediately
• Keep track of where you’ve been and who with

For translated information on life at level 2 click here.

Travel and public transport

You can travel but do it in a safe way.

Tips for minimising risk while travelling:

• Try to limit taking public transport, or use it at off-peak times
• Avoid sitting next to someone you don’t know, or standing
• If you’re flying or taking other forms of transport that require booking, follow the instructions given by the operator
• You must not travel if you’re displaying symptoms of COVID-19, awaiting a test, or if you need to self-isolate

Using Public Transport safely

Government guidelines around travelling on public transport include maintaining social distancing. To ensure this is possible, Auckland Transport will be reducing the number of passengers permitted on a bus, train or ferry at any one time.

• There will be signs to show you where you can sit, and you are asked to avoid sitting next to someone you don’t know.
• It is recommended that you plan your trip by using the AT Journey Planner or the AT Mobile app. As well as giving you real-time bus and train updates, you can also check the capacity of a service before you board.
• If you don’t have internet access, you can call 0800 103 080

Useful Information:

• More information on the COVID-19 Alert Levels
• Doing business at Alert Level 2
• Advice for Exercise, Sports and Recreation 
• Ministry of Health guidance on deaths, funerals and tangihanga
• Alert Level 2 FAQs for schools and Early Learning Centres
• Information for at-risk people
• AT Journey Planner or the AT Mobile app
• Translated Information on Life at Level 2

Feeling Unwell?

If you need urgent medical assistance for severe symptoms of any kind or have a serious injury, call emergency services on 111, or go straight to hospital.

If you are concerned about any aspect of your health, contact your GP. Minor health issues can become more serious if ignored and it is important that you have the treatments and medications you need. Your doctor would rather you call than silently worry at home. If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 through contact with someone who has it, it's important to let your doctor know when you call. 

If you are concerned about possible COVID-19 symptoms you are experiencing, call the dedicated COVID-19 Healthline number on 0800 358 5453.

For any other health concerns, call the general Healthline number on 0800 611 116. All calls to Healthline are free and someone is available 4 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

If you are feeling anxious or frustrated or need a listening ear, reach out to friends, family and whānau. Or you can call or text 1737 – free, anytime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – to talk with a trained counselor.  

Useful Information:

• Health advice from the Ministry of Health
• Auckland Regional Public Health Service Information for our Communities
• COVID-19 Community Based Assessment Centres and Mobile Clincs
• Looking after yourself when you're feeling sick - Easy Read
• Self-isolation advice if you're unwell
• Prepare Pacific 

Need Support?

People are allowed to go to the supermarket or pharmacy alone. It is okay to ask neighbours or family and friends who live locally to do this for someone who is unable to go themselves (e.g. for an older person who can’t go out). 

If you are out of supplies and struggling to get basic food, call 0800 222 296 between 7.00 a.m. – 7.00 p.m. to ask for help

See our 'Easy Read' information on how we can help you with a Household Essential Supplies Pack.

New Zealand Sign Language:  

For more information on where to access services and support click the links below:

• English
• Te Reo Māori
• Hindi
• Korean
• Samoan
• Simplified Chinese
• Tongan

This information will open in a PDF file.

Assistance for Food Banks supporting people impacted by COVID-19

• Are you a food-bank or community-based organisation in Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau providing essential supplies or support to people with immediate needs that are attributable to the impact of COVID-19?
• Are the costs your organisation is experiencing temporary and in addition your normal operating costs?
  If you answer YES to the questions above, we might be able to provide you with financial assistance to support the COVID-19 related work you are doing.

A government support package is being delivered through regional Civil Defence Emergency Management groups. Read more about it here. If your organisation meets the reimbursement criteria, click here to apply for funding support.

More information

• The latest COVID-19 help, advice and updates from Government are available at covid19.govt.nz
• Managing your mental wellbeing - If you feel you're not coping, it's important to talk with a health professional. For support with grief, anxiety, distress or mental wellbeing, you can call or text 1737 – free, anytime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – to talk with a trained counsellor. 
• Ongoing financial support - Work and Income call centres are experiencing very high demand at the moment, so it’s recommended you check the website first. If you don’t have access to the internet you can call on 0800 559 009. 
• Feeling unwell - if have health questions, call your GP before you visit. Or call Healthline on 0800 358 5453.

• If you’re not sure what assistance may be available, or you don’t know who to contact for help, phone the Government Helpline on 0800 779 997 (8am – 10pm, 7 days a week).