COVID-19 (novel coronavirus)

Current situation

The COVID-19 Protection Framework (traffic lights) ended on 12 September 2022.

Isolation and testing

• If you develop COVID-19 symptoms get tested immediately. 
• Only people who test positive for COVID-19 are required to isolate for seven days.
• Household contacts are recommended to take a rapid antigen test (RAT) every day for five days and avoid contact with the person who has had COVID-19.

Face masks

• Masks are required when visiting certain healthcare facilities like hospitals, GPs, pharmacies and aged residential care facilities.
• Some places like workplaces or a marae may ask people to wear a mask.
• Masks are strongly recommended for household contacts, when in confined poorly ventilated places such as public transport, or when visiting vulnerable people.
• Read guidance on face masks for the public and for health and disability care workers.

COVID-19 medicines

• Anti-viral medicines are available for free to any New Zealander 65 and over who tests positive for COVID-19.
• For Māori and Pacific peoples, these medicines are available for free to anyone aged 50 and over.
• In addition, anyone with three high-risk conditions is eligible for free anti-viral medicines. Read about eligibility for COVID medicines.

COVID-19 vaccination

• All remaining Government vaccine mandates have ended. The Government vaccine mandate for health and disability workers will end on 11:59pm, 26 September 2022.
• Some employers may still require workers to be vaccinated due to their responsibilities under health and safety legislation.
• To keep your immunity levels high, stay up to date with your vaccinations. This will lower your chances of getting very sick from COVID-19 and ending up in hospital.

International travellers

• Travellers arriving in New Zealand, including air crew, no longer have to be vaccinated, or to test after arriving.
• However, people flying into New Zealand will continue to receive free RATs at the airport and will be encouraged to test on day 0/1 and 5/6.
• People arriving by air must complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration, and receive a Traveller Pass, before entering the country

Read the latest weekly update on Covid-19 cases.

Read more at: Unite against COVID-19.