Updated Guidelines for all businesses operating under level-2

There are restrictions in place to do with keeping workers safe, and interacting with customers. Businesses must self-assess which rules apply to them and what is required to operate safely, just as they would to meet their duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act. Government agencies will not make these decisions for businesses or services. Golden rules for business at Alert Level 2 It’s important you do everything you can to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission at work — we all have a part to play in keeping each other safe. COVID-19 is still out there. Play it safe.

1. All businesses can operate if they can do so safely. Alternative ways of working are still encouraged where possible.

2. Talk with your workers to identify risks and ways to manage them.

3. Ask everyone, workers, contractors and customers, with cold or flu-like symptoms to stay away from your premises.

4. Keep groups of customers at least one metre apart, or two metres for retail businesses.

5. Keep contact-tracing records of anyone who will have close interaction (workers, contractors or customers). Retail businesses are not required to keep contact tracing records.

6. Reduce the number of shared surfaces, and regularly disinfect them.

7. Wash your hands. Wash your hands. Wash your hands.

Guidelines for workplaces

The Alert Level 2 rules for workplaces, including the retail & hospitality sectors, are outlined below. All workplaces:

• should keep records of workers on premises (or out working) to enable contact tracing

• should keep workers one metre apart where feasible

• must follow the hospitality rules below if they sell food and drink for consumption in the workplace

• must meet all other health, safety and hygiene requirements.

Retail stores:

• must keep groups of customers two metres apart where feasible

• are not required to keep records of customers.

• must meet all other health, safety and hygiene requirements.

Retail stores must keep groups of customers two metres apart, where feasible, and are not required to keep records of customers. If a business or service by its nature requires less distancing, then they have to keep contact trace.

Hospitality (Including Cafes, restaurants and bars)

• Cafes, restaurants and bars can open if they are serving meals.

• Customers must be seated, groups separated by a one metre, and served by a single person.

• Each customer must order a meal.

• Each group of customers is capped at 10 people.

• There must be one metre between all groups of customers, or between individuals not in groups.

• There is a maximum of 100 customers in each distinct area.

• Records must be kept to enable contact tracing of staff and customers. Apps which only store information on customers' devices do not meet this requirement.

• All other health, safety and hygiene requirements must be met.

Note these restrictions don’t apply to takeaways, accommodation services, food and drink for workers, vending machines, or to customers in cinemas or theatres.

Public venues (like museums, galleries, community centres, cinemas, swimming pools):

• must keep records of all staff and customers and visitors on premises to enable contact tracing

• must keep customers, or groups of customers, one metre apart

• limit the number of customers or visitors gathering in one area to a maximum of 100 in cinemas, stadiums, concert venues, casinos and conference venues

• cap each group of customers or visitors who know each other at 10 people

• must meet all other health, safety and hygiene requirements.

Close proximity services (like hairdressers, nail salons, massage services, personal tailoring) If physical contact with customers is necessary to provide your service, then you must:

• keep records of customers for contact tracing, and

• take measures to mitigate the risks resulting from delivery of your services for staff and customers.

Source: business.govt.nz