Changes from Alert Level 2 to Alert Level 1 are:
- The relaxing of physical distancing requirements on site
- Workplaces and workers are still encouraged to maintain one metre; however, this is not a hard requirement
- Construction sites are still required to sign in and out workers to assist with contact tracing should this be necessary
- Personal hygiene should be maintained; this means workers should regularly wash hands with soap and water or use hand sanitiser
- Workplaces should maintain regular cleaning of common areas such as bathrooms, meeting rooms and surfaces
- Workers should only come to work if they are free from flu and cold symptoms
- Emergency response plans are still to be in place
These changes are consistent with the government’s golden rules for Alert Level 1 which are:
- If you’re sick, stay home. Don’t go to work or school. Don’t socialise
- If you have cold or flu-like symptoms, call your doctor or Healthline and make sure you get tested
- Wash your hands. Wash your hands. Wash your hands
- Sneeze and cough into your elbow, and regularly disinfect shared surfaces
- If health authorities tell you to self-isolate, you must do so immediately
- If you’re concerned about your wellbeing or have underlying health conditions, work with your GP to understand how best to stay healthy
- Keep track of where you’ve been and who you’ve seen to help contact tracing if needed. Use the NZ COVID Tracer app as a handy way of doing this
- Businesses should help people keep track of their movements by displaying the Ministry of Health QR Code for contact tracing
- Stay vigilant. There is still a global pandemic going on. People and businesses should be prepared to act fast to step up Alert Levels if we have to
- People will have had different experiences over the last couple of months. Whatever you’re feeling — it’s okay. Be kind to others. Be kind to yourself
ACE New Zealand member research
In April we surveyed ACE New Zealand members to understand:
- The immediate impacts of COVID-19,
- What is driving these impacts, as well as
- Member attitudes regarding the future of our sector
We heard from 138 member firms who employ more than 11,000 staff. This represents a response rate of approximately 64% of member firms and market coverage (as measured by fulltime equivalent employees) of more than 80%
It’s safe to say that COVID-19 has had a significant impact. Both in terms of cash flow and service demand.