Aotearoa moves to Red at 11:59pm tonight

Today, the Prime Minister announced further steps being taken as the Omicron COVID-19 variant is potentially now transmitting in the community. Nine COVID-19 cases have been reported in the Nelson/Marlborough region, and these are now confirmed as the Omicron variant.

All of Aotearoa will move to Red at 11:59pm tonight, 23 January.

Red is not lockdown. The goal at Red is to slow the spread of Omicron. Businesses stay open and you can do most of things that you normally do, including visiting family and friends and travelling around the country. There are no regional boundaries.

Public health guidance for life at Red includes:

Wear a face covering wherever you go. These are mandatory on flights, public transport, taxis, retail, and public venues.
With a My Vaccine Pass, you can visit cafes and bars, attend gatherings and events, and visit close contact businesses like hairdressers. Some limits like capacity and distancing requirements will apply.
Without My Vaccine Pass, there are more restrictions in place. For example, you can’t visit close contact businesses like hairdressers or gyms, attend events like concerts, or dine in at cafes and restaurants.
Workplaces and schools are open— public health measures will be in place
Keep scanning QR codesand recordkeeping wherever you go
Keep physically distanced wherever possible
If you have cold or flu symptoms, isolate immediately and call Healthline for advice about a test

A number of whānau have asked us “What does this mean for Kura Reo (which is taking place this week)?”. Kura Reo will proceed as planned – however, we will be putting in place additional precautions to protect our whānau. We will be operating our Kura Reo in line with the guidance and requirements of the Red traffic light setting. For information on Kura Reo, please email kereana.norton@rangitane.org.nz.

E te whānau, have you got a plan? One way we can all prepare is by planning. We have created a Whānau Plan to help guide you and make this process a little easier. Click here to access the Whānau Plan. Have a sit down with your whānau and do it together. Keep it on the fridge so you’re all in the loop.

There are a range of services iwi members resident in Te Tauihu can access. We’re working closely with our Te Tauihu whānau to provide support through Te Kotahi o Te Tauihu Charitable Trust. The Kotahi o Te Tauihu alliance enables us address immediate and needs of whānau in Te Tauihu and work with agencies and others to ensure existing services are fit-for-purpose. Need help? Call 0800 514 358.