For Government Guidelines see covid19.govt.nz

What you need to know and do 

Isolation and face masks

From 13 September you must still:

  • isolate for 7 days if you have COVID-19

  • wear a face mask in certain healthcare facilities, such as hospitals.

Some places may continue to ask people to wear a face mask.

Household Contacts

Household Contacts no longer need to isolate for 7 days. If you live with someone who tests positive for COVID-19, we recommend you:

  • take a rapid antigen test (RAT) each day for 5 days

  • avoid contact with the person who has COVID-19.

Antiviral medicines

Antiviral medicines are available for people at risk of becoming very sick with COVID-19, including:

  • any New Zealander aged 65 or older

  • Maori and Pacific peoples aged 50 or older

  • anyone with 3 high-risk conditions.

This will help protect our vulnerable communities.

Vaccine mandates

All government vaccine mandates will end at 11:59pm, 26 September 2022. Some employers may still require workers to be vaccinated due to health and safety.

Travel requirements

Vaccination requirements for travellers arriving in New Zealand have ended, including air crew. People entering New Zealand will be given free RATs. We recommend you test on the day you arrive and on day 5 or 6.

Guidance for churches

WHAT SHOULD CHURCHES DO NOW?

Please note that ‘washing hands’ always refers to washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using a hand-sanitiser with minimum 60% alcohol content. See Ministry of Health Guidance and download a poster version to display.

  1. You may hold services freely.

  2. We encourage people to wear a face covering when you cannot maintain physical distancing from others.

  3. Encourage everyone to maintain good hygiene and observe social distancing if attending meetings or worship. Provide hand sanitiser at entrances and ensure there is a good supply of soap or hand sanitiser in bathrooms for hand washing.

  4. Pastoral visits:

    In circumstances where people are self-isolating because they are symptomatic, no pastoral visits should be undertaken until their isolation period ends. However, do offer phone support.

    In circumstances where someone is self-isolating for their protection and a pastoral visit is thought to be necessary, please make sure you follow rigorous health and hygiene practices and maintain social distancing.

  5. Ensure good regular cleaning of surfaces people touch regularly, including such things as door handles, light switches etc.

If you are unwell, self-isolate.

Please feel free to contact your Bishops office if you have ministry queries.

If you or a whanau member feel unwell with a fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, please call your doctor or Healthline on 0800 358 5453 for advice about getting tested.