Overview
After almost three months of strict lockdown restrictions, Aucklanders will finally have the freedom to shop, see more friends at once, and even head to the zoo from this Wednesday, November 10, as the city moves to what is becoming known as COVID-19 alert level 3.2.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern confirmed in a press conference on Monday, November 8, that Auckland would move to the next stage of its lockdown roadmap for two weeks from 11:59pm on Tuesday, November 9, as the city inches even further to its 90 percent double-vaccination goal.
But with the latest revision of incremental alert changes, many of us may be feeling confused about what exactly is and isn't allowed in the slightly looser version of level 3 lockdown. So, here's exactly what you can and can't do in level 3.2.
Can I see more friends and whānau?
Yes, as long as you stick to outdoor picnics, parties and barbecues, the number of people allowed at any one gathering moves from 10 to 25, this time with no bubble or household restrictions. Social distancing of two metres is still firmly encouraged. It's going to be welcome news for those missing extended family or larger groups of friends — let's just hope this beautiful weather holds up for a few brews in your local park.
Can I take my bored kids out and about?
Yes! Finally you can offer more than just another half-hearted game of hide and seek this weekend. Zoos, museums and libraries are all able to open under alert level 3.2, with masking and distancing regulations but no limits on the number of visitors at any one time. That means the elephants at Western Springs will be welcoming visitors again, so pack a picnic lunch and make a day of it.
Can I eat and drink outside at a local restaurant or bar?
No, it's still takeaway only options for our hospitality scene, with even outdoor tables still off limits for cafes, bars and restaurants. While food courts inside malls can reopen, it needs to be under the 'click and collect' system, and the food must be taken outside of the mall to be eaten.
Can I go shopping?
Yes. If you've been itching to begin your Christmas shopping, great news — retail stores can reopen under alert level 3.2, as long as both staff and customers are masked up and distanced two metres apart. Remember to sign in with your COVID-19 tracer app as you enter.
Can I work out?
It's still outdoor exercise workouts for those energiser bunnies exercising at this stage of lockdown — kudos to you. Gyms, fitness studios and recreation centres are all remaining closed for the time being. While it was initially proposed that swimming pools may be able to open under step 2 of level 3, it was confirmed on Monday they're to remain closed for now. Team sports are also off limits. However, outdoor fitness classes like yoga and Crossfit can now extend their limits to 25 people, including the instructor.
Auckland moves into alert level 3.2 from 11:59pm on Tuesday, November 9, for at least two weeks. For a full list of what and can't be done in this stage of the lockdown roadmap, head to the New Zealand Government's Ministry of Health website.