As of 11.59pm, Wednesday 13 April 2022, all of New Zealand has moved to the Orange setting of the COVID-19 Protection Framework.
New Zealand moved to the COVID-19 Protection Framework, also known as the traffic lights, on 3 December. This new approach to COVID-19 introduced more freedoms for vaccinated New Zealanders.
The COVID-19 Protection Framework was simplified on Friday 25 March to help us manage our lives with Omicron while also lessening the impact of future outbreaks.
COVID-19 Protection Framework uses a 3-level approach to manage COVID-19 in the community. From Friday 25 March, these levels are as follows:
Red
Orange
Green
We can move up levels when needed to control outbreaks. The framework is more flexible than the previous Alert Level system. It provides vaccinated people more freedom.
At all levels, businesses, retail, and public facilities will generally be able to remain open for vaccinated people. Businesses that only open to vaccinated customers pose a lower risk.
Learn more about the COVID-19 Protection Framework