All of New Zealand now at Orange settings
As of 11.59pm, Wednesday 13 April 2022, all of New Zealand has moved to the Orange setting of the COVID-19 Protection Framework.
What is the 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.
Learn more about the changes
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
- There will be no limits for outdoor activities, such as gatherings and events, and food and drink businesses. Vaccine Passes are no longer needed.
- There will be a 200-person limit for indoor gatherings and events.
- You do not need to wear a face mask outdoors.
- Other face mask rules remain unchanged — face masks are still required in most indoor settings.
- There is no requirement to scan in or for a business to display a QR code poster or have mandatory record keeping.
Orange
- There will be no limit for outdoor gatherings.
- There will be no limit for indoor gatherings.
- You do not need to wear a face mask outdoors.
- Other face mask rules remain unchanged.
- There is no requirement to scan in or for a business to display a QR code poster or have mandatory record keeping.
Green
- There will be no restrictions.
- You are encouraged to keep up good health behaviours such as wearing face masks.
- There is no requirement to scan in or for a business to display a QR code poster.
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
