Alert Level 1
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Border restrictions
Controls at the borders remain for those entering New Zealand. This includes health screening and testing for all arrivals, and mandatory 14 day managed isolation or quarantine.
If you're sick
Staying at home if you’re sick is especially important at Alert Level 1. The risk of COVID-19 being spread in the community is much greater when there are no restrictions on gatherings or going out.
Get a test if you have symptoms
If you have cold or flu symptoms, stay home and call your GP or Healthline on 0800 358 5453 to see if you need a test.
Maintain good hygiene
Keep up good hand washing practices, using soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and drying thoroughly. Cough and sneeze into your elbow. Keep surfaces clean.
Wear a face covering
Continuing good habits with face coverings will keep you and others safe, even at Alert Level 1. It helps stop droplets spreading when someone speaks, laughs, coughs or sneezes.
You legally must wear a face covering when you’re travelling on a domestic flight anywhere in New Zealand. This does not include private flights.
We encourage you to use face coverings on public transport and when you cannot maintain physical distance from people you do not know, for example in supermarkets.
Be prepared by having a supply of face coverings for everyone who usually lives in your household. Add some to your household emergency kit.
Face coverings in Auckland
Face coverings legally must be worn:
- on all public transport to, from and through Auckland — including on long-distance bus and train journeys, as well as Auckland ferries
- on domestic flights throughout New Zealand
- by Auckland taxi and ride-share drivers — while it’s not compulsory for passengers to wear them, we strongly encourage you to.
There are exemptions for some people.
Keep track of where you’ve been and who you've seen
At Alert Level 1, there is still a risk of COVID-19 returning to the community. We encourage you to continue tracking where you’ve been and who you’ve seen to help with contact tracing, if required.
You can use the NZ COVID Tracer app on public transport, in workplaces and when visiting businesses and shops. You can also add manual entries for places you've been that do not have a QR code poster.
NZ COVID Tracer app (external link)
Alternatively, you can keep your own diary with details of places you’ve visited, the time you were there and who you were with.
How to keep track of where you’ve been
Public transport operators, workplaces and businesses legally must display the NZ COVID Tracer QR code poster to help customers to keep track of where they’ve been.
Keep your distance
COVID-19 is contained at Alert Level 1, but it’s still worthwhile to keep a safe distance from people you don’t know while out and about. This will help to minimise the spread of COVID-19 if community transmission returns.
Financial support
If you’re having trouble with money, there may be support for you.
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