COVID-19 Protection Framework (traffic lights)
The COVID-19 Protection Framework provides flexibility for businesses as New Zealand manages COVID-19 in the community.
About the Framework
The traffic light settings allow businesses to open and operate with flexibility while protecting our hospitals and health system.
The Framework will continue to protect New Zealanders, while also providing more certainty and new opportunities. It minimises the impact through 3 settings – Green, Orange and Red.
Red |
Orange |
Green |
|---|---|---|
|
Red is used if there’s a need to protect both at-risk people and our health system from an unsustainable number of hospitalisations. |
Orange is used when the risk to our public health system has reduced. |
Green is used when most restrictions can be removed. |
Facemask requirements
Read more about face mask requirements for workers and customers
What it means for business
- The requirements apply by activity. If your business carries out a number of different activities, you will need to consider how best to meet the requirements for each. For example, a mall may have a food court (food and beverage rules apply), general retail (retail rules), and hairdressers (close proximity rules apply). If your business carries out a number of different activities that can't be separated, you will need to operate under the more stringent rules. If you can separate operations, you can operate in line with the specific rules within each separate area.
The COVID-19 Resource Toolkit has resources and signage you can easily download and use depending on what level of the COVID-19 Protection Framework your business is in.
COVID-19 Resource Toolkit(external link) — Unite against COVID-19
If your workplace has a case of COVID-19
If the case is an employee, or a household contact, then they must follow isolation requirements.
What to do if you have a COVID-19 case at your business
Testing and returning to work during Omicron
If your workplace does not fall into one of the categories listed below, you need to follow general workplace rules:
- Workplaces may open at all levels. At red, working from home may be appropriate for some staff.
See detailed guidance on what each level of the COVID-19 Protection Framework means for your business or service.
Accommodation services
Backpackers, dormitories, commercial campgrounds, all other accommodation.
Close proximity services
Barbers, beauty parlours, hairdressers, nail salons, non-medical massage, tattoo parlours, and some in-home aid, but excluding health services.
Entertainment, recreation and exercise
Entertainment, recreation and exercise venues including cinemas, theatres, casinos, bowling alleys, arcades, mini golf, guided walks and kayaking tours, golf and tennis clubs and courses, gyms and facilities for other indoor physical activities. This also includes businesses of these types that can be privately hired for a gathering.
Events and gatherings
All event types, including professional and semi-professional sporting events, community events, auctions, and private events.
Food and drink services
Including cafés, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, community clubs, hired venues where food and drink is provided for consumption and places where food and drink is sold without a dining area. This does not include the manufacturing, supply or processing of food and drink (refer manufacturing or primary industries below).
Manufacturing, supply or processing of goods and packaging
Guidance if you operate in the manufacturing, processing and packaging sector.
Primary Industries
Guidance for the agriculture, aquaculture, fishing and forestry industries.
Public facilities
Including libraries, art galleries, swimming pools and museums.
Retail
General retail stores (including clothing stores), agricultural supply stores, pet stores, hardware and DIY stores, dairies and convenience stores, supermarkets, greengrocers, butchers, bakers and fishmongers, farmers’ markets, petrol stations, pharmacies.
Services
General in-home services, building and construction, maintenance services, utility connections, health and disability, social services, repair services, client consultation services, housing and housing support, animal welfare, public sector services, scientific services, union services, and film production, news and broadcast media.
Transport, construction and utilities
Including public and private transport and passenger services, freight such as couriers and parcel services, transport and delivery of goods, as well as construction, infrastructure, and utilities work.