Recently, the Government announced that a new traffic-light system will replace the current alert-level framework. When will this happen? Well, as soon as 90% of eligible Aucklanders get a second jab.
Goodbye to lockdowns?
Thankfully, under the Traffic-Light System, lockdowns will become all but a thing of the past. So, businesses will be able to operate. Of course, depending on the colour (Red, Orange or Green), there will be varying levels of restrictions, like mask wearing and capacity limits. But, we’ll still be able to keep on doing what we do, and that’s what matters.
Also, if you’re a parent — like many of us at Pink Bins — breathe a sigh of relief; schools and early childhood centres will remain open. You’ll be able to say au revoir to home schooling!
Vaccine certificates
There is a catch, though. You see, whether or not you get to enjoy the freedoms we once took for granted will depend on if you are vaccinated. For example, large events will be required to use vaccine certificates. So, if you’re unvaccinated, you can forget about attending the Kings of Leon concert scheduled for March 2022.
Other venues, like restaurants and churches, won’t be required to use vaccine certificates, but if they don’t, their activities will be severely curtailed. A café, for example, will only be able to offer contactless takeaways. Some choice! Let’s get real: most businesses that are required under the new system to use vaccination certificates will comply. So, if you’re not vaccinated, the things that you will be able to do outside your home will be severely limited.
On a side note, we suspect that businesses that aren’t required to use vaccination certificates will still experience pressure from their customers to get staff vaccinated. Moving forward, navigating customer/employee relations will be a minefield for employers.
The Traffic-Light System in a Nutshell
Red
- You are encouraged to work from home, but it is not a requirement.
- You can visit family, but large gatherings are limited.
- Schools are open.
- Retail is open with capacity limits and mask requirements.
- Hospitality businesses that don’t use vaccination certificates will only be able to provide contactless services. Hairdressers that don’t comply won’t be able to open.
Orange
- Retail is open with capacity limits and mask requirements.
- Hospitality venues that use vaccination certificates don’t require people to wear masks, and there are no capacity limits.
- Also, certificate-compliant gyms can operate without restrictions.
- Hospitality businesses that don’t use vaccination certificates can only provide contactless services. Hairdressers that don’t comply can’t open.
Green
- Retail, workplaces and schools are open without restriction. Scanning is still required.
- For non-certificate compliant venues, restrictions still apply, like a limit of 100 guests who must be seated and distanced.
Open for business
We are open during level 3 under strict non-contact rules. We adhere to strict hygiene practices and when out and about, our drivers maintain two meters’ distance from customers. So if you need a bin, please get in touch.