Breaking: Level four exit after Anzac Day

New Zealand will shift from tough level four restrictions to level three after the long weekend, at 11.59pm on the Anzac Day public holiday, Monday April 27.

Business are this week allowed to start preparing for reopening, including accessing workplaces to receive stock.

But when they reopen they will be expected to be ‘COVID-19 safe’. What that means for the automotive retail trade – including EV dealerships – remains unclear – retail is only allowed to open if ‘contactless’.

But it would seem contactless sales and delivery of vehicles are likely to be allowed.

Most staff will still be expected to work from home if they can but businesses reopening, particularly those accessed by the public or customers, must comply with health and safety provisions such as physical distancing, hygiene and contactless engagement with customers.

More details around the automotive trade are likely to be industry driven, with VIA leading a cross-industry panel to work out what a reopening will look like for used car yards and the supply chain.

Level three will last for about a fortnight with a decision on May 11 about what’s next, such as the possibility of dropping to level two which would allow retail, including dealerships, to open.

“We want to see Kiwis back in work as soon as possible and our economy rebound before others,” prime minister Jacinda Ardern says.

At level three, 400,000 more New Zealanders will return to work, with key sectors for recovery like construction, manufacturing and forestry starting up again.

“Having our economy operating with a low threat of the virus is the competitive advantage we can seize if we get this next phase right. And I believe we can,” Ardern says.

“But at level three we need to be even more vigilant and we must stick to the rules, continue to reduce contact and keep breaking the chain of transmission.”