State of national emergency extended to May 5

The state of national emergency to support the COVID-19 response has been extended a fifth time, to about May 5.

The initial declaration was made on March 25, and the seven-day declaration can be extended as many times as necessary, providing people managing the response in an emergency such as the pandemic to use powers to implement and enforce suitable measures.

The state of national emergency does not change the COVID-19 alert level, now at level three,

“It is important that we continue to have the powers and support enabled by the state of national emergency available as we transition to alert level three to help maintain the level of success we have seen to date in stopping the spread of COVID-19 in our communities,” Civil Defence minister Peeni Henare says.

“The powers activated by the state of national emergency enable critical work to be carried out during this time including managing roads, traffic and public places; providing first aid, food, shelter and accommodation.”

These have included authorising local councils to restrict vehicle access to roads or streets to support social distancing, directing freedom campers to relocate, and requisitioning a carpark for COVID-19 testing.

Henare says most New Zealanders have “done the right thing” by following the rules and staying home.

“Getting this far has required a collective effort and we should be enormously proud of what we have achieved.”