He Pānui Kōhungahunga
Changes to the COVID-19 Protection Framework
He Pānui Kōhungahunga
Tēnā koe i tēnei ahiahi,
This morning the Prime Minister announced changes to the COVID-19 Protection Framework which will take effect from 11.59pm this Friday 25 March, and to vaccine mandates and My Vaccine Pass, which will take effect from 11.59pm Monday 4 April.
These changes reflect the science and public health advice, and where New Zealand has moved to in our Omicron response. Overall, we are now a highly vaccinated country. While cases remain high, the timing for change reflects that New Zealand is moving into a post-peak phase and our hospitalisations are anticipated to be in a similar position very soon.
New Zealand remains at Red. However, Cabinet will review the framework colour level on Monday 4 April.
We know that for some in your community, these changes may cause some angst. As the Prime Minister noted, everyone is safer as a result of New Zealand’s COVID-19 response, but everyone is tired and fatigued.
We will continue to support you to have conversations with your community starting with further information below about how these changes will impact you.
The details of the changes will be confirmed through a Health Order. If there are any changes that occur through the order we will update you through future bulletins.
In discussion with education sector representatives this morning, Minister Hipkins passed on a message of thanks to you. He noted how well you have adapted to the changes and challenge.
I echo this message. Thank you all for your continued focus on keeping children and young people engaged in learning and as safe as possible.
Ngā mihi maioha,
Iona
Overview of key changes
COVID-19 Protection Framework, My Vaccine Pass and vaccination mandates
- The removal of vaccination mandates for education workers will take effect from 11.59pm Monday 4 April.
- On the same date, removal of the My Vaccine Pass from the COVID-19 Protection Framework (traffic light system).
- There is no requirement to display QR code posters (although we encourage you to retain them) or have other processes, other than your regular processes, to support people to check-in. This system may need to return if case numbers rise.
Red
- There is no change to masks in the early learning settings where mask wearing is not required by adults or children. Masks will continue to be required for visitors (including parents) when indoors.
- For all New Zealanders, including school and early learning settings, masks will not be required outdoors.
- Capacity limits will be removed for outdoor events and activities.
- Indoor capacity limits for extra-curricular activities increases to 200 people, or a maximum capacity on the maximum number of people who could occupy the space if each person was one metre apart (whichever is lower).
Orange
- As at Red, there will be no mask requirements when outdoors.
- There will be no outdoor capacity limits.
- Indoor capacity limits are also removed.
Green
- There will be no face mask requirements and no capacity or gathering limits in any setting, indoors or outdoors.
Guidance on mandatory vaccination requirements
From 11.59pm on Monday 4 April, all workers in early learning services, schools and kura will no longer be required to be vaccinated to work with children or students, or to work on site where children and young people might be present.
Volunteer workers and those living in a home where licensed home-based education and care takes place will also no longer be required to be vaccinated.
Why this change has been made
The high level of vaccinations has been effective in keeping our tamariki in early learning services, schools and kura protected from COVID-19.
The vaccine mandates have been central in getting us to this point, but mandates need to be reviewed regularly to ensure they remain fit for purpose and are proportionate to the risks, as well as reflecting the other safety measures that are in place.
The Government’s decision is based upon the assessment that the mandates are no longer appropriate given where New Zealand is at in our Omicron response.
With this change it is timely for you to review your current risk assessments and health and safety policies around COVID-19. Guidance to support you in this:
COVID-19 Protection Framework for early learning services – Te Mahau
Risk assessment and planning for COVID-19 template – Te Mahau
MBIE and WorkSafe are also updating their guidance to reflect the removal of vaccine mandates to support your risk assessment process. We will provide that updated information to you as soon as it becomes available.
It is important that you work with your staff and their representatives when considering the health and safety measures that are required to mitigate COVID-19 risks and communicate with parents and caregivers to provide confidence in the systems you have in place.
Implications for your employment processes
The vaccine mandate removal has implications for your employment practices. Once the mandatory vaccination requirements are removed any employment processes, which are underway because an employee is not vaccinated should cease.
If your service is currently involved in such an employment process seek advice from your employment advisor.
We acknowledge that it will be a difficult period as we move away from the vaccination requirements.
To help with this we have provided answers to anticipated questions about the management of staff when vaccinations are no longer mandatory.
Other changes to the COVID-19 Protection Framework
My Vaccine Pass requirements will be removed from the framework at 11.59pm Monday 4 April.
This means that certified playgroups currently operating as close proximity services will not be required to use My Vaccine Pass to operate at the ‘Red’ and ‘Orange’ settings. Mask wearing requirements remain. Those playgroups currently under the education mandate should still follow those requirements.
Vaccination mandate update – Te Mahau
We will provide further information on these changes once the Health Order amendments are confirmed and Government advice is updated for businesses and services in regard to removal of My Vaccine Pass from the framework.
