COVID-19 UPDATE

The Government have announced that New Zealand will move to the Orange Traffic Light setting at 11:59pm on Wednesday 13 April 2022.

Over the past few weeks, the country has seen a sustained reduction in cases and hospitalisations despite the relaxation of settings, and the Government is confident the move to Orange can lock in those gains while helping the country return to a greater degree of normality.

The Government are emphasising that Omicron is still in the community, and new variants present a continued risk. Highlighting the need for continued caution, especially for those who are at higher risk of long-term health impacts from infection.

AN OVERVIEW OF THE GOVERNMENT UPDATE

New Zealanders can now resume everyday activities with more freedom under the Orange setting.

• There are no longer capacity limits or distancing requirements at venues.
• Face coverings are no longer required to be worn in cafes or restaurants.
• There are still some indoor settings where people must continue to wear face masks, these include retail stores, public facilities & transport, taxis and rideshares, some social service and government providers, healthcare, and aged care facilities.
• Face coverings are still required to be worn by staff at public-facing indoor hospitality venues and close-proximity businesses [e.g., hairdressers], if they are interacting with customers.

WHAT DOES THIS CHANGE IN SETTINGS MEAN FOR VILLAGE LIFE?

In light of this announcement, and the review of village infection rates throughout the country, the following changes will be made in all Generus Living villages effective 14 April 2022.

• Villages community facilities will no longer be operating under the ‘My Vaccine Pass’ requirement.
• Residents and visitors will not be required to scan or provide evidence of vaccination status.
• Face coverings will no longer be required in village cafes and restaurants but are strongly encouraged in all other indoor community facilities. Of course, you are welcome to continue wearing a face covering should you wish.
• Staff working within our cafes and restaurants [and any other role that has close proximity interaction with customers] will continue to wear face coverings as per Government requirements.
• Residents and visitors are asked to refrain from frequenting village facilities if they are feeling unwell, regardless of their vaccination status.

CARE FACILITIES

Whilst a move to the Orange Traffic Light setting does afford fewer restrictions, we are still operating our care facilities with caution given the acuity of residents.

Please request visitor protocols directly from the respective Care Facility to understand the specific control measures and restrictions that are in place.

SUMMARY

Aligned to the Government’s approach, Generus Living will continue to monitor the situation. Should a specific village and/ or regional community infection rates increase, we may need to consider reinstating some control measures to appropriately manage the risk presented. We thank you in advance for your understanding should this be required.

COVID remains a global pandemic, however this announcement does provide some light at the end of what has felt like a very long tunnel. It has certainly been a very difficult two years for all, and we sincerely thank you for your co-operation to date as we have navigated this challenge.

Should you have any specific questions or concerns please email our COVID Response Team at Covidresponse@generus.co.nz.