Country Moves to Orange Traffic Light System Tonight in Time for Easter

New Zealand will move to Orange Traffic Light System from tonight Wednesday 13th March 11.59 pm.

COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins announced the change this afternoon. This comes as the Ministry of Health reports today 9,495 community cases, 551 hospitalisations and 15 deaths.

The seven-day rolling average of case numbers continues to decline, with today’s seven-day rolling average at 9,288 – last Wednesday it was 12,307.

The number of reported community cases is expected to continue to fluctuate day to day but the overall trend remains an overall reduction in reported cases.

Key points At Orange:

  • There are no capacity limits or distancing requirements at venues.
  • Workplaces and schools can open.
  • All types of gatherings can go ahead, including weddings and civil union ceremonies, faith-based gatherings, funerals and tangihanga, club functions, community fairs and social sports.
  • You can visit friends and whānau in a rest home or aged care facility, but there may be restrictions. Some facilities may only allow fully vaccinated people to visit. Check with the aged care or rest home before you visit.
  • You must wear a face mask when visiting an aged care facility.