With the announcement today that New Zealand is moving to COVID-19 alert level 1 at 11:59 on Monday 8th June, the construction industry has now published a revised standard and protocols for ongoing operations
Key changes from alert level 2 to alert level 1 are:
- The relaxing of physical distancing requirements on site. Workplaces and workers are still encouraged to maintain 1 metre; however, this is not a hard requirement.
- The relaxing of physical distancing requirements on site. Workplaces and workers are still encouraged to maintain 1 metre; however, this is not a hard requirement.
- Construction sites are still required to sign in and out workers to assist with contact tracing should this be necessary.
- Personal hygiene should be maintained, this means workers should regularly wash hands with soap and water or use hand sanitiser.
- Workplaces should maintain regular cleaning of common areas such as bathrooms, meeting rooms and surfaces.
- Workers should only come to work if they are free from flu and cold symptoms
- Emergency response plans are still to be in place.
These changes are consistent with the governments golden rules for Alert Level 1 which are:
- If you’re sick, stay home. Don’t go to work or school. Don’t socialise.
- If you have cold or flu symptoms call your doctor or Healthline and make sure you get tested.
- Wash your hands. Wash your hands. Wash your hands.
- Sneeze and cough into your elbow, and regularly disinfect shared surfaces.
- If you are told by health authorities to self-isolate you must do so immediately.
- If you’re concerned about your wellbeing, or have underlying health conditions, work with your GP to understand how best to stay healthy.
- Keep track of where you’ve been and who you’ve seen to help contact tracing if needed. Use the NZ COVID Tracer app as a handy way of doing this.
- Businesses should help people keep track of their movements by displaying the Ministry of Health QR Code for contact tracing.
- Stay vigilant. There is still a global pandemic going on. People and businesses should be prepared to act fast to step up Alert Levels if we have to.
- People will have had different experiences over the last couple of months. Whatever you’re feeling — it’s okay. Be kind to others. Be kind to yourself.
Click here for the full Vertical and Horizontal Construction Protocols document
Click here for the full Residential Construction Protocols document
