Red lights, bubbles and exemptions

Yes, we are talking about Covid!

If you have read or heard in the news, there have been some developments in the Covid employment space.

As always, we have digested this and summarised it in user friendly language for business owners and managers all currently working at a rate of knots.

If you want to read the detail the Business.govt.nz website has the information.

Red lights

When in Red, the Government have set out guidelines for businesses and sectors. You need to get your head around the information that is relevant to you.

To save you searching, head here.

Close contacts

We have been reading in the media and talking to more and more clients about various scenarios, when one or more of their employees are a close contact or a potential close contact, isolation is required. It’s confusing and daunting for any business owner.

The Government’s announcement last Thursday (10 February) explains the different isolation rules if someone catches Covid or is a close contact. They are each slightly different for Phases One, Two and Three in Red.

There are also some new terms to build into your Covid plans so that some people may be able to carry on working. These are explained below.

A Bubble of One

The Bubble applies to close contact cases during Phases Two and Three of Red.

• The person needs to be vaccinated and not have any symptoms.

• RAT (rapid antigen testing) is not required

• There are clear rules around keeping the bubble of one at work and home.

Close Contact Exemption Scheme

If you are a Critical Service provider, this is for you.

• It applies to Phases Two and Three of Red.

• An employer / organisation / business will need to register as a Critical Service. You need a RealMe log in to register.

• When registered, if a person in your business is a close contact, they can continue to work under certain rules. These involve regular testing using RAT kits, being vaccinated and not having any symptoms.

• RAT kits are provided for free by the Ministry of Health.

• Employers will need to provide their worker with an ‘authorisation letter’ to collect the RAT kit. There are details as to what the letter needs to include.

If you need support with anything Covid and employment related, the team are here to answer your questions and guide you through situations.

Get in touch on 06 213 7676 or hello@robynyoung.co.nz.