This article provides a brief summary of changes and recommendations businesses should be aware of, especially concerning sick leave and the Covid 19 Leave Support Scheme.
Updated: 15 August 2023
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As of 15 August 2023, the last remaining Covid 19 restrictions have been removed throughout New Zealand. Normal health and safety operating practices should function in the workplace concerning Covid 19.
Prime Minister Hipkins announced in a press conference on 14 August that the final Covid 19 restrictions will be removed, effective from 12:01 am on 15 August 2023.
What this means for businesses:
- End to 7-day mandatory isolation when testing positive to Covid 19
- Regular sick leave will now be used for any Covid 19 illness
- A 5-day isolation period is highly recommended by the Ministry of Health when testing positive to Covid 19
- End to mandatory mask-wearing in healthcare and aged-care facilities
- Voluntary mask-wearing is still highly recommended to reduce the spread of any respiratory illness, such as Covid 19.
- Eligibility for the Covid 19 Leave Support Scheme ended on 15 August 2023.
- You can still apply for employees who were self-isolating before 13 August.