What does Alert Level 3 mean for Christchurch?

Christchurch and most of the rest of New Zealand will be in Alert Level 3 from 11.59pm Tuesday, 31 August. Here’s what you need to know:

Golden rules for business at Alert Level 3

If your business requires close physical contact it cannot operate and staff should work from home if they can. Businesses need to display a QR code and have an alternative contact tracing system. Customers cannot come onto premises — unless you are a supermarket, dairy, butcher, fishmonger, greengrocer, petrol station, pharmacy or permitted health service. Your business legally must be contactless. Your customers can pay online, over the phone or in a contactless way. Delivery or pick-up legally must also be contactless. Basic hygiene measures legally must be maintained. Physical distancing, hand washing and regularly cleaning surfaces. Workers legally must stay home if they are sick. Staff legally must remain a minimum of 1 metre apart at all times where practical. Other measures, such as personal protective equipment (PPE) including face coverings, we recommend being used where appropriate. Different advice applies to essential healthcare workers, border agencies, courts and tribunal staff, first responders and corrections staff. You can get further advice from the Ministry of Health(external link). You legally must meet all other health and safety obligations.

Travelling in or out of an Alert Level 3 area for business

Travel across Alert Level boundaries is strictly limited to stop the spread of the virus. You may need to seek additional permission to complete travel across Alert Level areas.

Business travel permissions over an Alert Level 4 and 3 boundary

Resources for business

You can order free printed resources through our website to help your workplace or business operate safely.

Get free COVID-19 resources

Rubbish

Under Covid-19 Alert Level 3 there is no change to kerbside collection service. The Christchurch City Council says you should continue to put your bins out as normal and put the right items in the right bin. Under Alert Level 3EcoDrop transfer stations and recycling centres at Metro Place, Styx Mill and Parkhouse Road are open to the public via appointment only. The Barry’s Bay Transfer Station is also open under Alert Level 3, operating under restricted access, please follow all directions on arrival. Masks must be worn if visiting any of the transfer stations and please follow physical distancing rules and directions of staff.

Parks and sports fields

Council parks are open but playgrounds, exercise equipment, water fountains, car parks and public toilets remain closed and have been taped off.The Botanic Gardens will remain closed under Alert Level 3.

Library facilities

Libraries, including mobile and outreach services, remain closed at Level 3. Issues will be extended, so don’t worry about overdues or fines. Please don’t return your books and items to the library. All returns bins are still closed. The Fingertip Library, virtual library information service and call centre, is back up and running.

Public boat ramps, and jetties

All these facilities remain closed under Alert Level 3.

Parking

Car parking buildings remain open for essential services workers. Parking charges will not be enforced in parking buildings and on-street spaces while we’re in Alert Level 3. Parking enforcement will focus on vehicle access ways and enforcing time limits around key centres such as the hospital.

Public transport

At Alert Level 3, Greater Christchurch public transport services will be operating under Sunday timetables. Buses can be boarded from the front. Tap your Metrocard on your way in, and scan in using the COVID app near your seat. Disembark through the rear door unless you need the front door for accessibility reasons, and keep physical distancing at one metre where possible. At Level 3, Metro school services will not resume. Students requiring public transport should use urban bus routes. You can check timetables for buses online, noting that these routes are operating to Sunday timetables. Fares will be required during Alert Level 3, using contactless Metrocard payment only. Cash will not be accepted for fares or top ups. Metrocards can be ordered online. Environment Canterbury has waived the $5 fee for Metrocards ordered online under Alert Level 3. Contactless payment may continue to be necessary at Level 2 so if you are going to be using buses for travel it is recommended you order a Metrocard as soon as possible. If you would like a Metrocard and do not have internet access, please call 03 366 8855. Although fewer people should be travelling on public transport, the possibility of capacity constraints mean that you should allow plenty of time to reach your destination. Please continue to only use window seats unless sitting beside someone in your bubble.

Public transport facilities

The Bus Interchange will be open, with two-metre physical distancing restrictions in place. The Riccarton Lounge will not be open at Alert Level 3.

Face coverings

For everyone aged 12 and older, face coverings are mandatory on public transport, in taxis and in public spaces. This includes the bus interchange and bus shelters, and total mobility and community vehicle trust services.

Contact tracing

It is now mandatory to record your travel. Please scan the NZ COVID Tracer app using the QR code nearest your seat. If you are unable to scan the QR code, you can call 03 366 8855 to register your travel.

Dogs

If you’re taking your dog out for a walk under Alert Level 3, please keep them leashed at all times, even in dog parks. This is to reduce the contact between dogs and other owners. Apply the same physical distancing guidelines to your dog as you would to yourself.

Roading works

The council is resuming construction works across many transport projects as possible. Essential road maintenance and street sweeping will continue to operate as it did in Alert Level 4. Additional maintenance work will be done where contractors are able to work within COVID-19 guidelines. This work will including resealing and preventative maintenance repairs.

Building inspections resume

On site building and subdivision inspections will resume under Alert Level 3, with additional health and safety measures in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.