Novel coronavirus (COVID-19)

Alert Level 2: Public Health Requirements – What you need to know

Here are the public health requirements that apply to all businesses and services operating under Alert Level 2. This information is based on the COVID-19 Public Health Response (Alert Level Requirements) Order (No 2) 2021.

Operating safely – what you need to think about

Implementing or maintaining infectious disease controls remains vital for the health and safety of workers and other people regardless of the Alert Level.

The difference between work health and safety PPE and public health PPE

There is a difference between personal protective equipment (PPE) required under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA), and PPE recommended or required in public health guidance about COVID-19.

Information for workers

Here’s what you need to know about working during the COVID-19 pandemic.

How we support the government's pandemic response

We’re supporting the government’s response to the pandemic in two ways. As a regulator we're responsible for making sure business meet their health and safety obligations, and our inspectors also have responsibilities under the COVID Public Health Response Act.

How we're helping frontline workers stay healthy and safe at work

For most businesses and services the COVID-19 pandemic means paying closer attention to the basics, like regularly cleaning surfaces. However, for those who are on the frontline of the government’s COVID-19 response, it means something different.

Managing duties for border and MIQF businesses and services – what you need to know

If you’re a business or service operating at the border – ports and airports – or involved in the operation of managed isolation and quarantine facilities (MIQFs), exposure to COVID-19 is a new critical risk you need to manage.

Hazardous substances and PECPR

Our expectations of businesses that have PECPR equipment and those with hazardous substances.

Advice for delivery drivers

Delivery services must observe the requirements around physical distancing for the Alert Level their region is subject to, as well as practising good hygiene and staying home if you are unwell.

Engaging volunteers during during the COVID-19 pandemic

The steps you take to ensure your volunteers’ health and safety at work during the COVID-19 pandemic will likely be the same as those you take with your other workers.

Managing supply issues for PPE

We are updating our guidance about managing work health and safety at Alert Levels 2 and 3. In the meantime you can see our previous guidance.

Working from home

Many people will still be working from home. This may continue to present new risks that businesses will need to manage.

Checking that people are safe and well to work

It is vital that workers who are unwell do not come into contact with other workers or other people at work.

Resources for maintaining mentally healthy work during COVID-19

There is a range of specific COVID-19 mental health guidance available for people, including for those working from home.

Assessing whether a specific role needs to be performed by a vaccinated worker

The COVID-19 Public Health Response (Vaccinations) Order 2021 requires all work in MIQ settings to be carried out by workers who have been vaccinated against COVID-19. It also requires all government officials to be vaccinated before carrying out work in other high risk border settings.