COVID-19: Ministry of Health release map showing 'traffic light' system for each region under COVID Protection Framework

The Ministry of Health has released a map of New Zealand showing which stage of the traffic light system each region will be in under the new COVID Protection Framework.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Monday the Government is taking a "cautious approach initially as we transition into the new framework".

"On Friday the traffic lights are turned on for all of New Zealand, as we move forward safely into the next phase of our world-leading COVID-19 response," Ardern said.

"We've prepared well for this moment by maintaining a cautious approach focused on protecting people and their jobs. Our next phase is focused on minimising the impact of COVID-19 and protecting people."

The Ministry of Health released a map which outlines exactly which part of the traffic light your region is in.

COVID-19: Ministry of Health release map showing 'traffic light' system for each region under COVID Protection Framework
Photo credit: Ministry of Health

Northland, Auckland, Taupō and Rotorua, Kawerau, Whakatane, Ōpōtiki, Gisborne, Wairoa, Rangitikei, Whanganui and Ruapehu will move into 'red', while the rest of the North Island will start at 'orange'. 

The entire South Island will move into 'orange'. 

COVID-19: Ministry of Health release map showing 'traffic light' system for each region under COVID Protection Framework
Photo credit: Ministry of Health

The new traffic light system, which will replace the current alert levels, comes into force on Friday. Freedoms will be determined by vaccination status and gathering limits depending on which traffic light a region is at. 

For all the regions at 'red', hospitality venues that use vaccine certificates can open to up to 100 people, but hospitality businesses that choose not to check vaccination status will have to be contactless. 

"Red provides extra protections against COVID-19 such as requiring both Vaccine Passes and some capacity limits in the most-high risk settings - that's because if someone has COVID-19, the virus will find it harder to spread among fewer people who are at a distance," the Prime Minister said.

"As we see what happens to cases and vaccination levels we can look to move regions down to Orange over time, where there are no gathering limits for those who are using vaccine passes.

"We are not moving any regions to Green immediately while we continue to get vaccination rates up and transition the country to the new framework."

COVID-19: Ministry of Health release map showing 'traffic light' system for each region under COVID Protection Framework

At 'orange', there is no limit on the number of guests who can enter cafes, bars, takeaway shops, nightclubs and restaurants, if vaccine certificates are used. 

Businesses that choose not to check for vaccine passes must still operate contactlessly. Unvaccinated people can, however, hire venues where food and drink is provided and have up to 50 people attend under 'orange'.