Arvida : Covid Update - RED traffic light

New Zealand has moved to the Government's new Covid-19 Protection Framework, the 'traffic light system'.

This new approach to managing COVID-19 is intended to introduce more freedoms for vaccinated New Zealanders whilst protecting those unvaccinated. The system is designed to offer protection to vulnerable communities as we all get used to living with COVID-19.

From Friday 3 December 2021 Arvida communities in Northland, Auckland, and Rotorua will be in RED under the new system.

At RED, settings for vaccinated and non-vaccinated visitors required under the Government's guidelines are as follows.

For care centre residents

Visits to residents in our care centres are possible again with a prior booking. Bookings can be made through our booking website or by calling the care centre reception (search here).

On arrival, visitors must sign in at the care centre reception and follow our guidelines below:

• No more than 2 people can visit a resident at any time with visits limited to the time specified
• Visitors will be asked to confirm they have been vaccinated before entry to the care centre (please bring proof of your vaccination)
• Maintain a physical distance of at least 2 metres to other residents
• Wear a face mask while visiting

All visitors will be health screened daily on entry.

Please if unwell or if anyone in your bubble has been at a location of interest within the last 14 days, please stay at home and call Healthline on 0800 358 5453. Follow Healthline's instructions.

If you have recently arrived in New Zealand, please contact the village manager to discuss any specific requirements for your visit.

The Unite against Covid-19 website has details on what life at RED level means.

For residents living independently

There are restrictions on where visitors can go at RED. But there are also everyday things that everyone can do. You can meet friends and whānau inside and outside, go shopping, access healthcare and travel.

Being vaccinated gives everyone greater protection and will allow visitors to access community areas.

Our community centres, dining rooms and other facilities are open and residents and their visitors will need to show a vaccination pass when requested.

As outlined in the Government's traffic light framework, access to some facilities is limited to vaccinated people only.

Our usual activities programmes and events will re-commence, including happy hours and morning teas. The number of people who can attend events will be limited to 100 people per event (or a lower number if the venue size is limited).

Mask wearing is required except for when eating and drinking. We'd like to remind you of the steps you can take to keep safe:

• Washing your hands regularly is still the best defence against the spread of viruses. As is wearing a face mask and maintaining physical distancing if out and about.
• If you have any Covid-19 symptoms, please contact your GP or call Healthline on 0800 358 5453.
• If you have visited a location of interest please stay at home and call Healthline for advice.

Booster doses

The Government also announced that a third (booster) dose of the Pfizer vaccine is now available.

Booster vaccine doses are free and available for anyone who has completed their two dose course more than six months ago.

A booking to get booster doses can be made at the Book My Vaccine website. You can also get booster doses at a walk-in clinic, pharmacy or your GP.

You do not need to have a booster dose to be 'fully vaccinated' for a vaccine pass or certificate. If you do get a booster dose, it will be added to My Covid Record and you can create another pass. Currently, booster doses are not mandatory for workers who are required to be vaccinated, or to get a vaccine status certificate used to access events, gyms, churches, hairdressers and other services and premises.

Please contact a member of your care team if you have any questions in relation to booster vaccine doses.

Thank you

Thank you once again for your support and cooperation as we adjust to the requirements of the Government's new traffic light system.