24 Mar 2020

Coronavirus: What's closed and what's open

From Morning Report, 7:52 am on 24 March 2020

We have been inundated with questions about what is an essential service and what will stay open.

There's more open than you'd think with there being quite a few jobs and services that people need for a society to still function.

In the health sector; Hospitals, and General Practitioners will remain open, as will blood donation centres. 

You'll still get mail and courier drivers will still deliver packages. That of course depends on internet businesses continuing to operate, many will not. 

At no point during the lockdown will supermarkets close - but as for dairies around the country it depends on the size of the business if they're providing food to small communities. 

If you don't have a car to get your food for the week there's some good news; taxis and ride share services like Uber will continue operating. 

If you do have a car you'll still be able to fuel up at a petrol station too. 

If the internet is down or you don't have internet banking you'll still be able to go to a cash machine or into a bank to withdraw money. 

Rubbish will still be collected - you won't have to suffer any smelly buildup of rubbish bags outside your house like it's a student flat. But recycling that's another issue with some councils stopping that. 

The primary sector is considered an essential service. This includes the seafood industry, the agricultural sector including meat and dairy processors as well as orchardists and viticultralists. 

Vets and other support services that are needed to maintain animal health and keep crops growing will also remain open.

As for students - they'll still get their StudyLink payments even with Univeristies closed down. 

If you hurt yourself at anytime during the lockdown and need an ambulance or a paramedic they're all still operating - likewise if you commit a crime police are still out on the streets.

It's the same story for the fire service.

They say justice never sleeps - so if you're arrested during the lockdown judges will still be presiding in courts across the country. 

As for business, if you own one and are unsure you're allowed to stay open it again boils to what's actually needed.

Accomodation providers for essential workers and people who need to be quarantined are still open. As are construction workers who are needed to maintain critical infrastructure like plumbing and electricity. 

Telecommunications and internet providers, transport companies, food packaging and sitribution all fit the bill as "essential" too.

If you thought you'd head into the bush, bad news. The Department of Conservation have closed ALL their hutts, all the great walks and all of their campgrounds.

As for Freedom Campers and motorhome owners - of which there a lot in New Zealand - the NZMCA have closed their member parks. 

If you're in a campervan or are camping your way around New Zealand you will need to check the local council guidelines in the district you're in about whether you can camp.