Gatherings and events at Alert Level 3
Ramadan during Alert Level 3
Mosques and other faith-based venues must remain closed during Alert Levels 3 and 4, although mosque workers may go into the mosque to work, for example, to conduct an online service.
You and your bubble can come together to mark religious events such as Ramadan. At Alert Level 3, you can expand your bubble to include close family and caregivers, or to support isolated people. However, you must keep your bubble small and exclusive at all times.
You are encouraged to hold iftar (breaking the fast at sunset) and isha (the last prayers of the day) within your bubble. If Eid (the end of Ramadan) occurs during Alert Level 3, you must remain in your household bubble.
Halaal butchers may open, but orders need to be taken online or by phone. Customers cannot enter the premises. Meat should either be collected outside the store, or delivered direct to the home.
Gatherings and events at Alert Level 3
Gatherings of people create a very high risk of transmitting COVID-19. At Alert Level 3, we are keeping tight restrictions on gatherings. The only permitted gatherings are for:
funerals and tangihanga
wedding ceremonies, not receptions.
Keeping these gatherings small means the risk of community transmission stays low and our gains from Alert Level 4 aren’t compromised.
Workplaces, education facilities, public transport and supermarkets are not considered gatherings.
If a gathering goes ahead, there are additional steps the attendees must take to ensure the gathering is safe. You should:
Keep a 2 metre distance from people who aren’t in your extended bubble.
Wash your hands regularly throughout the event.
Make a list of those who attended. This will ensure contact tracing can happen if necessary.
Do not attend if you have COVID-19 symptoms, or if you need to be isolation/quarantine for any reason.
Weddings and civil unions
Wedding ceremonies are acceptable gatherings at Alert Level 3 but are limited to 10 people or under. Wedding receptions and other celebrations are not allowed. For those holding a wedding ceremony, the limit means there can only be the couple, the celebrant, a couple of witnesses and a small number of family up to a maximum of 10 people. Other people can still attend through video conferencing. Those who do attend must keep themselves and others safe. Keep a list of those who attend, stay at least 2 meters apart and wash hands regularly. No food or drink should be consumed and there can be no reception. Advice about virtual weddings Under the Marriage Act, a marriage can’t happen virtually. The couple, celebrant and witnesses must be physically present in the same place.
How to get a refund for a marriage licence
The Registrar-General’s team is offering refunds to those who cannot use the marriage licence within 3 months of getting it because of COVID-19. Email celebrants@dia.govt.nz for a refund.
Funerals and tangihanga
Funerals and tangihanga are acceptable gatherings at Alert Level 3 but are limited to 10 people or under. No food or drink should be consumed at any gathering, including funerals and tangihanga.
Advice for at risk people
People at higher risk to severe illness from COVID-19 (for example those with underlying medical conditions) should avoid gatherings at Alert Level 3. -from www.covid19.govt.nz