Weekly Digest – 25 March 2020

Latest Updates to Help You During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Over the course of a few weeks, nearly everyone’s business and life has been turned upside down. With that disruption in mind, here are a few updates and resources that may be helpful.
Government support for businesses affected by COVID-19 includes:

Stimulus Package

As the impact of the Coronavirus continues to spread, Jacinda Arden’s government announced a business support package aimed at reducing the anticipated economic downturn. The package includes a number of economic stimulus measures, to the tune of $12.1 billion dollars. Please get in touch if you have any questions. The package includes:

  • A wage subsidy scheme
  • leave and self-isolation support
  • business cash flow and tax measures
  • more measures as detailed on the Treasury website.

COVID-19 Alert Level 3, then Level 4 from 25 March

New Zealand moved up to COVID-19 Alert Level 3 (Restrict) and announced it will move to Alert Level 4 (Eliminate) from 25 March.

Here’s what Level 3 means:
This means New Zealanders not working in essential services must stay at home and stop all interactions with others outside of your household.

  • Non-essential businesses must close
  • All events and gatherings must be cancelled
  • Schools will only open for children of essential workers. They will close completely when we move to Level 4
  • Workplaces must implement alternative working with everyone who can to work from home
  • No discretionary domestic air travel between regions
  • Public transport for people undertaking essential services and transport of freight only

Food will always be available – production will continue, distribution will continue, supermarkets will continue. You will always have access to food.
Medicines will always be available.
Healthcare for those that need it will be available.

Here’s an update from the Government on Alert Levels and what they mean.

Useful resources if your kids are at home

This podcast interview with a 26-year veteran of home-schooling and working has great ideas and resources for making it all work. The most surprising insight is that kids may only need two or three hours to complete the academic tasks that keep them out of the house for seven or more hours when school is in session.

Take care of yourself

It’s definitely a stressful and confusing time for all of us. We suggest you take some time out for yourself each day and limit your social media usage.

We sincerely hope that you and your family are well and remain well. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We are all in this together!