Skip to content
Last reviewed:

COVID-19 Protection Framework

The COVID-19 Protection Framework (traffic light system) is a 3-level approach to managing COVID-19 in the community:

  • Green – used when there’s limited COVID-19 in the community, hospitalisations are at a manageable level, and the health system is ready to respond.
  • Orange – used when there’s increasing community transmission of COVID-19, the whole health system has focused its resources but can manage the outbreak, and there is an increasing risk to the public.
  • Red – used when action is needed to protect the health system and to protect at-risk populations.

Testing and isolation will continue as key tools to minimise any spread of the virus.

COVID-19 Protection Framework: Guidance for the primary sector [PDF, 8.9 MB]

COVID-19 Protection Framework: Guidance for food service, food retail and food manufacturing businesses [PDF, 745 KB]

The COVID-19 Protection Framework – COVID-19

The Protection Framework: What it means for businesses – business.govt.nz

 

Traffic light settings

All of New Zealand is currently at the Orange setting.

All businesses can operate at the Orange setting, but must take appropriate actions, including masking where required to protect staff and deal with COVID-19 cases where they arise.

Businesses can choose to use Covid vaccine passes if they would like to, but it won’t be required.

Guidance for workplaces that have a case of COVID-19 – Ministry of Health NZ

Life at Orange – COVID-19

Traffic lights – COVID-19

Information about the three phases response to Omicron – COVID-19

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Find FAQs on:

Primary sector work under the Framework

Expand all

Positive cases of COVID-19 within the primary industries

Expand all

Vaccinations and the traffic lights system

Expand all

MPI business units