While the country remains at COVID-19 Alert Level 1, the government has brought in new rules around mandatory mask wearing. 

The use of masks or face coverings is mandatory for:

• people travelling on public transport services in, into and out of the Auckland region
• the drivers of small passenger service vehicles in Auckland, such as taxis and app-based ride services
• people travelling on passenger flights throughout New Zealand.

Exemptions for wearing a mask or face covering include:

• children and young people travelling to and from school
• a person who has a medical condition that prevents them from wearing a mask or face covering safely or comfortably
• passengers travelling in taxis or app-based ride services
• drivers, pilots, staff, or crew of the transport service, if in a space completely separated from passengers (eg, pilots in a cockpit, or train drivers in a train cab).

A mask or face covering needs to cover both your nose and mouth. It is important not to touch your mask or face covering while you are wearing it. Remember to wash or sanitise your hands before removing your mask or face covering and putting it back on.

For the rest of New Zealand, while it is not mandatory to wear a mask on public transport during Alert Level 1, it is encouraged.

Here at Kaipara Medical Centre in order to protect you and others, we encourage all patients to wear a mask/face covering in the waiting room (please bring one with you). All patients with cough, cold symptoms must wear a mask and will usually be asked to wait in their car.

Thank you for your consideration.