Mask wearing on public transport confirmed at Level 1 for all of New Zealand

There are still just the six community cases linked to the latest outbreak, as officials bring in new rules over mask wearing.

The Covid-19 Response Minister confirmed today all of New Zealand will need to wear a face mask when on public transport under Level 1. 

Chris Hipkins said today Cabinet agreed to make it a requirement, with the decision to be reviewed on Monday, alongside alert levels. 

"It's important that we all play our part to cover for each other," Hipkins said. 

"Aucklanders have already been wearing face coverings on public transport since late last year,"  he said. "They have lead the way for the rest of the country that it can be done easily and it can be done in a normal way of day to day life."

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern signalled the change yesterday , saying "as part of the order that's been prepared, we will be asking the rest of the country to keep up the mask use on public transport". 

It comes as no new community Covid-19 cases were reported today.


There are six community cases linked to the latest Auckland outbreak, which saw Auckland plunged into lockdown on Sunday evening. 

The rest of New Zealand lifted out of Level 2 today down to Level 1, while Auckland moved from Alert Level 3 to 2. 

Aucklanders had already been wearing masks on public transport at Level 1, with Hipkins saying the city was leading the way. 

Until now, the rest of New Zealand did not have to wear masks on public transport at Level 1. 

The Cook Strait ferries are exempt, and while taxi and Uber drivers needed to wear masks, it would not be mandatory for passengers. 

Woman in mask on bus

SHARE ME

More Stories