COVID-19 - L3 & retail trade
During the Covid-19 media update (1pm Thursday) the PM provided a summary of business and workplace controls that Cabinet have agreed at Alert Level 3. In her address she reiterated that at Level 3 the rules will allow all businesses that can operate safely to do so.
However, she also stated that retail malls and stores, other than supermarkets and dairies, would not be able to trade in a normal way, as they may not be able to meet the social distancing requirements, even with modified store layouts and processes like 1 in, 1 out.
This means that, as it stands, garden retail stores may not be able to operate at Level 3.
The link below includes the latest information on the Government’s approach to Level 3 operations, particularly for retailers. See section on “Workers and Business”.
www.covid19.govt.nz/alert-system/alert-level-3
NZPPI and Gardening NZ are developing a proposal for garden retailers to be able to operate, either as an exception to the policy, based on the urgent need to supply NZrs with plants / seedlings, and the ability of garden retailers to manage spacing in their large retail spaces and carparks. Contactless trade and click and collect methods will be part of our proposal.
This is a fast moving situation and we will keep you updated as it progresses.
Work with us
NZPPI's COVID-19 work is supported and funded by our members. To join, complete the NZPPI membership application, or contact office@nzppi.co.nz.
