A series of changes to the Covid-19 traffic light system were announced by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern yesterday (Wednesday March 23), but the Southern District Health Board says taking precautions against Covid-19 is currently more important than ever.

From 11.59pm on Friday (March 25), indoor gathering limits will be lifted from 100 to 200 seated people; all outdoor gathering limits will be lifted; the requirement to scan QR codes to enter facilities will be removed; and from April 4 vaccine passes will no longer be required.

The announcement follows a record-setting day for the Southern District’s new Covid-19 cases, which reached an all-time new high both across Southern and within Queenstown Lakes.

“The South Island, including the Southern district, has not reached its Omicron peak yet,” SDHB senior communications advisor Catherine Mackmurdie warned.

Read more about the latest case numbers here.

Catherine said the lift in restrictions were being introduced as a result of falling case numbers, which is primarily being driven by the Auckland region having reached its peak.

“Case numbers have continued to rise in the Southern district for the last week with cases today at an all time high of 1631,” she said. “The Southern Health system wants to highlight to the public that now is not the time to get complacent regarding public health measures.”

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) mayor Jim Boult said he welcomed the relaxing of the restrictions but said the community must continue to act responsibly.

“I’m sure this will come as some relief to most of our community, especially combined with the forthcoming return of international visitors,” he said. “However, we also note that while the Omicron outbreak might be at or near its peak, it is far from over and its effects continue to be felt across the wider community.”

In yesterday’s announcement, the PM said the new setting supported greater economic activity “while also continuing to manage Covid-19 and provide protection and care for those who need it most.”

QLDC chief executive Mike Theelen confirmed vaccine passes would no longer be required to access council facilities from April 4 and other changes would be made to align with the government’s changes.

“Throughout the pandemic we have taken our lead from official guidance from the government and the Ministry of Health. Today’s announcement is no different,” he said.

Catherine said since modelling in Southern indicated the Covid-19 Omicron peak had not yet been reached, following safety guidelines was still critical.

“It is more important than ever to continue to wear a mask in public, follow good hand hygiene, practice physical distancing and, if feeling sick, get tested and isolate at home until you receive a negative test result,” she said.

Read more about the changes announced yesterday here.