3. What are the rules around reinfection of Covid-19?

Q: 3. What are the rules around reinfection of Covid-19?

If a persons COVID-19 symptoms return, and it is 28 days or less since their last COVID-19 infection, then there is no need to take a RAT and they should stay home and recover until they have been 24 hours symptom free. If a person develops new COVID-19 symptoms and it is 29 days or more since their last COVID-19 infection it is possible they may have Covid-19 again, and they should take a RAT. If the test is positive, this will be considered a reinfection and they should begin their 7 day isolation period. Household contacts no longer need to isolate.

COVID-19 - Retail NZ

The key things you need to know are:

Mask Mandates

Masks are no longer required to be worn in retail stores by customers or employees with effect from midnight, Monday 12 September 2022. Masks must continue to be worn in any health care setting: hospitals, pharmacies, visiting your GP or at rest homes.

Isolation Requirements

Household contacts no longer need to self-isolate if they test negative for COVID-19. People who test positive for COVID-19 still need to isolate at home for seven days. It is recommended that household contacts test daily before going about their day.

Financial Support

The COVID-19 Leave Support Scheme Payment remains in place for people with COVID-19 who are required to isolate.

Frequently asked questions

Some limited financial support is available. See the details h e re.

If you test positive, you must isolate for seven days. Household contacts no longer need to isolate. It is recommended household contacts test daily before going about their day.

If a persons COVID-19 symptoms return, and it is 28 days or less since their last COVID-19 infection, then there is no need to take a RAT and they should stay home and recover until they have been 24 hours symptom free.

If a person develops new COVID-19 symptoms and it is 29 days or more since their last COVID-19 infection it is possible they may have Covid-19 again, and they should take a RAT. If the test is positive, this will be considered a reinfection and they should begin their 7 day isolation period. Household contacts no longer need to isolate.

Any changes to terms and conditions of employment (as outlined in your employees Individual Employment Agreements) must be done via consultation with impacted staff, prior to making any changes. This is a straightforward process and involves firstly a conversation in good faith to explain why you are proposing the changes, followed by a letter asking for their feedback. Once you have given them some time, then considered their feedback and made any necessary adjustments to your proposal based on their ideas, you can then confirm the changes.

We would advise initially making the changes on a temporary basis, due to COVID impacts being short term. Our advice team have template letters to support you through this process if needed – these are free for Retail NZ members.

As always, if you need advice or support, please contact the Retail NZ Advice Service.

Ngaio Diagnostics, a NZ owned company and member of Retail NZ, is offering highly competitive supply of COVID-19 Rapid Antigen tests (RATs). Find out more in the COVID-19 Business Services section of our Suppliers’ Directory.

Here are some links to help support you and your teams at this time:

In January we hosted a Retail NZ webinar: Preparing for Omicron. We discussed key areas to help you, your business and teams navigate this environment. Click here to learn more and watch the recording;
You can help your employees wellbeing through COVID-19 with this online course;
For e-learning courses to support personal safety and conflict management, check out the suite of e-learning modules in our resource library;
The collateral for the Shop Nice campaign can be found here. Get on board and join the movement by displaying Shop Nice in-store and online;
If your team is struggling with mental health during this time and require additional support please reach out to us and we can help direct you to the appropriate services.

In short, likely not. The risk profile for requiring vaccinations for your employees has changed significantly since the height of the pandemic. All vaccine mandates (including healthcare) are being removed effective 11.59pm 26 September 2022, and mask mandates (excluding healthcare) were removed effective 11.59pm 12 September 2022.

Before even contemplating a vaccine mandate for your business, we would advise getting in touch with our advice service to discuss your specific circumstances.

In short, likely not. The risk profile for requiring vaccinations for visitors to your business has changed significantly since the height of the pandemic. All vaccine mandates (including healthcare) are being removed effective 11.59pm 26 September 2022, and mask mandates (excluding healthcare) were removed effective 11.59pm 12 September 2022.

Before even contemplating a vaccine mandate for your business, we would advise getting in touch with our advice service to discuss your specific circumstances.

Want to stay up to date? Become a member of Retail NZ to receive direct updates during the current COVID and Omicron crisis. Our members receive our direct support and updates during COVID-19 alert level changes and beyond. To discuss membership contact our team now.

We’re here to help, so ask us first

Please contact our Advice Service should you require any assistance or business support. You can ring us on 0800 472 472 (1800 128 086 from Australia) or send us an email to [email protected].