Latest Update on COVID-19 Protection Framework and Enhanced Business Support Package
The Government announced on Friday it will move the country to a traffic light system once each DHB hits the target of 90 per cent vaccination.
A vaccine certificate will be central to the new framework.
The COVID-19 Protection Framework introduces a new flexible 3-level approach to managing COVID-19 in the community:
Green
Orange
Red
The framework would be more flexible than the current Alert Level system because businesses that are only open to vaccinated customers pose a lower risk. And If cases start to climb, much more highly targeted and localised lockdowns can be used if needed.
Red - At Red, action will need to be taken to protect both at-risk people and protect our health system from an unsustainable number of hospitalisations.
Auckland will move into red as soon as the Auckland DHBs hit the 90 per cent vaccination target, rather than wait for the rest of the country.
The rest of the country will move all at the same time to "orange" when all DHBs around the country reach the 90 per cent target.
Orange - At orange, gathering limits can lift. Places that choose not to use vaccination certificates will either be closed or have public health measures in place.
Green - Green is when there are some Covid-19 cases in the community but at low levels. Fully vaccinated people can enjoy all events and hospitality and gatherings by showing a vaccine certificate.
Premises choosing not to use certificates will face restrictions similar to the current alert level framework.
Read more about COVID-19 Protection Framework here - https://covid19.govt.nz/alert-levels-and-updates/covid-19-protection/ Enhanced Business Support Package
The government is boosting the Resurgence Support payment. After the next scheduled payment on the 29th of October, RSP Payments will move to fortnightly payments at double the current rate. The first of these will open on the 12th of November.
Currently, the RSP is a three-weekly payment of $1500 per eligible business and $400 for each full-time employee up to a total of 50 FTEs or $21,500.
For the payments starting on the 12th of November, this will be $3000 per eligible business and $800 per FTE, up to 50 FTEs. This will make the maximum fortnightly payment $43,000.
The RSP is now targeting Auckland businesses, with 70% of payments going to Auckland having grown from 40% in the first payment. The next highest area is the Waikato with close to 10% of the claims.
This enhanced support will be paid fortnightly until Auckland has been able to move into the COVID Protection Framework.
The second element of the Business Boost that was announced on Friday is a $60 million fund for business advice and mental health support in Auckland.
This will be delivered through the established Regional Business Partner Network with grants for advice now not requiring a matching contribution from the business.
Businesses will be able to apply for up to $3,000 worth of advice and planning support, and then receive up to $4,000 to implement that advice.
As part of the package, $10 million is being provided for mental health and wellbeing support to small businesses. This will be delivered through a programme to be designed in conjunction with the EMA and Auckland Business Chamber of Commerce.
To read more visit https://www.beehive.govt.nz/speech/business-boost-transition-new-covid-framework Increase to Resurgence Support Payment
The Government has announced an increase to the Resurgence Support Payment as we transition to the new COVID-19 Protection Framework.
From 12 November 2021, the Resurgence Support Payment will be paid fortnightly.
Businesses can receive $3000 per business plus $800 per full-time employee (FTE), up to 50 FTE.
The maximum fortnightly payment is $43,000.
If you are self employed, or a sole trader you can receive a payment of $3,800.
The eligibility criteria remains the same.
The Resurgence Support Payment will continue to be available to businesses anywhere in New Zealand until Auckland moves to the new COVID-19 Protection Framework.
Click here for more information on COVID-19 Resurgence Support Payment
Wage Subsidy Scheme
Applications for the fifth round of the August 2021 Wage Subsidy are now open. You can apply until 11:59pm 28 October 2021. The payment rates and eligibility criteria remain the same.
The Wage Subsidy will continue to be available to businesses anywhere in New Zealand while any part of the country is in Alert Levels 3 or 4.
Click here for more information on Wage Subsidy Scheme
For other information on Financial support - Click here
Source: NZ Herald, Beehive.govt.nz and Covid19.govt.nz