Half of Kiwis are still ‘living like they’re in lockdown’ as Omicron surges across New Zealand

By Bernard Turk On Feb 15, 2022

Millions of New Zealanders are still living like they are in Covid lockdown as the country watches the spread of the Omicron variant.

A new survey from Research NZ revealed more than half of Kiwis are avoiding activities or going out despite no rules against it.

The survey conducted in the first week of February from a cross section of 1,001 residents found that 54 per cent stopped eating out at cafes and restaurants.

The same amount also stopped attending events at 54 per cent, while 50 per cent refused to use public facilities such as pools or libraries.

A new survey shows more than half of Kiwis are living like they’re in lockdown and avoiding events or activities such as eating out amid an Omicron battle (pictured: Auckland residents)

Significant numbers – though less than half – also stopped going to the doctor at 29 per cent, and travelling on public transport at 27 per cent.

‘What we are seeing is a form of polarisation,’ Research New Zealand managing partner Emanuel Kalafatelis said.

‘There’s those who are concerned about personally catching Covid-19 or infecting others and those who are simply just trying to get on with life and return to normality.’

Mr Kalafatelis said the ‘significant size’ of the group of people who were consciously changing their behaviour had large ‘social and economic implications’.

The research also showed their was another major camp who were determined to keep going out in an effort to return to normality (pictured: Auckland in December)

New Zealand is more than 77 per cent fully vaccinated and Covid cases compared to other countries are very low.

Residents of Auckland, where there has been the most cases in the country, were the most likely to report changing their behavior, Mr Kalafatelis said.

Those on the South Island were less likely to be going about things differently.

New Zealand is under a ‘red’ setting in its traffic light system with some restrictions but business can remain open, small gatherings can go ahead, and domestic travel is allowed.

Despite only 744 new cases in NZ on Tuesday. experts have warned to brace for an Omicron wave over the next few weeks as the variant hits the country later than most other regions.

New Zealand is not in lockdown but is under a ‘red’ setting in the traffic light system which involves restrictions though people can still do most activities (pictured: PM Jacinda Arden)

RESTRICTIONS AT NEW ZEALAND’S RED TRAFFIC LIGHT SETTING

– My Vaccine Pass will be legally required to be shown to enter venues that have vaccination requirements.

– Face masks are required in hospitality and retail settings, schools, universities, airports, public transport, and public buildings.

– Public and private gatherings including church services, weddings and funerals can go ahead with up to 100 attendees with My Vaccine Pass rules.

– Hospitality venues including cafes, bars and nightclubs can have up to 100 people provided everyone remains seated and separated from other groups.

– Events such as concerts, sporting matches and auctions can continue with the 100 person cap under the My Vaccine Pass rules.

– Events which don’t follow vaccine requirements are capped at 25 attendees.

– Childcare centres can remain open with all parents, staff and family required to wear face masks.

– Schools are to resume learning as scheduled but all staff and students from Years 4 and above must wear face masks indoors.

– University classes can continue with in-person attendees required to wear masks and show a My Vaccine Pass.

– And public places including cinemas and museums can remain open with the 100 person limit.

– Domestic travel can continue unrestricted.

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