Covid-19 coronavirus: Essential services include dairies, but only one person in at a time

Senior Writer·NZ Herald·

24 Mar, 2020 09:59 PM3 mins to read

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The latest on the nationwide lockdown:

• What New Zealanders can and can't do during lockdown
• Non-essential businesses face fines, immediate shutdowns
• Auckland supermarket turned into giant online-only store
• What essential services can stay open

The NZ Food and Grocery Council is applauding the decision to allow dairies to stay open during the lockdown period, as well as certain liquor stores.

And despite hinting at disapproval, FGC chief executive Katherine Rich is backing the Government's decision to shut The Warehouse and most food delivery services - including Uber Eats and Delivery Easy.

"We need to trust the experts and the Government to make these decisions, and do what is asked of us. We are on a war footing," Rich told the Herald.

A perspex screen installed at the New World supermarket in Te Puke. Supermarkets will have them installed as the country gets ready for the lockdown period. Photo / Supplied

Late last night MBIE deputy chief executive Paul Stocks said The Warehouse, which had yesterday declared itself an essential service, had to close for the four-week lockdown, starting from midnight tonight.

"Unfortunately the Warehouse needs to close its shops. Leaving them open to the general public creates too high a risk of further spreading the virus."

MBIE's list of essential services includes supermarkets, banks, GPs, pharmacies, service stations, couriers, border agencies, media, building and construction, courts and those in supply chains for those sectors.

Liquor stores in Australia and New York are staying open during lockdown, but those in New Zealand have to close unless they are in licensing trust areas, where there is nowhere else to buy alcohol.

These stores must operate a "one-in one-out" policy, which also applies to dairies, meaning only one person can be in the store at any one time.

Rich said it was a no-brainer to include dairies.

"They are critical. Four Squares and dairies are hubs of their communities and also in places where there might not be supermarkets. They know their people and are often the easiest place for the elderly to shop." Asked about most liquor stores, food delivery services and The Warehouse having to shut, she declined to criticise.

"I have a view, but this is not the time for debates."

The Warehouse has been contacted for comment.

The Warehouse will have to shut shop from midnight tonight. Photo / Bevan Conley

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Covid19.govt.nz: The Government's official Covid-19 advisory website

Stocks said dairies will be shut down if they flout the "one in, one out" rule.

He said Uber Eats and Deliver Easy posed a risk to human health.

"We cannot guarantee every kitchen operates strict food preparation controls or that everyone who works in a kitchen is well. Evidence overseas suggests the virus has been spread via poor food hygiene practices, so it's a real risk we have to eliminate.

"For clarity, every restaurant, café and bar must close all aspects of their operation, including delivery."

Delivery of food that is not pre-cooked will be allowed under strict health conditions.

Bunnings, Placemakers and Mitre 10 can stay open to trade customers for essential purposes only, not to the public.

An announcement is expected today about the online ordering of non-food products for home delivery.

COVID-19 UPDATE

74,855,994

cases

42,277,369

recovered

1,659,941

deaths

What will happen in New Zealand?

New Zealand's cases are primarily due to overseas travel, meaning the increase in cases seen here is still due to how many people are arriving with Covid-19, not how it is spreading in New Zealand.