After more than 100 days free of community transmission of the coronavirus disease, New Zealanders are returning to restrictions after the virus was detected in Auckland yesterday. As a result, the region returns to Level 3 restrictions for 3 days, while the rest of the country returns to Level 2. It is yet unknown how long these restrictions will last.
While this course of action is undoubtedly necessary, it does re-apply a strain to the music industry, particularly the live entertainment sector. Shows planned for this weekend are being postponed or cancelled, some of which had been postponed and re-organised from the original lockdown. This is what Level 3 restrictions mean for Aucklanders:
- Gatherings are only permitted for up to 10 people, and only for wedding services, funerals or tangihanga
- Music venues are required to be closed
- For full information, visit the Ministry's Covid-19 website here.
Under The Radar are recommending that you please hold on to any tickets you have for this weekend, if you have the means to do so, as a way to support the community. Our pals at Flying Out will be remaining open for online orders only, but the shop will closing to walk-ins:
Meanwhile for the rest of the country in Level 2, venue capacities are limited to 100, and people are required to practice social distancing. Public venues are advised to keep record of attendances to enable contact tracing. Full details of what Level 2 means can be found here.
Hopefully the restrictions do not last too long, we can remain safe and healthy, and life can return to normal, or "2020 normal", soon. In the mean time, please follow the health guidelines recommended by the Ministry of Health.
Stay healthy, be kind, and look out for each other!
