Covid-19: Police to hand out thousands of face masks in bid to help Kiwis 'ease into' Level 2

August 30, 2020
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - AUGUST 13: A police officer wearing a mask gets his morning coffee from The Store in Kohimarama as Auckland wakes to a return to level three lockdown on August 13, 2020 in Auckland, New Zealand. COVID-19 restrictions have been reintroduced across New Zealand after four new COVID-19 cases were diagnosed in Auckland. Auckland has been placed in Level 3 lockdown for three days from Wednesday 12 August, with all residents to work from home unless they are essential workers and all schools and childcare centres are closed. The rest of New Zealand has returned to Level 2 restrictions. The new cases are all in the same family, with health authorities working to trace back the source of the infection. (Photo by Fiona Goodall/Getty Images)

Police say they will help New Zealanders “ease into” the new Alert Level 2 restrictions, including the use of masks on public transport, which come into effect tomorrow morning.

From tomorrow, wearing a face covering will become mandatory on public transport at Alert Levels 2 and above.

Assistant Police Commissioner Richard Chambers says thousands of face masks will be distributed to members of the public across the country as part of their plan to increase visibility around the country and help remind people of the new restrictions.

"We recognise this requirement is something new for many Kiwis and it's something people may not have been used to doing previously," Mr Chambers said.

"While these masks have been designed to be disposable, as part of our education approach it is hoped that it makes the idea of wearing a face covering become more familiar for the public.

"Our response to Covid-19 has been to work with the public first and remind them of what is required from them.”

Mr Chambers added police will be present at transport hubs and other areas with high foot traffic to encourage face coverings, which is recommended while out in public.

"It's also a good time to remind people that while Auckland will no longer be at Alert level 3, there are still restrictions on gathering numbers and physical distancing,” Mr Chambers said.

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