Wearing face coverings (face mask or face shield) helps stop the spread of COVID-19, helps keep you and others safe and helps stop droplets spreading when someone speaks, laughs, coughs or sneezes. This includes someone who has COVID-19 but feels well or has no obvious symptoms. Face coverings are particularly useful when physical distancing is not possible.
Our strategy to protect New Zealand against COVID-19 is based on our border protections, testing, contact tracing and other public health measures, like washing hands and physical distancing. Face coverings are an extra protective physical barrier to help keep people safe.
You legally must wear a face covering:
- on public transport
- on domestic flights
- by taxi and ride-share drivers — while it is not compulsory for passengers to wear them, we strongly encourage you to.
