COVID-19 RESPONSE POLICY

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1. OVERVIEW

1.1 Bankside Chambers strongly supports New Zealand’s strategy of vaccination as the main measure in the COVID-19 Protection Framework, designed to provide greater freedoms and business stability without the need for lockdowns. Bankside Chambers is also committed to providing a safe environment for all people who work in or visit the premises of Bankside Chambers.

1.2 From 1 December 2021, Bankside Chambers operated a policy of requiring a valid “My Vaccine Pass” for entry into the Bankside Chambers Premises. In alignment with changes made to the COVID-19 Protection Framework, after 4 April 2022 that requirement no longer applies.

1.3 All Bankside Personnel and other visitors to the Premises will be expected to continue to comply with all other reasonably practicable and recommended safety measures, including those required under any COVID-19 Public Health Order and the relevant settings of the COVID-19 Protection Framework.
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2. DEFINED TERMS

2.1 This Policy uses the following meanings:

(a) Bankside Chambers Premises: Bankside Chambers at levels 21 and 22, 88Shortland St, Auckland 1010.

(b) Bankside Personnel: all members, employed barristers, employed clerks, employees and contractors who work at Bankside Chambers.

(c) COVID-19 Protection Framework: The COVID-19 Protection Framework available at: COVID-19 Protection Framework (traffic lights) | Unite against COVID-19 (covid19.govt.nz)

(d) My Vaccine Pass: means the official record of Covid-19 vaccination status for use in Aotearoa New Zealand, described on this website: My Vaccine Pass | Unite against COVID-19 (covid19.govt.nz)

(e) COVID-19 Public Health Order: any public health requirements made under ss 11 and 15 of the COVID-19 Public Health Response Act 2020, including the COVID-19 Public Health Response (Self-isolation Requirements and Permitted Work) Order 2022 (as amended) – specifying isolation requirements that apply to a relevant person (a person who as tested positive for COVID-19, household contacts and specified close contacts).
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3. SCOPE

3.1 This policy applies to all those coming onto the premises of Bankside Chambers. It applies:

(a) Bankside Personnel: to all members, employed barristers, employed clerks, employees and contractors who work at Bankside Chambers; and

(b) Other visitors: to any other visitors, guests, service providers and tradespeople.

3.2 Any Bankside Personnel inviting visitors to our Bankside Chambers Premises should ensure that visitors are aware of this Policy and comply with it.
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4. SAFETY MEASURES

4.1 Bankside Chambers, Bankside Personnel and all other visitors must comply with all reasonably practicable and recommended safety measures, including:

(a) any COVID-19 Public Health Order; and

(b) the applicable settings of the COVID-19 Protection Framework.

4.2 You are expected to:

(a) stay at home or away from the Premises if:

(i) you are unwell or have COVID-19 or any symptoms associated with COVID-19 (e.g. fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, sneezing/runny nose or loss of sense of smell); or

(ii) you are required to isolate under a COVID-19 Public Health Order; and

(b) be respectful and consider mask-wearing if requested.

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Dated 1 April 2022