Mask requirements at alert level 2 - or Delta 2 as the Prime Minister is referring to it as - has led to a light-hearted exchange between Jacinda Ardern and The AM Show's host about masking up at a swimming pool.
With the announcement on Monday that New Zealand outside of Auckland would be moving to alert level 2 at 11:59pm on Tuesday night, Ardern revealed several changes to the restrictions, including mandatory face coverings in many settings. For example, they must be worn in indoor environments like retail businesses, shopping malls and public buildings.
But what about when working out at the gym, The AM Show's Ryan Bridge asked the Prime Minister on Tuesday morning.
"Primarily the change we made yesterday was about distancing at gyms," Ardern replied. "Mask use, of course we've always said in those indoor spaces we do want people using masks."
"In the outdoor space, we're being more open about it. So, we are encouraging people to use them as much as they can in those indoor spaces.
"My recollection is we haven't required them, we certainly haven't required them in swimming pools, those damp environments, they don't work as effectively."
Bridge jumped in, saying, "you would hope we didn't make people use them in a swimming pool, they might drown".
Ardern clarified: "Not in the pool. If you are a parent watching your child at a swimming lesson, Ryan. I am not a complete idiot."
The Prime Minister later reiterated she meant masks weren't necessary for people spectating.
"It's because I, of course, come at all sports as a spectator, not a participant, so it didn't even cross my mind that someone would think I actually meant a swimmer."
According to the COVID-19 website, while at indoor sports facilities like gyms, swimming pools, dance studios and health clubs, people must keep 2 metres apart from others, clean shared equipment and sign in.
Customers should wear a face covering "wherever possible, except when exercising and playing sports", while customer-facing staff "legally must wear a face covering while serving customers - except at swimming pools".
Ardern said Delta has required extra caution.
"The thing we've learned about Delta is when you're in those indoor environments, particularly if they've got average ventilation, we know it increases the risk," she told The AM Show.
"That's why we've just tried to encourage people generally [to wear a mask]. But you'll see we're being pragmatic. In hospitality environments when you're eating, when you're drinking, we haven't required it there. That's where instead we're supplementing it by asking everyone to scan in those environments. If you don't have to wear a mask, generally we're asking you to scan instead."
Another key change at alert level 2 is that gatherings at indoor venues is limited to 50 people or 100 people in an outdoor space.
