On 13 April 2022, the whole of New Zealand moved to the Orange setting of the Covid-19 Protection Framework.
Under the Orange setting of Covid-19 Protection Framework, everyone aged 12 and over (including drivers) must wear a face mask while on school transport unless they have an exemption.
Summary of Covid-19 Protection Framework face mask requirements
Red
- Face masks are mandatory if you are aged 8 years or over or are a student who is in Year 4 or above on public transport and Ministry of Education funded school transport
Orange
- Face masks are mandatory if you are aged 12 years or over on public transport and Ministry of Education funded school transport
Green
- Face masks are encouraged but not mandatory
Managing non-compliance
School transport drivers are not required to enforce the wearing of face masks, however they are to report any non-compliance to the school’s bus controller. Schools are expected to manage any non-compliance just as they currently manage behavioural issues of school transport users.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.