The COVID-19 Care in the Community Framework

The first COVID-19 Care in the Community Framework was published in December 2021. Since then, COVID-19 has evolved from isolated outbreaks of the Delta variant to community-wide transmission of the Omicron variant. More recently, the last remaining mandatory requirements were removed for COVID-19 isolation and the wearing of face masks for visitors to healthcare facilitators.

You can find the media release here: All COVID-19 requirements removed | Beehive.govt.nz.


Seasonal colds, influenza and COVID-19 are likely to have a combined impact on the health care system during winter 2023 and potentially for longer. If you have tested positive for COVID-19, we recommend you isolate for 5 days, even if you only have mild symptoms. Start your isolation from the day your symptoms began or when you tested positive, whichever came first. This means you should not go to work or school.


Mask wearing continues to be recommended for all healthcare workers in all healthcare settings and remains an important measure in preventing transmission of respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, in health and disability care settings. For additional information, please visit Unite against COVID-19.


With a good level of vaccination in Aotearoa New Zealand, many people with COVID-19 will only have mild symptoms and will be able to safely self-isolate in the community. This will ensure our hospitals will be available for those who really need them, whether due to COVID-19 or other acute and planned care.


We support a regionally coordinated, locally-led approach to managing COVID-19 patients and their whānau, understanding that local health and welfare providers know their communities best. The Framework until now has set expectations and provided central guidance to ensure people with COVID-19 receive the support they need. We are currently working on updating the framework and this web page.


Please check back soon for updated guidance but in the meantime if you have any questions, contact us on covidcareinthecommunity@health.govt.nz