The Framework, or traffic light system, was introduced on 22 November. At that time the Delta variant was the focus of all people’s attention. Omicron was officially designated a variant of concern four days later. The Framework consists of several elements that are more or less strict depending on the traffic light colour.
The elements are crowd size limits, vaccination requirements, the use of vaccination certificates, record keeping, and the potential for localised lockdowns.
At the Red setting, crowds in any setting are effectively limited to 100 people with vaccination certificates, or 25 people without, while close contact businesses cannot operate at all without the use of vaccine certificates.
At the Orange setting, crowds of 50 are allowed without the use of vaccine passes, and unlimited crowds if vaccine passes are checked. Close proximity businesses are not allowed to operate without checking vaccine passes.
At the Green setting, record keeping is required but there are no limits for activities where vaccination certificates are used. Without vaccination certificates, gatherings are generally limited to 100 people.
There is no differentiation between indoor and outdoor events, so an event at Eden Park has the same attendance limit as a wedding in a small chapel.