“epidemic management notice means a notice under section 8(1) of the Epidemic Preparedness Act 2006 stating that the application of this Act is modified in order to deal with the practical effects of the outbreak of the disease referred to in the notice”.

“54A Application of section 54 during epidemic

• “(1) While an epidemic management notice is in force,—

  • “(a) a probation officer who has applied in accordance with section 72 for an order under section 54(3) varying the conditions subject to which a sentence of supervision was imposed by the court on an offender may himself or herself vary those conditions; and

  • “(b) any probation officer may himself or herself vary the conditions subject to which a sentence of supervision was imposed by the court on an offender if the offender has applied in accordance with section 72 for an order under section 54(3) varying those conditions.

  “(2) A variation under subsection (1) has effect until the application concerned has been heard and disposed of.”

“67A Remission of community work hours during epidemic

• “(1) While an epidemic management notice is in force, the chief executive of the Department of Corrections may authorise probation officers to remit the hours of community work imposed by the court on offenders, for periods (in any individual case)—

  • “(a) of not more than 8 hours in any week; and

  • “(b) of not more in total than the lesser of 48 hours and one third of the sentence imposed.

  “(2) This section does not give any offender a right to a remission.”

“69A Extension during epidemic of period within which community work must be done

• “(1) While an epidemic management notice is in force, the chief executive of the Department of Corrections may authorise probation officers to extend by not more than 12 months the period during which the community work of offenders, or the community work of offenders of any kind or description, must be done.

  “(2) This section does not give any offender a right to an extension.”