Purpose

This Advisory updates operators on what the Government announced today at 4pm regarding testing essential workers crossing the Auckland borders. Please note: this is to pass on what has been said by the Government. They have not given us the courtesy of explaining how this will work, but once we hear anything further, we will pass it on.

Alert level changes

This afternoon the Prime Minister announced that Auckland remains in Alert Level 4 until Tuesday, 14 September, to be reviewed on Monday, 13 September.

The rest of the country goes to a revised Level 2 – Delta Level 2 – at 11.59pm on Tuesday 7 September.

Essential workers crossing Auckland Level 4 borders

Dr Ashley Bloomfield has announced new rules for essential workers crossing Auckland’s Alert Level 4 boundaries to travel to and from, and for, work.

He said:
• Workers crossing the Auckland boundaries will be required to have weekly Covid-19 testing.
• Workers will not be required to stand down or stay at home while waiting for test results, providing they have no symptoms of Covid-19.
• There will be no cost for testing.
• There will be spot checks on the border and workers will have to carry proof of a test in the previous seven days.
• Initially testing will have to be nasal (or nasopharyngeal) swab. Saliva testing may come in at some point.

The Prime Minister said:
• Proof of testing will need to be carried from 11.59pm on Thursday 9 September.

This effectively gives employers two days to get their workers tested.

We presume this will be covered in a new public health order and we will advise when we see that.

Comment from Nick Leggett

We were very surprised by today’s announcement as we had been led to believe the Ministry of Health would consult on this proposed testing.

We realise this will be an unexpected shock for transport operators and you will have the same questions as us.

We will keep you up to date as new information comes to hand.