Key messages_Crossing alert level boundaries_3 Sep2021_final

Testing of essential workers when crossing alert level boundaries Limiting travel between regional areas will help stop the spread of the highly infectious Delta variant of COVID-19.

Travel is restricted across alert level boundaries for essential travel only. Please see here or go to https://covid19.govt.nz/ for more information.

The Ministry of Health is urging essential workers who need to cross alert level boundaries in order to work at a permitted business, to get tested, whether they have symptoms or not.

This testing is not currently mandatory. The Ministry of Health’s Policy Team are considering options for future advice and we will develop those in consultation with the affected sectors.

Essential workers who are moving around create more risk of transmission of the virus than people who are staying at home. Those who cross an alert level boundary are effectively “taking that alert level with them”.

When getting tested, or booking in for a test, let the testing team know that you intend to travel in or out of Auckland. Take evidence with you that permits you to cross the border (e.g. a MBI Business Travel register letter or a letter from your employer) when you go for your test. For assistance ring Healthline on 0800 358 5453. There is no cost for essential workers who get a test for this purpose.

Nasal swab testing is available at community testing sites around Auckland or at GP practices. Go to the Healthpoint website (https://www.healthpoint.co.nz/) for testing locations in your area. Saliva testing is also available for border workers who have opted in with their employer for this programme of testing.

The Ministry of Health recognises that there is a significant number of workers and others who are crossing the boundary in or out of Auckland. Many of these people are essential workers who are needed to ensure the country continues to operate during heightened alert levels.

This additional testing will provide the assurance that travel is being done safely and the current outbreak remains contained.

We acknowledge that engagement with different sectors is vitally important to understand the impact of testing for these new groups of workers. The Ministry of Health is working with border agencies and will provide updates as more information comes to hand.

We appreciate that our essential workers work in high-risk environments and we thank them for their continued efforts to work with us to keep all New Zealanders safe.