Wednesday 11 August Email from Hycenta Uwikunda, Advisor l Testing Operations l COVID-19 Health System Response This email is to announce the release of the updated Guidance Manual for Border Worker Testing (air border and maritime borders). It is in a new form, combining the previous maritime and aviation guidance manuals, and explains testing requirements under the amended COVID-19 Public Health Response (Required Testing) Order 2020. The new Guidance Manual will take effect at 11.59pm on Wednesday 11 August 2021. This document replaces all previous versions of the different Required Testing Order guidance documents for border workers and will be available on the Ministry of Health’s website. You can read it here and here: https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19novel-coronavirus/covid-19-information-specific-audiences/covid-19-resources-bordersector/border-worker-testing The key change in the updated guidance manual involves the introduction of saliva testing as an option to help border workers who must undertake frequent testing. Saliva testing is selfadministered and collected from the workplace, making it easier for workers on rotating shifts to undertake testing. Key points to note: • • • •
Any border worker who is required to undergo regular testing, can choose to undergo saliva testing for COVID-19 as an alternative to nasal or throat swabs If the worker chooses to undertake saliva testing, they must complete a minimum of 2 tests at least 2 days apart within 7 days. Ideally, if workers are to be away from work for more than 7 days, they should get a saliva or nasal swab test 3 days after their last day at work. More regular testing shortens the time between someone contracting the virus and it being picked up, meaning we can get on top of managing positive cases and act to prevent community transmission much more quickly.
Thank you for your sustained efforts to keep our border workforce, their whānau and our communities safe from COVID-19. Ngā mihi nui, Hycenta Uwikunda Advisor l Testing Operations l COVID-19 Health System Response