Surveillance testing for essential workers travelling in and out of Auckland

Following this afternoon’s announcement we wanted to get a brief update to you, in case practices are approached tomorrow whilst we wait for more details.

Further updates will be shared accordingly.

As of 11.59pm Thursday 6th September all those crossing the Alert levels from Auckland will need to demonstrate evidence of a negative test within the previous 7 days. This is in addition to the existing requirements to confirm their exemption to travel across the boundary. https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/covid19-health-advice-public/covid-19-travel-within-new-zealand It is anticipated this will affect about 3000 people.

Most of this testing will occur in Auckland and further details on what is considered acceptable evidence of a negative test are expected in the next few days.

There will be some individuals who present for testing in the Bay of Plenty – this is part of the asymptomatic surveillance testing and there should not be any charge to the individual for this.

Pathlab have added the required surveillance code to the electronic pathlab form- SUEWRK. If you are not using an electronic request form please ensure these details are clearly marked on your request form.

As this testing is for asymptomatic individuals they can continue with their usual activities/work whilst waiting for the result.

Pathlab are confirming a process where the result will be emailed directly to the patient as well as sent to the provider. Until we have this confirmed please continue to use your existing process to notify patients of their results.

Please encourage everyone with symptoms to get tested irrespective of their travel or work patterns, everyone with symptoms should be advised to stay home until their result is known.

Please get in touch with your GPL if you have any questions.