The New Zealand Government removed the remaining COVID-19 public health requirements. This approach reflects the downward trend in case numbers, hospitalisations, and the populations high level of immunity.

Removal of the Public Health requirements means that mandatory isolation for positive cases and mask wearing is no longer required.

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Recommendations:

The recommendation from the Te Whatu Ora, Health NZ is to isolate for 5 days from the day you tested positive or symptoms first started, whichever is first.

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The HSWA still requires a PCBU and workers to provide a healthy & safe workplace where we look out for each other and not put others at risk, including exposure to illness.

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ScreenSafe NZ encourages crew to stay home if they are unwell and test if you have COVID-19 related symptoms.

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Testing

You should undertake a COVID-19 test if you have cold, flu or COVID-19 symptoms as soon as you start feeling unwell.

There are two main types of testing for COVID-19 in Aotearoa New Zealand: Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) and PCR (nasopharyngeal, nasal & throat and saliva) tests.

RATs are available free for personal use and whanau from various public site like pharmacies, healthcare providers, libraries and community hubs. A detailed list for free RATs is located here.

Whether positive or negative, RAT results should be reported through this site.

Even though the COVID-19 public health requirements have been removed, a PCBU/business may choose to undertake surveillance testing using PCR or RATs to enhance production continuity. This will enable early detection and prevent further spread throughout a production. The costs associated with surveillance testing is the responsibility of the PCBU/business.

More information on testing can be found here

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PCR Testing Providers

Central Safety Ltd – salivatesting@centralsafety.co.nz

APHG - https://covid19salivatesting.co.nz/

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Guidelines for Covid-19 - May 2024