With the construction landscape still in a state of flux due to COVID-19 Alert Level changes, it is wise to try and stay up to date with the latest resources and news. Read on to learn about targeted testing for construction workers; the 90% Project; and, the latest advice compiled by the NZ Construction Industry Council, CHASNZ, and Site Safe. 

Targeted voluntary COVID-19 testing for building and construction workers 

The Ministry of Health is undertaking targeted COVID-19 surveillance testing in Auckland to provide a level of assurance that there is a low risk of undetected community transmission prior to movement to Alert Level 2. The areas of focus for this voluntary testing are the construction, hospitality, and retail sectors, who have returned to face-to-face work. 

It is important to note the following:

• Testing is not mandatory, but the Ministry of Health is encouraging employers to support their workers to undertake this testing while we are in Alert Level 3.
• As this is a surveillance test, workers who choose to be tested do not need to isolate, unless they have symptoms.
• Surveillance testing consists of one nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal/nostril swab taken, and a single follow-up test in the following week (at least five days later) if we are still in Alert Level 3.
• The swab test is free, it is up to employers on what arrangements they make with their workers who choose to undergo this testing.
• Workers already being tested (crossing the alert level boundary, border workers, etc) should not undergo additional testing. 

Businesses wishing to support worker surveillance testing can encourage their workers to book and get tested at a community testing centre, GP, or urgent care centre. There is no workplace testing proposed at this point. Find your nearest testing location. 

The 90% Project 

The 90% Project is an NZ Herald initiative that aims to reach all New Zealanders to get the word out about vaccination. The aim of the Project is to get 90 percent of Kiwis vaccinated so as to save lives and reopen our country to the world. 

Watch the 90% Project video and read the accompanying article to hear from Rod Jackson, professor of Epidemiology at Auckland University, adman Paul Catmur, and brand and communications strategist David Thomason for some great ideas on how we can reach this vaccination goal. 

NZCIC, CHASNZ & Site Safe Building and Construction Industry advice 

Read the latest COVID-19 advice for the Building and Construction sector, compiled by the NZ Construction Industry Council, CHASNZ, and Site Safe (last updated 24 September 2021).