Testing at the Auckland Border for Essential Workers

Testing at the Auckland Border for Essential Workers:

From 11:59 PM tonight (16 September 2021), Essential workers (and indeed, others that are permitted to travel) that cross the border in and out of Auckland will be required to show evidence that they have been tested for COVID-19 within 7 days prior to their travel. Travellers, do not however, need to show that they have tested negative.

This requirement is specified under s.19A of the COVID-19 Public Health Response (Alert Level Requirements) Order (No 11) 2021 as part of surveillance testing to ensure the spread of COVID-19 is reduced.

Acceptable evidence that you may produce include confirmation text messages from testing centres, if this is not an option, testing providers may also issue paper confirmation that can be carried with travellers. Evidence of testing is required to be produced in addition to a traveller’s evidence of permitted travel documents.

Businesses have had a week now to prepare for these changes, and indeed, pursuant to s.19B of the Order, relevant businesses and services have a duty to facilitate the testing and medical examination of their workers who would likely be crossing alert level boundaries. While infringement notices will not generally be issued, it is expected that if workers cannot produce evidence of a test, they will be turned around at police checkpoints and unable to cross the boundary until they have obtained a test.

Please do not hesitate to contact us for more specific advice.
Stay safe from the Team at Monsellier Law.
By Sheridan Climo