Digital register to track border worker testing status

NEWS – eHealthNews.nz editor Rebecca McBeth

The Ministry of Health has created a national register to record and track border worker testing status and help keep New Zealand safe. 
 
An MoH spokesperson says the register can securely maintain the details of staff who work at airports, marine ports and managed isolation and quarantine facilities, who are required to undergo mandatory testing under the Covid-19 Public Health Response Order 2020. 
 
“The register is designed to make it easier for employers and employees to have certainty that tests are carried out where applicable.  This removes manual tracking and validation processes for all parties,” the spokesperson says. 
 
The employer loads employee information into the system.  The system matches the employee’s National Health Index numbers and is then able to match to confirmed testing.  

The results of tests are not shared or recorded in the system. 
 
The new register only relates to the mandatory testing of border and managed isolation/quarantine workers and does not relate to quarantine guests or travellers coming through the border.

Processes in place at New Zealand’s borders have been in the spotlight after an electronics technician, who worked on ships at the Ports of Taranaki and Auckland, tested positive for Covid-19 after developing symptoms.

The man had been diligent about getting regular workplace tests because of the ‘high-risk’ nature of his role, but his previous mandatory test had been negative.

If you would like to provide feedback on this news story, please contact the editor Rebecca McBeth.

Read more news:

National Contact Tracing Solution gets development funding
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