Covid-19: NZ Post case worked with 121 others on final shift in 'massive warehouse'
Friday, 20 August 2021
The NZ Post staff member who tested positive for Covid-19 worked with 121 others on his final Monday shift, but in a “massive warehouse” making contact with them limited.
The new case, one of 31 community cases announced by Friday afternoon, is a staff member at the Auckland Operations Centre in Highbrook, Auckland.
According to an NZ Post spokeswoman, 121 people were on the same shift but “because the processing centre is so large, not all of them will have come into contact with the individual”.
The spokeswoman said the case worked in a “massive warehouse, the size of a couple of football fields” sorting parcels into the correct conveyer belts and “cages”.
“They do not have a public-facing or customer-facing role.”
Brendon Main, NZ Post Chief Operating Officer, confirmed early on Friday morning that a temporary member of their processing team had returned a positive Covid-19 test.
“Our temp team member works in the afternoon shift at our processing centre, and was last at work on Monday,” said Main.
“They have not attended work since they became sick, and they were not suffering from any symptoms at the time.”
**READ MORE:
* NZ Post delaying mail in favour of parcels, union claims some homes getting mail just once a week
* Crew member of superyacht denied entry returns weak positive result for Covid-19
* NZ Post brings forward Christmas delivery dates due to expected Covid-19 delays
**
Main said anyone who worked on the same shift nearby the case are in isolation and due to be tested, while NZ Post is working with the Ministry of Health to immediately notify those who are considered close contacts.
“We are also using CCTV footage to identify any other person who may have come into contact with this case.
“We are also working with the Ministry of Health on the control measures we have in place as a precaution to protect our people’s safety and wellbeing on site, including deep cleaning, which occurred on Thursday night.
“The Ministry of Health has confirmed that it is appropriate to continue operations at this site, following the deep clean.
“The health and safety of our people and the public is our number one priority.”
Main said the safety of staff is of “the utmost importance”.
“We are currently seeking confirmation, but the latest medical advice indicates that the transferal of Covid-19 through mail and parcels is low risk.”
Main said due to increased safety measures, he expects there to be some delays on parcels.
“We encourage customers to check our website for updates on any delays.“