October 2020

New COVID-19 testing campaign targets tourism and hospitality workers

Lakes DHB is targeting people working in the area’s tourist spots, cafes and restaurants who have been in contact with out of towners, urging them to get a COVID test.

As part of its routine surveillance testing, the DHB is keen for locals whose work regularly puts them in contact with visitors to the area to be tested.

Lakes DHB’s Incident Management Team controller, Gary Lees says the GET TESTED TO BE SURE campaign is timely with the school holidays underway and given the popularity of Rotorua and Taupo as holiday destinations.

“We know there are always good numbers of visitors coming here for the school holidays. And with warmer weather expected, we believe we will continue to have a lot of visitors to our area.”

Gary Lees says the DHB wants visitors coming into the Lakes DHB area to know where to get tested for COVID-19, particularly if they develop respiratory symptoms. He encourages locals who are in contact with visitors to the region through their work to get tested for their own health reassurance.

The ‘Get tested to be sure’ campaign aims to educate people about being tested for the following reasons:
• If you have cold or flu-like symptoms
• If you’ve been in close contact with visitors to the region through your work
• If you’re a visitor to Rotorua or Taupo who develops symptoms
• If you’ve been travelling in and out of the Lakes DHB area recently
• If you’re a close contact of a COVID-19 case you should get a test, be in self isolation and NOT travel.

The Ministry of Health is calling for increased surveillance testing of workers in the tourism and hospitality industry who are likely to have increased contact with visitors from other regions.

Gary Lees says people working at our borders, like the airport and managed isolation facilities, are at higher risk of contracting COVID-19, as are people working in cafes, bars, restaurants, and local tourism and travel operations.

“Anyone who has been in close contact with tourists or visitors through their work should get a test if they’re concerned about their health, even if they don’t have COVID-19 symptoms. Getting a test is one way of knowing for certain that you are not infected.

Visitors to the region can check the Lakes DHB website www.lakesdhb.govt.nz for testing clinics –Rotorua and Taupo. People are also reminded that face coverings are still recommended on public transport.

It is mandatory to wear a face covering on public transport in Auckland, including flying to, through or from Auckland. A face covering is recommended everywhere else in New Zealand on public transport.

Gary Lees says we all need to work together to stop the spread of the virus and that means following the key messages about hand hygiene, physical distancing and wearing face coverings when necessary.
ENDS