Tēna koutou,
The PNZ team want to remind you of the resources and advice available to assist you in preparing for the impacts of the omicron variant and the potential disruption to your business.
We update our Covid-19 webpage as information comes to hand https://potatoesnz.co.nz/news-info/covid-19/
A reminder that this is not a lockdown. For most of us, it’s business as usual albeit with added caution and extra health & safety protocols in place.
Protect yourself and your community by getting your booster shot, wear a high quality mask when going out, or in close proximity to others and by reduce contact with others.
Vaccination will reduce the risks but not eliminate them, so we advise caution at home, in business and in travel.
Businesses can remain open but take extra measures to ensure you’re operating safely within public health requirements. Go here for more information about what your business needs to do at Red – UniteAgainstCovid19 to keep yourself and others safe while operating.
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has put out specific guidance for the primary sector.
Testing
Covid testing sites will be using rapid antigen tests (RATs) alongside the usual PCR tests. More information on the use of and availability of RATs is expected from the Government on Wednesday, along with changes to case definitions and isolation times.
Travel
Domestic travel can still occur under the Red setting and there are currently no regional border limits in place.
Economic support
The COVID-19 Short-Term Absence Payment is available for businesses, including self-employed people, to help pay their employees who cannot work from home while they wait for a Covid test result.
The COVID-19 Leave Support Scheme is available to employers, including self-employed people, to help pay their employees who have been advised to self-isolate because of Covid and can’t work at home during that period.
With potato harvests underway this heightened level of alert may add stress and uncertainty. Please reach out to PNZ on 0800 399 674 for support.
Forms & advice
- preparedness on farm template for pandemic
- what to do if you have a positive case at your farm or workplace
We have updated our website Covid-19 page with these files and the latest news https://potatoesnz.co.nz/news-info/covid-19/
Stay safe and well everyone.