Sixty-four workers at South Port were tested for COVID-19 today, following a routine government directive

The tests are being done to ensure any regional transmission of the virus is detected, should it occur in other regions. 

Southern District primary health organisation, WellSouth set up a pop-up testing centre at the port today to test the workers and contractors.

WellSouth advised that it would take between 24 and 72 hours to get the results back as the laboratories were “pretty busy” right now following an increase in COVID-19 testing being done across the country.

South Port chief executive Nigel Gear said testing would be available for any employee or contractor who had been on board or interacted directly with any international vessel calling at the port.

He said he was also in regular contact with the Southern District Health Board and his team was operating under the current Ministry of Health Guidelines for border control. 

"The testing [today] went very well and employees have been receptive to undertaking the test," he said. 

WellSouth also resumed its community-based COVID-19 testing in Invercargill this afternoon.

The drive-through community testing centre was open from 1pm to 4pm today at the WellSouth offices at 40 Clyde Street, Invercargill. 

The Community Based Testing Centre is aimed at supplementing swabbing capacity in general practices. 

It will operate it from 1pm to 4pm on weekdays, and 10am to 1pm on Saturdays and Sundays for as long as required, but for at least the next two weeks. 

WellSouth has advised that the testing centre is not a drop-in clinic, and people should call 0800 VIRUS19 to be referred.

Chief executive Andrew Swanson Dobbs said general practices would continue to provide the vast majority of COVID testing in the region.

“People should continue to contact their GP first, or our 0800 VIRUS 19 call centre. Symptomatic people will be referred for testing.”

Southern DHB Medical Officer of Health Dr Susam Jack said the extra support would increase testing numbers and help keep southern communities safe. 

“It’s cold and flu season, so it’s really helpful that the CBTCs provide another option for testing at a time when we’re strongly encouraging people with symptoms to get tested. We appreciate that primary care is working together to make COVID-19 testing available and accessible.”

Who should get tested for COVID-19?

• Anyone with symptoms

• Anyone identified by public health as a contact or for another reason and asked to be tested.

• High Index of suspicion – anyone who has had contact with a confirmed or probable case.

• Border staff or workers from Managed Isolation Facilities

CLICK HERE to view the Ministry of Health's latest case definition and testing guidance for COVID-19.