Alliance Group employees in Otago and Southland will be tested for COVID-19 as part of continued voluntary surveillance testing of asymptomatic people throughout the community.

It follows the testing of 343 people at a Queenstown supermarket, and more targeted testing of 243 people at Queenstown hostel accommodation, and 37 at Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki marae over the past weeks. 

All of the results so far have been negative, and the Southern District Health Board (SDHB) hopes the same will occur with this further community testing.

The testing is part of the SDHB’s surveillance activity to try to uncover any undetected disease in the community. Carried out by WellSouth PHO and general practices, the targeted testing is focusing on health care and other essential workers, Māori and Pacific people, and those with a history of international travel.

Medical Officer of Health Dr Susan Jack said widespread testing of asymptomatic people provides vital information for SDHB and Ministry of Health planning.

“We are very grateful to Alliance Group for assisting with this, as they represent a large group of essential workers, as well as a culturally diverse workforce.”

She said the SDHB appreciated the support from all groups being tested, as well as the team of testers at WellSouth and general practices undertaking testing around the district.

“Our surveillance testing is voluntary but people are happy to be swabbed and do their bit to help stamp out COVID-19.”

“The negative results we are seeing suggests that our alert level four lockdown has helped us avoid widespread community transmission in our region,” Susan said.

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Alliance Group chief executive David Surveyor said the co-operative wants to play its part in the fight against COVID-19.

“Keeping our people safe is paramount. We have introduced unprecedented precautions in our plants to prevent the spread of COVID-19 including physical distancing and we are proud of the way our people have stepped up in these tough times in the best interests of the country.

“We welcome this opportunity to help protect the health of the Southland community and contribute to a better understanding of COVID-19.”

Testing took place at Alliance’s Lorneville plant near Invercargill today and will take place at the Pukeuri plant outside of Oamaru next week.