This week Nelson Bays Primary Health have been onsite at Port Nelson to test Port workers for COVID-19. So far, we have seen an impressive amount of Port Workers volunteer to be tested. 

Testing has been welcomed by the Port to give the community confidence in the safety of this border and to also verify the adequacy of the protection measures that have been in place since lockdown. These protection measures are similar to those used in level 4.  

Port Nelson also welcomes the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) at the Port from Friday 21 August. NZDF have been deployed to all commercial Ports in New Zealand for an initial 8-week period, and will be paired with a Customs Officer to carry out duties on behalf of customs and to strengthen maritime border controls at all Ports.  

Deploying NZDF as designated enforcement officers is in response to the COVID-19 Public Health Response (Maritime Border) Order 2020, which came into effect at the end of June. There has already been an increased number of Custom Officers at Port Nelson ensuring the strict restrictions in place are adhered to.  

Restrictions imposed are for the entry of vessels into New Zealand including restrictions for its crew and passengers along with additional protections measures for Port Workers who work on or around these vessels.  

-

ENDS 

For more information please contact jessica.ammundsen@portnelson.co.nz