NZ Post stands down 70 staff as COVID-19 precaution

NZ Post stood down 70 workers at its processing plant.
NZ Post stood down 70 workers at its processing plant. Photo credit: File Image

NZ Post has stood down 70 staff members working the day shift at their Highbrook processing plant, after two people on the shift tested positive for COVID-19 last week.

The 70 staff members are now in self-isolation until August 29, which is the rest of the two-week incubation period from when the last infectious staff member was on site.

Since the two positive test results over 300 people who work at the NZ Post Auckland operations centre in Highbrook have been tested.

There have been no more positive test results although two more staff members are now "feeling unwell".

NZ Post chief operating officer Mark Stewart says the move to stand down staff was based on advice from health officials and it is an "unsettling" time for staff and their families. 

"We are supporting those who are directly affected, respecting their personal situation and supporting other teams at NZ Post who are concerned about their colleagues and for each other."

Following the positive cases last week NZ Post took all steps advised by health officials including a deep clean of the site, two-metre physical distancing and PPE controls. The site was deemed safe to reopen after these actions were taken. 

"We are again following health officials advice and doing a further deep clean today. Officials have advised that the site is safe for our other processing shifts to keep operating, with our COVID safety measures in place," says Stewart. 

The delivery of mail has not been affected at this stage.