Port Taranaki is carrying out pro-active COVID-19 testing as it works to keep the maritime border safe.

The Taranaki District Health Board pop-up clinic operates for two hours each Wednesday at Port Taranaki to test border-facing maritime staff and port users.

Port Taranaki chief executive Guy Roper said that while COVID-19 testing was not yet mandatory, the company was encouraging border-facing workers who interact closely with vessels and crew to be tested.

It is the second week testing has taken place at Port Taranaki. In total, 83 staff and port users have been tested. There were no positive results from last week’s testing.

“We have been receiving regular advice from the Ministry of Health on testing requirements. At this stage, the Public Health Response (COVID-19 Testing) Order, requiring mandatory testing, relates to limited groups of staff and port users at the Port of Tauranga and Ports of Auckland.

“However, at Port Taranaki we have decided to take a proactive approach to be safe,” Mr Roper said.

“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic we have followed, and are continuing to follow, Government agencies’ protocols regarding the maritime border.”

Among those getting tested today was Port Taranaki head of operations Captain Ashley McDonald, who said that while the test was “mildly uncomfortable”, it was important to help protect the border by getting tested.

“We already have strict protocols in place at the port, particularly around the use of personal protective equipment, physical distancing and hygiene practices, and the addition of a few short moments of discomfort in getting a test is a small thing to do in battling COVID-19,” he said.