7 Oct 2021

Call centre staffer at major testing provider returns positive result

4:24 pm on 7 October 2021

One of the country's main Covid-19 testing centres has confirmed a positive case in an Auckland call centre.

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Asia Pacific Healthcare Group - which does about one-third of the country's testing - has confirmed a staff member at its Mount Wellington site tested positive yesterday afternoon.

It said the person works in the Clinical Data call centre in the administration wing located on the buildings first floor, separate from the main laboratory and collection centre on the ground level.

Laboratory operations are not affected, it said, while possible contacts from the call centre are isolating at home.

"We have asked all staff considered close or casual plus contacts to get a Covid-19 test," a spokesperson said.

"Although alternate operational arrangements to maintain service have been made, there may be some limited temporary disruption for the next 24 hours. Referring practitioners have been notified accordingly."

The company has the contract for surveillance saliva testing for the border workforce and in MIQ hotels.

It said it is liaising with public health authorities to ensure continuity of service.

"We are grateful to staff across our network for stepping in to assist."