16 Apr 2021

Saliva tests for border workers allowed from next week

1:31 pm on 16 April 2021

The government has opened the door for border workers to undergo less-invasive saliva testing for Covid-19.

Doctor holding swab test tube for 2019-nCoV analyzing. Coronavirus test. Blue medical gloves and protective face mask for protection against covid-19 virus. Coronavirus and pandemic

Photo: 123rf

The move comes amid increased scrutiny on the testing regime after revelations a security guard went untested for five months.

Since the failing, the Covid-19 Minister Chris Hipkins has signed a new health order to tighten procedures and increase testing frequency.

The directive includes a clause allowing the testing of workers to be done by saliva from 21 April.

Right now, only a mouth or a nose swab is accepted.

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