30 Aug 2021

Hello Fresh meal delivery disrupted after two staff test positive

10:29 pm on 30 August 2021

Meal delivery service Hello Fresh says supply will be disrupted after two staff members tested positive for Covid-19.

Medical staff member with mask and protective equipment holds Coronavirus nasal swabs test tubes at drive-through testing point in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus)

File photo. Photo: 123RF

In a statement, the company revealed that a number of staff in their Auckland distribution centre have had to go into self-isolation after two team members returned a positive Covid-19 test.

Hello Fresh Chief executive Tom Rutledge has emailed customers informing them that not all deliveries can be completed because many of the company's staff must now isolate.

"We will be working hard to adapt our operations as quickly as possible to account for this workforce shortage, however in some cases we will be unable to complete deliveries. Customers who have changes to their orders will be advised as soon as possible, once we have finalised our revised production plans," Rutledge said.

He said it is not yet clear whether the two cases are linked but the company is asking all workers who were on the same shift as the infected pair to stay at home and take precautions.

"Although these two team members shared a shift, it is not clear whether their cases are linked. Nevertheless, we have recommended all staff who worked the same shifts, to get tested and self-isolate until further advice from the local public health authority."

Rutledge assured customers that health authorities say the food from the meal delivery service is safe to consume.

"We are working closely with the Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) and are strictly following their advice. Our site has been deep cleaned and ARPHS has confirmed that the Hello Fresh product is safe for distribution and consumption."

He said Hello Fresh has worked with health authorities since the start of the pandemic to ensure comprehensive health and safety protocols were in place to protect both staff and customers.

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