A Ports of Auckland worker has tested positive for COVID-19 with the midnight testing deadline looming.
The person worked at the port for a few days prior to being symptomatic, from August 10-12. They became symptomatic and were tested two days later on August 14.
"We've been advised that it's not one of the Ports of Auckland staff, it's another worker who's come on the port," says Ports of Auckland spokesperson Matt Ball.
"There were no close contacts, they were not symptomatic at the time, so we've been told not to worry."
It comes as 12,000 port workers are due to be tested by midnight on Monday under a COVID-19 Public Health Response Order.
But barely a quarter of them will have been checked by the deadline.
"It doesn't really change anything, we are testing all port staff anyway," Ball says.
"But I guess it's a reminder that COVID is out there in the community so we've reminded all of our staff do everything you've been told, wear your mask, wash your hands, don't come to work if you're sick, get tested."
At last count, a total of around 2100 Ports of Auckland workers had been tested since Thursday. Port worker Doug Tilsley was among them.
"I think it's essential that we all get tested, it's part of our duty, especially working here and especially if you've got a family at home," he tells Newshub.
"We've really ramped up," says Whanau Waipareira medical director, Dr Kevin Sandhu.
"Officially we go seven till seven but we've been here since 5:30 this morning and we'll probably stop when the last swab needs to happen."
Testing finally got underway at the Port of Tauranga at midday on Monday.
Officials were unable to put a figure on the number of tests carried out but Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield said they planned to get thousands tested over the next few days.
