Rapid antigen testing plans for the private sector will be firmed up in a workshop early next week, the government says, after "very productive" talks this morning.
Associate Health Minister Ayesha Verrall. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
A coalition of 25 companies has been urging the government to let them import 370,000 tests to be used at worksites, and ministers and officials met with them this morning.
The meeting came after a report by the government's Testing Technical Advisory Group was critical of what it said was a slow uptake of testing technologies including rapid antigen and saliva testing.
In response, Associate Health Minister Ayesha Verrall committed to the meeting along with rolling out the fast-result rapid antigen tests in more Auckland hospitals, and in its trial of at-home isolation of returning travellers.
Dr Verrall said today's meeting - which included government business advisor Rob Fyfe and Auckland Airport chief executive Adrian Littlewood - had been very productive, and a workshop would be held early next week "to firm up timeframes for the roll out of this technology to businesses, and the scope of this testing programme".
She said the government would start with a small cohort, because it was important to get the settings right.
"We want to quickly iron out any issues and concerns that might arise. Once we start to see results that could be valuable for other businesses, we will look to expand use."
In a statement, the businesses coalition agreed good progress had been made at today's meeting.
"It's clear the government is responding with a real sense of urgency on this issue, recognising the key role rapid antigen testing has to play as an additional layer of protection as we shift towards living with the virus," they said.
"We will continue to work closely with the government to expedite trials of rapid testing."