A Guide to Keeping Our People & Workplaces Well Unite Against COVID-19 - United Fresh COVID-19 Continuity Planning for Businesses during Alert Level 2
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A Guide to Keeping Our People & Workplaces Well
Unite Against COVID-19
United Fresh COVID-19 Continuity Planning for Businesses during Alert Level 2
Fourth Edition
As at September 2021
A Guide to Keeping Our People & Workplaces Well United Fresh COVID-19 Continuity Planning for Businesses
INTRODUCTION
United Fresh New Zealand Inc. is committed to our horticulture community.
We have produced this guide to help keep our people and workplaces well
in the face of COVID-19 challenges. This is crucial to ensure New Zealanders
continue to have access to fresh fruit and vegetables.
It is important to support your team and keep them well informed on the
status of COVID-19 and which Alert Level we are currently experiencing.
This document will be updated to accommodate the rapidly changing
situation.
You will find important website links for further information at the back of
this document.
Together we can slow the spread.
CONTENTS
2 Alert Level 2 – What it means
2 About COVID-19
3 COVID-19 4 Level Alert System
4 Helping Keep Our People Well
Acknowledgements:
5 Food Safety
Thanks to United Fresh members for sharing organisation information regarding COVID-19:
5 Employer Responsibilities
• Fresh Direct • MG Marketing 6 Financial support for businesses
• Freshmax • Seeka Fresh
6 Further information and resources
• Horticulture New Zealand • T&G Global
• New Zealand Plant Producers Incorporated • The AgriChain Centre
A Guide to Keeping Our People & Workplaces Well United Fresh COVID-19 Continuity Planning for Businesses 1
ALERT LEVEL INFORMATION UPDATED
BY GOVERNMENT SEPTEMBER 2021
Level 2: what it Level
means for everyone 2
Alert
NewLevel 2 – is
Zealand Reduce
now at Level 3 to stop and eradicate COVID-19.
Low risk of community transmission within applied area.
Eradicating the disease is vital to protect people’s health
Risk assessment ABOUT CORONAVIRUS – COVID-19
• andcould
There ensure our
be limited healthtransmission.
community system can cope and look after
• NewareZealanders
There active clusters in who become
more than one region.sick. Is coronavirus the same as COVID-19?
Range of measures that can be applied locally or nationally Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans.
What is level 3: Access to everything you need
• You can connect with friends and wha- nau in person, socialise in groups and go shopping and travel domestically, COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus.
if •following
Travel in areashealth
public with clusters
guidance. or community Food will always be available – production will
• You can transmission limited
return to the continue, ways
place where you work or learn but alternative distribution
of workingwill continue, supermarkets
are still encouraged
• Affected
• Businesses, educational
schools, facilitiesservices,
early learning will continue.
closed tertiary education You
providers willpublic
and always have access
facilities, to food.
such as museums, How is COVID-19 spread?
libraries and pools can now all open with additional health measures in place.
• Gatherings cancelled Medicines will always be available.
• Gatherings of up to 50 people indoors or 100 people outdoors are allowed including weddings, funerals and The main way COVID-19 spreads is through contact with respiratory droplets from an infected
• Public venues
tangihanga. Mandatoryclosed (eg. keeping
record libraries,(asmuseums,
in Alert Level 1) and physical
Healthcare fordistancing
those thatare legally
need it willrequired.
be available. person rather than through the air. COVID-19 can survive on surfaces, therefore people can catch
cinemas,
• Hospitality food courts,
businesses legallygyms,
mustpools,
keep groups of customers separated and seated. Maximum of 50 people
indoors or 100 people outdoors in a defined space.
amusement parks)
Your usual financial support, like benefits, the virus by touching infected surfaces then touching their eyes, nose or mouth.
• Event facilities, including cinemas, stadiums, concert venues will continue as normal.
and casinos can have up to 50 people indoors and
100• people
Alternative ways You
outdoors. of working
can have required
more thanand50 people in an event facility, but only if the people are in separate
‘definednon-essential
spaces’, and businesses
there shouldshould close
not be
We must all participate
direct airflow between the defined spaces. What to do if you develop symptoms
• You legally must wear a face covering if you are aged 12 and over when:
• Non face-to-face primary care consultations
- using public transport, airplanes (including in departure We have
points a plan.
such We needstations)
as train/bus your support
and intoa taxi or ride- COVID-19 symptoms can include a fever of 38°C or more, a new or worsening cough, sore throat,
• Non
share acute (elective) services and procedures
vehicle protect New Zealand and eradicate COVID-19. shortness of breath, sneezing and runny nose, temporary loss of smell or altered sense of taste,
in hospitals
- visiting deferred
a healthcare andcare
or aged healthcare staff than for Enforcement
facility (other a patient) measures may be used to ensure
- insidereprioritised
retail businesses, such as supermarkets, pharmacies, everyone actsmalls,
shopping together,
indoornow.marketplaces, takeaway food please see covid19.govt.nz for lesser known symptoms. Anyone experiencing these symptoms
stores and public venues — such as museums and libraries should stay at home and seek medical advice by calling their GP or Healthline on 0800 358 5453.
Stay at home Where can I go for more
- visiting the public areas within courts and tribunals, local and central Government agencies, and social service
providers with customer service counters
• You Everyone should
legally must wearwork at home.
a face covering if you work: information? Self-Isolation
- aVulnerable
s a driver ofpeople in ride-share
a taxi or particular should
vehicle stay at We will continue to update COVID19.govt.nz
- ahome
t closeand self-isolate.
contact businesses, for example barbers, beauticians and hairdressers Your team should understand what self-isolation means and when it is necessary.
- in a public facing role at a hospitality venue, for example a cafe, restaurant, bar or nightclub
Only the children of essential workers should be
- at retail businesses, such as supermarkets, shopping malls, indoor marketplaces, takeaway food stores You must self-isolate if you experience any of the following symptoms: fever, dry cough, fatigue,
atthe
- in school or areas
public early childhood
of courts andfacilities. Thislocal
tribunals, will beand central Government agencies, and social service providers shortness of breath or if you have returned from overseas in the last 14 days or if you or anyone you
communicated
with directly
customer service to parents and will change.
counters
- at indoor public facilities, for example libraries and museums (but not swimming pools)
have been in contact with (physically) has tested positive for COVID-19.
You may go for a walk or exercise and enjoy
• Health and disability care services can operate as normally as possible.
nature, but keep a 2 metre distance from people
• Keep 2 metres apart from people you do not know in public and places like retail stores, libraries, gyms, and museums.
If you have been at any location of interest at the date and times specified you must immediately,
at all times. isolate at your home or accommodation and call Healthline on 0800 358 5453 for advice on testing
• Keep 1 metres apart from people in other places like office buildings and factories, and in places where there is a
cap on numbers, like cinemas and hospitality. and isolating.
• People at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 (for example, those with underlying medical conditions,
especially if not well-controlled, and older people) are encouraged to take additional precautions when leaving
home, unless fully vaccinated. You may work, if you agree with your employer that you can do so safely.
If you self-isolate, you should register with the Ministry of Health by calling the Healthline on
• Sport and recreation activities are allowed, subject to conditions on gatherings, record keeping, and – where 0800 358 5453.
More information and advice
practical– physical distancing. Gyms — 2m physical distancing, outdoor teams sport — no physical distancing.
For more information on self-isolation go to https://covid19.govt.nz/how-were-uniting/self-
• Public transport must be seated only.
to come shortly. isolation/
L3_WHAT IT MEANS_FACT_23/03 1
A Guide to Keeping Our People & Workplaces Well United Fresh COVID-19 Continuity Planning for Businesses 2
ALERT LEVEL INFORMATON UPDATED BY GOVERNMENT 7TH SEPTEMBER 2021
New Zealand COVID-19 Alert Levels Summary
• The Alert Levels are determined by the Government and specify the public health and social measures to be taken in the • Services including supermarkets, health services, emergency services, utilities and goods transport will
fight against COVID-19. Further guidance is available on Covid19.govt.nz. continue to operate at any level. Employers in those sectors must continue to meet health and safety obligations.
• Different parts of the country may be at different Alert Levels. We can move up and down Alert Levels. • Restrictions are cumulative (for example, at Alert Level 4, all restrictions from Alert Levels 1, 2 and 3 apply).
Updated 7 September 2021
Elimination Strategy — New Zealand is working together to eliminate COVID-19
Risk
Alert Level assessment Measures that can be applied locally or nationally
• Stay home in your bubble. • As in Alert Level 2, you legally must wear a face covering in some settings. Refer to the detailed table for more
4
• There is
sustained • No travel is allowed except for necessities or to undertake safe recreational activities. You must work and learn information. It’s recommended you wear a face covering whenever you leave the house.
and intensive from home. • Rationing of supplies and requisitioning of facilities as well as reprioritisation of healthcare services is possible.
community • No gatherings are allowed. All public and education facilities close. • Members of a household or shared bubble may view or accompany the deceased in a funeral home, cemetery or
Lockdown transmission.
• If you work for an Alert Level 4 business or service and you have no available options for childcare, you can extend faith-based institution subject to strict conditions.
• Outbreaks are your household bubble to include a carer for your children.
Likely the widespread.
disease is not • Businesses must close except for necessities (e.g. supermarkets, pharmacies, petrol stations) and lifeline utilities.
contained Green grocers, butchers, bakeries, and fishmongers can sell uncooked food items online and must deliver all orders.
• There are • Stay home and keep your bubble small. You can expand to reconnect with close family/whānau, enable caregiving, or • When you leave home, keep a 2-metre distance from others when in public or 1-metre in controlled environments like
3 multiple cases
of community
transmission.
support isolated people. This extended bubble legally must remain exclusive.
• Travel is still restricted, so stay local. Inter-regional travel is highly limited with limited permissions. You can travel
for work, school, to pick up necessities and good purchased in a contactless way or undertake low-risk recreational
workplaces, where practical
• Customers are only allowed inside specific businesses: supermarkets, banks, primary produce retailers, pharmacies,
petrol stations or hardware stores providing goods to trade customers, or if it is an emergency or critical situation.
Restrict • There are activities. Work and learn from home if you can. • Other businesses can open if they trade in a contactless way.
multiple active • Only people who can’t work from home should return to businesses that can safely open under Alert Level 3. • Public facilities remain closed. Early childhood centres and schools will open for students up to Year 10 for those who
Medium risk of clusters in • As in Alert Level 2, you legally must wear a face covering in some settings. Refer to the detailed table for more
community multiple regions. can’t learn from home.
transmission information. It’s recommended you wear a face covering whenever you leave the house.
• Healthcare services should use virtual, non-contact consultations where possible.
– active but • Gatherings of up to 10 people are only allowed for weddings, civil union ceremonies, funerals and tangihanga. Physical
managed distancing and record keeping are legally required. Food and drink cannot be served. • People at high risk of severe illness, such as older people and those with existing medical conditions, are encouraged
clusters to stay at home where possible, and take additional precautions when leaving home. You may choose to work.
2
• There could • You can connect with friends and whānau in person, socialise in groups and go shopping and travel domestically, if • You legally must wear a face covering if you work:
be limited following public health guidance. - as a driver of a taxi or ride-share vehicle
community • You can return to the place where you work or learn but alternative ways of working are still encouraged
transmission.
- at close contact businesses, for example barbers, beauticians and hairdressers
• Businesses, schools, early learning services, tertiary education providers and public facilities, such as museums, - in a public facing role at a hospitality venue, for example a cafe, restaurant, bar or nightclub
Reduce • There are active libraries and pools can now all open with additional health measures in place.
clusters in more - at retail businesses, such as supermarkets, shopping malls, indoor marketplaces, takeaway food stores
• Gatherings of up to 50 people indoors or 100 people outdoors are allowed including weddings, funerals and - in the public areas of courts and tribunals, local and central Government agencies, and social service providers with
Low risk of than one region.
tangihanga. Mandatory record keeping (as in Alert Level 1) and physical distancing are legally required. customer service counters
community
transmission • Hospitality businesses legally must keep groups of customers separated and seated. Maximum of 50 people indoors - at indoor public facilities, for example libraries and museums (but not swimming pools)
within applied or 100 people outdoors in a defined space.
• Health and disability care services can operate as normally as possible.
area • Event facilities, including cinemas, stadiums, concert venues and casinos can have up to 50 people indoors and 100
• Keep 2 metres apart from people you do not know in public and places like retail stores, libraries, gyms, and museums.
people outdoors. You can have more than 50 people in an event facility, but only if the people are in separate ‘defined
spaces’, and there should not be direct airflow between the defined spaces. • Keep 1 metres apart from people in other places like office buildings and factories, and in places where there is a cap
• You legally must wear a face covering if you are aged 12 and over when: on numbers, like cinemas and hospitality.
- using public transport, airplanes (including in departure points such as train/bus stations) and in a taxi or ride-share vehicle • People at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 (for example, those with underlying medical conditions,
especially if not well-controlled, and older people) are encouraged to take additional precautions when leaving home,
- visiting a healthcare or aged care facility (other than for a patient) unless fully vaccinated. You may work, if you agree with your employer that you can do so safely.
- inside retail businesses, such as supermarkets, pharmacies, shopping malls, indoor marketplaces, takeaway food • Sport and recreation activities are allowed, subject to conditions on gatherings, record keeping, and – where
stores and public venues — such as museums and libraries. practical– physical distancing. Gyms — 2m physical distancing, outdoor teams sport — no physical distancing.
- visiting the public areas within courts and tribunals, local and central Government agencies, and social service • Public transport must be seated only.
providers with customer service counters
• COVID-19 is • All businesses, facilities, schools, education providers and workplaces can open. • There are no restrictions on personal movement or gatherings.
1
uncontrolled • NZ COVID Tracer QR codes issued by the NZ Government legally must be displayed in workplaces and on public • In all other settings you are encouraged to maintain a record of where you have been.
overseas. transport. • You legally must wear a face covering if you are aged 12 and over when:
• There could • The following places legally must have systems and processes to ensure visitors keep a record of where they have - using public transport and airplanes (excluding inter-island ferries and school buses).
Prepare be sporadic been (whether via the NZ COVID Tracer app or otherwise), including healthcare facilities, aged care facilities, - exclusions apply for people with disabilities or mental health conditions.
imported cases. close-contact businesses, hospitality venues, public facilities, exercise facilities and social gatherings such as
The disease is • There could be weddings, funerals and tangihanga.
contained in isolated local • In all other places, we encourage you to keep track of everywhere you have been, as this helps contact tracing to
New Zealand transmission in identify any potential spread of COVID-19.
New Zealand.
New Zealand COVID-19 Alert Levels Summary Updated 7 September 2021
A Guide to Keeping Our People & Workplaces Well United Fresh COVID-19 Continuity Planning for Businesses 3
HELPING TO KEEP OUR PEOPLE WELL Physical distancing
• Please keep your physical distance, to help protect yourself and others
Personal and workplace hygiene • Do not have physical contact with anyone who isn’t isolating with you
To mitigate the risk of spreading the virus, it is important to share with your team the importance • Physical distance means keeping 2 metres apart from others
of adhering to strict hygiene protocols:
• Regularly and thoroughly washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or cleaning Record keeping and contact tracing at your workplace
with alcohol-based hand sanitiser (see Hand Washing Protocol poster) Businesses must display an NZ COVID Tracer QR code in a prominent place at or near your main
• Alcohol-based hand sanitiser is most useful if there is limited access to soap and water, entrance. You also need to offer customers and visitors an alternative way to record their visit.
but hands must still be regularly washed If you are using an alternative contact tracing system, you need to record:
• Disposable gloves should be changed regularly and good hand washing hygiene maintained
• Entry and exit times for workers, visitors and contractors
• Avoid touching your face to reduce risk of transferring virus from contaminated surfaces
• The names of everyone on your premises or location
• Covering mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when coughing or sneezing.
Dispose of used tissue immediately into covered rubbish bin • Their contact details.
• Maintain 2 metres between yourself and your colleagues at all times Make sure you keep your contact tracing records secure.
• Ask your team to avoid close personal contact including handshaking
From 11:59pm on Tuesday 7 September 2021, some Alert Level 2 businesses and services will be
• Remove communal magazines and books etc. from all parts of your business including legally required to keep a record of everyone 12 years and over who enters their premises or location.
reception and lunchrooms.
Workplace cleaning
• Increase the general cleaning frequency and depth. Use detergent then sanitise
• High touch areas such as light switches and door handles, lunch tables should be cleaned Wash your Physical
after each break during the day
• Use approved food grade chemicals, ideally a combined cleaners and sanitiser HANDS www.unitedfresh.co.nz
Distance www.unitedfresh.co.nz
• Where a positive case of COVID-19 is confirmed, advice should be taken from the 1 Wet 2 Soap
government COVID-19 website regarding deep cleaning protocols
• Mobiles and landlines should not be shared and should be cleaned and sanitised regularly Physical distance
means keeping
Face coverings 2 metres apart
from others
Wet your hands under Soap and scrub backs of hands,
Your employees must wear a face covering at work if they: clean running water.
Use warm water if available.
wrists, between fingers,
under fingernails for 20 seconds.
• Work in the public-facing area of a court, tribunal, local or central government agency or social
service provider 3 Rinse 4 Dry
• Are a delivery driver to residential addresses — delivery drivers only need to wear a face covering
when they are out of their vehicle
• Work at a cafe, restaurant, bar, nightclub, soup kitchen or any other food or drink business If you are in places
• Work for a close contact service — for example, hairdressers or beauty therapists Rinse all the soap off under Dry your hands all over for 20 seconds.
where you cannot Please keep your physical distance,
clean running water. Using a paper towel is best or,
to help protect yourself and others.
keep a physical
Use warm water if available. if at home, a clean dry towel.
• Work at a retail store — including those that were operating at alert levels 3 and 4 Do not have physical contact with
Washing and drying your hands correctly
• Work at an indoor public facility — for example, a library, museum or a gym — employees is a simple step you can take to staying well. distance of 2 meters anyone who isn’t isolating with you.
working at a swimming pool do not need to wear a face covering from others wear
• Are a driver of a taxi, ride-share vehicle, ferry, bus or train used for public transport — this a mask.
excludes school buses and ferries between the north island and south island.
A Guide to Keeping Our People & Workplaces Well United Fresh COVID-19 Continuity Planning for Businesses 4NO EVIDENCE OF FOODBORNE TRANSMISSION OF COVID-19 EMPLOYER RESPONSIBILITIES
UNITING AGAINST COVID-19 IN THE WORKPLACE
As employers we all need to do what we can to slow the spread of COVID-19, and protect
WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION our people.
FOOD SAFETY GUIDANCE UPDATED COVID-19 has created a new work health and safety risk that businesses need to manage.
The World Health Organisation has recently released
All businesses are expected to:
more detailed food safety guidance for food business, • Follow the latest Ministry of Health advice about preventing COVID-19 and to promote good
you will find this information on our website here. hygiene practices at work
• Identify and manage any emerging risks brought about by COVID-19. For example, changes
in consumer demand may impact worker health and safety and supply issues with personal
protective equipment
FOOD SAFETY Organising your workplace
According to the NZ Food Safety Science & Research Centre and MPI, so far, • Where possible, people should work from home. Ensure people are provided necessary
there is no evidence that humans have been infected by swallowing the virus in resources to do so
or on food or drink, though it has been found in a small number of faecal samples. • Staff shifts should leave the workplace before the next shift arrives
The strong acid in the stomach is thought to destroy this type of virus. • Stagger staff start, finish and break times so fewer people are together
The European Food Safety Authority have also stated: There is no evidence that food • Control or restrict travel for your team to work meetings and events
• Meetings should be conducted using teleconferencing technology
is a likely source or root transmission of COVID-19.
• Restrict visitors/customers coming on to worksites
• Strengthen registration procedures requiring visitors to identify risks associated with
COVID-19 before entering worksites
People contract coronaviruses by breathing in infected droplets, or by getting it on their hands, • Where practical, separate workstations to maintain social distancing
for example, and then touching their face, especially the mucous membrane inside the nose. • Organise teams into small ‘pods’ of workers that work in separate areas such that if one
Conceivably, infectious droplets could land on food, packaging, or other surfaces, and then be person comes into contact with COVID-19, the number of workers exposed and needing
transferred to the face via hands – though this has not been proven to occur as yet. The virus to self-isolate is limited
can survive for a few days on surfaces, depending on the nature of the material. • All shared vehicles including forklifts need to be well cleaned and sanitised regularly and
The important things for our industry to adhere to in the food safety space is to be vigilant with always after each operator finished before the new operator uses the vehicle
strict hygiene and cleaning regimes, ensure your traceability systems are adhered to and identify
anyone showing symptoms.
Looking after your staff
• Ensure your staff are fully informed of personal and company safety measures
A suspected or confirmed infection could have serious consequences for your workplace.
However, not reporting it and not acting straight away to isolate all other contacts would have • Maintain regular contact with teams working in isolation or from home
worse long-term outcomes for the reputation of a producer or the whole sector, not to mention • Offer frequent support and reassurance
the health of others. • Offer physical wellbeing information regarding eating well, staying active,
maintaining usual routines
There has been some misinformation shared in the media and on the government website to use
• Communicate leave policies with your team
soapy water to wash fruit and vegetables. This is incorrect, the correct advice for consumers is to
wash all produce as you normally would by rinsing it under the tap before consuming it. It is not • Provide Health and Safety updates (via email, teleconference, zoom or similar)
advisable to wash fresh produce with detergent.
For more information visit:
Golden Rules for Business at Alert Level 2 – link here.
A Guide to Keeping Our People & Workplaces Well United Fresh COVID-19 Continuity Planning for Businesses 5UNITED FRESH CONTACTS
General & Media Enquiries: Paula Dudley, General Manager, United Fresh New Zealand
Incorporated info@unitedfresh.co.nz
Supply Chain: Jerry Prendergast, President, United Fresh New Zealand Incorporated,
info@unitedfresh.co.nz
Food Safety: Anne-Marie Arts, Food Safety Representative, United Fresh Technical Advisory
Group amarts@agrichain-centre.com
Technical Queries: Dr Hans Maurer, Chair, United Fresh Technical Advisory Group
hmaurer@agrichain-centre.com
FURTHER INFORMATION
Read more about COVID-19 Alert levels here
https://covid19.govt.nz/government-actions/covid-19-alert-system/
Doing business at Alert Level 4
Find out if your business can operate at Alert Level 4 here
FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR BUSINESSES https://covid19.govt.nz/business-and-money/businesses/doing-business-at-alert-level-4/
Financial support schemes to help businesses and their employees in times of difficulty, to recover For up-to-date advice from the Ministry of Health go to
from the effects of COVID-19. https://covid19.govt.nz or phone 0800 358 5453
New Zealand Ministry of Health
On this page https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-novel-coronavirus
COVID-19 financial support tool New Zealand Food Safety Science & Research Centre
https://www.nzfssrc.org.nz/node/154
If your business has reduced revenue
Employment New Zealand
If an employee needs to self-isolate https://www.employment.govt.nz/about/news-and-updates/workplace-response-coronavirus-
If an employee is waiting for the result of a COVID-19 test covid-19/
Information in other languages Business.govt
https://www.business.govt.nz/news/coronavirus-information-for-businesses/
Read more here https://covid19.govt.nz/business-and-money/financial-support/financial-support- World Health Organisation
for-businesses/ https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public
United Fresh New Zealand Inc.
GUIDANCE FOR BUSINESSES THAT ARE LOCATIONS https://www.unitedfresh.co.nz/technical-advisory-group/covid-19
OF INTEREST Horticulture New Zealand has information and resources specifically for New Zealand Growers,
https://www.health.govt.nz/system/files/documents/pages/guidance_for_business_that_are_ https://www.hortnz.co.nz/covid19/
locations_of_interest_19_aug_21.pdf
Search United Fresh New Zealand Incorporated to connect with us on
www.unitedfresh.co.nz info@unitedfresh.co.nz 0800 507 555
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