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Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) guidance for air border – green zones Air Border Version 1.2 Released 18 May 2021 Note: this document is updated regularly. Printed copies may be out-of-date. V1.2 | 18/05/2021 1
Table of Contents
IPC Cover Sheet .............................................................................................................. 4
Sign-Off Sheet ................................................................................................................... 4
1 IPC at airports ............................................................................................................ 10
General IPC principles .......................................................................................... 10
Good practice IPC measures ................................................................................ 10
Education and training .......................................................................................... 10
1.4 Border workers ..................................................................................................... 10
1.5 Hand hygiene........................................................................................................ 12
1.6 Glove use .......................................................................................................... 12
1.7 Coughing and sneezing etiquette .......................................................................... 13
1.8 Physical distancing ............................................................................................... 13
1.9 PPE ...................................................................................................................... 13
1.10 Routine testing for COVID-19 border workers ....................................................... 15
1.11 Vaccination........................................................................................................ 15
2 Table of recommended COVID-19 PPE..................................................................... 16
2.1 Green zone PPE requirements ............................................................................. 16
2.2 Moving between red and green zones .................................................................. 18
3 Cleaning...................................................................................................................... 19
3.1 Basic principles of cleaning and disinfection ......................................................... 19
3.2 Cleaning products ................................................................................................. 21
3.3 Cleaning Process .................................................................................................. 21
3.4 Aircraft cleaning processes ................................................................................... 21
3.5 Laundry................................................................................................................. 22
4 Waste Management, IPC signage and Miscellaneous items ................................... 23
V1.2 | 18/05/2021 2
4.1 Waste management - green zones ....................................................................... 23
4.2 Displaying IPC information in arrival and departure areas ..................................... 23
5 On Boarding and at Arrival........................................................................................ 24
5.1 Offloading and escorting ....................................................................................... 24
6 Arrival pathway .......................................................................................................... 25
6.1 Passengers ........................................................................................................... 25
6.2 Waiting areas ........................................................................................................ 25
6.3 Random health checks ......................................................................................... 25
6.4 Urgent medical care required ................................................................................ 25
6.5 Passport control (including manual processing and eGate)................................... 25
6.6 Luggage Handling and Collection ......................................................................... 26
How to use PPE (including medical masks) and gloves safely ......... 27
How to wear a face covering safely ..................................................... 30
How to put on PPE safely ..................................................................... 32
V1.2 | 18/05/2021 3
IPC Cover Sheet Sign-Off Sheet Standard Operating Procedure Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) – Air Border Version number 1.2 Release Date 18/05/2021 Review Cycle Monthly Infection Prevention and Control Emma Hickson (IPC) Sub-TAG Signature Date 11/5/2021 Clinical Oversight Governance Group Signature Noted in COG meetings dated 10 and 17 May 2021 Date 10/5/2021 and 17/5/2021 GM COVID-19 Border and Managed Shona Meyrick Isolation Signature Date 18/05/2021 V1.2 | 18/05/2021 4
Development
The Ministry of Health (MoH) IPC sub-TAG and the COVID-19 Border Operations team has led the
development of this IPC guidance. This document is based on existing international guidance on
infection prevention and control for COVID-19 and also follows any relevant infection prevention and
control requirements mandated in the Air Border Order.
The guidance is reviewed by the MoH IPC sub-TAG and COVID-19 Border Operations team on a
monthly cycle to ensure it reflects good practice in IPC for COVID-19 and any infection prevention and
control requirements mandated in the Air Border Order.
Version history
Version Date Author Position Description of changes
1.0 1 March MoH COVID-19 Border This replaces previous advice on
2021 Border Operations guidance on air border managed
Operations team isolation provided on the MoH
and MoH IPC website.
Sub- TAG
1.1 31 March MOH COVID-19 Border Revised use of terms ‘must’ and
2021 Border Operations ‘should’ to differentiate between good
Operations and or best practice IPC requirements and
MoH IPC Sub- those that are mandated by New
TAG Zealand legislation. Updates to PPE
table to provide greater clarity of best
or good practice advice. Introduced
definition of PCBU and highlighted
where relevant the legislated
obligations that PCBUs have to
workers. Added definitions of ‘face
covering’ and ‘medical mask’.
Removed references to timeslot
separation for airports operating both
red and green flights and replaced to
reflect physical separation.
Amended requirements of green flight
passengers/aircrew to reflect face
covering to be worn only through
airside areas of airports. Added
definition of “airside/airside area(s)”
and “domestic alert level”.
Amended requirements of face
covering to include length guidance
on replacement of face covering.
Included reference to temperature
checking and secondary health
checks to be limited to arriving
passengers only.
V1.2 | 18/05/2021 5Amended definition of physical
distancing to differentiate
requirements for red and green
zone(s).
1.2 MOH COVID-19 Guidance divided into two individual
Border documents for red and green zone(s).
Operations and
IPC team Revised PPE requirements for
secondary health assessments at the
air border.
Linen/laundry section scaled back to
advise that laundry services follow
normal standards of practice for QFTZ
flights.
Feedback
This is a living document and we welcome your feedback via email at COVID-
19BorderOps@health.govt.nz. For any specific IPC issues please email IPC@health.govt.nz.
Purpose
This document provides information, infection prevention and control (IPC) recommended guidance,
and mandated requirements to control the risk of infection and transmission of COVID-19 at the air
border1. It is relevant for anyone working at the air border as well as passengers and aircrew for
quarantine free travel (green) flights.
The use of “must” in this document indicates a mandatory legal requirement. The use of “should”
indicates that the requirement is strongly recommended by MoH and is good practice for IPC.
This guidance may be used by Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBUs) to enable
collaboration with IPC leads from each airport region, to assist in determining what actions it is
reasonably practicable to take, to minimise the risks to workers and other people, from exposure to
COVID-19 infection.
1
This also includes inter-regional MIQF “transfer” or “airbridge” flights
V1.2 | 18/05/2021 6Abbreviations
ABO COVID-19 Public Health Response (Air Border) Order (No2) 2020
IPC Infection Prevention and Control
MIQF Managed Isolation or Quarantine Facility
MoH Ministry of Health
PHU Public Health Unit
PCBU Person conducting a business or undertaking under the Health and
Safety at Work Act 2015
PPE Personal Protective Equipment
QFTZ Quarantine Free Travel Zones
RIQCC Regional Isolation Quarantine Control Centre
V1.2 | 18/05/2021 7Definitions
Airside/Airside area(s) Any part of the airport that is inaccessible to the general public but is
accessible to international arriving or international transiting passengers
and border workers (for example, a civil aviation security area or a
Customs-controlled area).
Border Worker A worker who carries out work in any capacity (whether paid or unpaid)
at an airport where an aircraft arrives from a location outside New
Zealand.
Face covering Any type of covering that covers the face and mouth of the wearer. (e.g.
mask, scarf or a bandana).
Green flight(s)/zone(s) Flight(s)/zone(s) at airport(s) that are utilised for the purpose of
facilitating traveller movement for those exempt from isolation or
quarantine requirements through COVID-19 Public Health Response
(Exemption for Quarantine-free Travel) Notice.
Medical mask A medical or procedure mask that is flat or pleated and is affixed to the
head with straps that go around the ears or head or both. Its performance
characteristics are tested according to a set of standardised test
methods (ASTM F2100 Level 1, 2 or 3, EN 14683 Type IIR, or
equivalent) that aim to balance high filtration, adequate breathability and
optionally, fluid penetration resistance. The terms medical masks and
masks are used interchangeably throughout this document.
Non-medical mask Also called a fabric mask or face covering. It is neither a medical device
nor personal protective equipment because it is not subject to regulation
or a set of standards. Fabric reusable masks should consist of three
layers and should meet thresholds for filtration, breathability and fit.
These should not have exhalation valves, as these bypass the protection
that is afforded by fabric reusable masks. Refer to Appendix 2: How to
wear a face covering safely.
Physical Distancing For green flight(s)/zone(s), physical distancing should be encouraged
and/or aligned with the current domestic alert level.
Red flight(s)/zone(s) Any flight(s)/zone(s) that are not designated as green flight(s)/zone(s),
including those that are utilised for the purpose of facilitating traveller
movement for those subject to isolation or quarantine requirements
through the COVID-19 Public Health Response (Air Border) Order (No
2) 2020.
V1.2 | 18/05/2021 8Regional Alert Level The current alert level in the region in question as specified by any order
made under the COVID-19 Public Health Response Act 2020.
V1.2 | 18/05/2021 91 IPC at airports
General IPC principles
IPC measures at airports help prevent COVID-19 infection from entering New Zealand at the border.
The IPC guiding principles and measures outlined in this document are based on current knowledge of
COVID-19 transmission risk at the border and legal requirements outlined in the Air Border Order.
There are additional precautions for people who have recently returned from overseas and who have a
greater risk of having been exposed to and/or developing COVID-19; and who also have the potential
to transmit the virus to others while they have few or no symptoms. These measures help with the
continued efforts to prevent COVID-19 infection from spreading in New Zealand.
Good practice IPC measures
When working at the air border, employers should ensure workers are familiar with the layout of the
airport, including where designated red and green zones are located and the necessary IPC measures
required to be followed in each zone. This includes the PPE requirements for each zone. In addition,
employers should:
• have clearly identifiable areas for putting on and removing PPE 2
• ensure that waste containers to dispose of used PPE are available
• there is provision of hand sanitiser where needed
• have signage to discourage workers from touching their nose, eyes and mouth area with their hands
• ensure staff areas are cleaned and disinfected regularly.
Education and training
It is the responsibility of employers to ensure that all employees working at an airport are appropriately
trained and educated in the proper use of PPE. Employers should provide regular refresher training to
employees and advise of any changes to IPC or PPE guidance at the earliest possible opportunity after
the change takes effect. This guidance document may be used to complement any current training
materials already provided by employers to employees.
1.4 Border workers
All border workers should understand and follow the basic IPC measures to reduce the risk of exposure
to COVID-19. This is especially important if the border workers:
• interact with passengers or crew who have travelled from, or through any overseas ports or
2
IPC experts will work with employers to identify appropriate areas for this activity to take place.
V1.2 | 18/05/2021 10• undertake tasks inside the passenger cabin of an international aircraft (including international
charter or private aircrafts and aeromedical transfer flights).
1.4.1 Staff Wellness
If a border worker develops any COVID-19 symptoms they should:
• stop work as soon as they are aware they are becoming unwell
• advise their manager
• put a medical mask on (if they are not already wearing one)
• leave work and self-isolate and
• arrange to be tested for COVID-19.
All border workers should contact their healthcare provider or Healthline (0800 611 116) for further
advice and inform their PCBU (if applicable). For more information refer to
https://covid19.govt.nz/health-and-wellbeing/covid-19/covid-19-symptoms/
In addition, border workers should:
• undertake hand hygiene frequently during the working day (as described under 1.3)
• use correct coughing and/or sneezing etiquette (as described under 1.4)
• maintain 2 metres physical distancing from others (as described under 1.5)
• wear appropriate PPE (as described in Section 2: Table of recommended COVID-19 PPE)
If a border worker develops any COVID-19 symptoms they should:
• stop work as soon as they are aware they are becoming unwell
• advise their manager
• put a medical mask on (if they are not already wearing one)
• leave work and self-isolate and
• arrange to be tested for COVID-19.
All border workers should contact their healthcare provider or Healthline (0800 611 116) for further
advice and inform their PCBU (if applicable). For more information refer to
https://covid19.govt.nz/health-and-wellbeing/covid-19/covid-19-symptoms/
In addition, border workers should:
• undertake hand hygiene frequently during the working day (as described under 1.3)
• use correct coughing and/or sneezing etiquette (as described under 1.4)
• maintain physical distancing from others in line with Regional Alert Levels (as described under 1.5)
V1.2 | 18/05/2021 11• wear appropriate PPE (as described in Section 2: Table of recommended COVID-19 PPE).
1.4.2 Provision of IPC and PPE education and training to border
workers
It is the responsibility of employers to ensure that all employees working at an airport are appropriately
trained and educated in the proper use of PPE. Employers should provide regular refresher training to
employees and advise of any changes to IPC or PPE guidance at the earliest possible opportunity after
the change takes effect. This guidance document may be used to complement any current training
materials already provided by employers to employees.
1.5 Hand hygiene
Hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to minimise transmission of infectious diseases from
one person to another and to avoid contamination of surfaces. Hand hygiene is maintained by either
washing (with soap and water) and drying hands thoroughly or using the supplied alcohol-based
(containing 60-80% alcohol) hand sanitiser.
It is important that hand hygiene is performed in the following situations:
• before and after eating and drinking
• before and after other breaks
• before and after using the toilet
• before putting on PPE
• after removal of individual items of PPE
• after disposal of PPE
• after undertaking cleaning activities
• after having any direct physical contact with a passenger, their belongings, or their environment i.e.
aircraft, passenger baggage or mobility aides (including wheelchairs, prams or other mobility
devices), touched surfaces and shared items.
1.6 Glove use
NOTE: Glove use is not a substitute for hand hygiene
Regular hand hygiene is recommended and preferable to glove use.
Inappropriate or incorrect use of gloves can increase risk of virus transmission. Staff should remove
their gloves safely and perform hand hygiene immediately (see Appendix 3: How to put on PPE safely
for more detail). In addition, the following should be noted:
• Rings, watches and jewellery should be kept at a minimum to enable good hand hygiene practices
and to prevent tears to gloves
V1.2 | 18/05/2021 12• Workers should remove their gloves safely and perform hand hygiene immediately (see Appendix
3: How to put on PPE safely for more detail).
• Gloves, if used, should be changed between tasks to provide the most effective protection (see
Table 2: Table of recommended COVID-19 PPE)
• Alcohol hand rub should not be used on gloves and should not be used as a substitute for changing
gloves where required.
1.7 Coughing and sneezing etiquette
Border workers should remember to cough or sneeze into the crook of their elbow, or cover coughs and
sneezes with a tissue. Dispose of tissues into a general waste bin after use.
Perform hand hygiene after coughing or sneezing.
1.8 Physical distancing
1.8.1 Border workers
Border workers in green zone(s) should be aware of the requirements for physical distancing in
accordance with the regional alert level requirements 3 (if applicable). The requirements for physical
distancing may be altered at short notice.
1.8.2 Passengers
Passengers arriving in New Zealand on green flights/zone(s) should be encouraged to maintain physical
distancing from others or in accordance with the regional alert level requirements4 at the time.
1.9 PPE
PPE is worn at the airport to protect border staff and passengers from potential exposure to infectious
individuals and as a means of source control if they themselves are infectious.
PPE items may include: a medical mask, P2/N95 particulate respirator, long sleeved fluid resistant
gown, plastic apron, gloves and eye protection5. The PPE a border worker wears depends on the
interaction the worker is having at the airport or the activity they are undertaking and the zone they are
working in. Additional information about how to use PPE is provided in this document (see Appendix
1: How to use PPE (including medical masks) and gloves safely).
It is important to note that:
• Border workers required to wear P2/N95 particulate respirator must have undergone fit testing and,
be trained in fit checking.
3
COVID-19 Public Health Response (Alert Level Requirements) Order 2021
https://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2021/0006/10.0/whole.html#LMS451846
4
COVID-19 Public Health Response (Alert Level Requirements) Order 2021
https://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2021/0006/10.0/whole.html#LMS451790
5
Prescription glasses are not classed as protective eye wear.
V1.2 | 18/05/2021 13• PPE recommended by this guidance should be considered the minimum requirement for protection
against COVID-19 and should not replace the wearing of any other PPE that is required for usual
business activities e.g. chemical use.
NOTE: PCBUs have extensive legal duties under the Health
and Safety at Work Act in relation to worker PPE.
More information can be found on the WorkSafe website here:
https://www.worksafe.govt.nz/topic-and-industry/personal-protective-equipment-
ppe/personal-protective-equipment-a-guide-for-businesses/
1.9.1 Medical masks
A well-fitting medical mask6 should fit snugly on the face and fully cover the nose and mouth. It is
important that medical masks are put on, worn, removed and disposed of correctly as per Appendix 2:
How to wear a face covering safely and Appendix 3: How to put on PPE safely. Medical masks should
not be folded and placed in pockets for re-use, as these are deemed to be single use masks.
1.9.2 Non-medical /reusable fabric masks
Non-medical, reusable fabric face masks are used as protective masks. They are not subject to the
same set of standards as medical masks and are not regulated in any way.
Where is it deemed appropriate for border workers to wear non-medical masks, they should be
instructed on how and be provided with a means to store used masks until they can be laundered.
Aircrew and border workers should have an adequate number of masks to enable changes to occur
during a flight or shift as necessary. Masks should be changed every 3 hours or when damp. Hand
hygiene measures should be performed before and after touching non-medical masks.
Border workers should be provided with instruction on laundering and drying reusable masks, in line
with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
1.9.3 Passenger face covering or non-medical mask use
Passengers on a green flight in New Zealand and in a green zone at the airport must wear a face
covering7. This applies during disembarkation from the aircraft and whilst airside at the airport (unless
they meet the criteria for when they don’t need to wear a face covering).
There are some situations where passengers are not required to wear a face covering. This includes
(but is not limited to):
• passengers who have a medical condition preventing them from wearing a face covering
6
Medical masks are not reusable and must comply with EN14683 Type IIR or international equivalent.
7
COVID-19 Public Health Response (Air Border) Order (No 2) 2020
https://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2020/0239/latest/whole.html#LMS483926
V1.2 | 18/05/2021 14• temporary pausing use e.g. a person who is eating or drinking, or needing to communicate with a
person who is deaf or hard of hearing
• the person is a child younger than 12 years of age (note it is recommended that face coverings not
be worn by children less than 6 years of age because of safety concerns) and parents or care givers
should be encouraged to help children to perform hand hygiene before putting on a face covering
(if they decide to use one).
For passengers going on to a red flight, medical masks should be made available , along with the ability
for passengers to perform hand hygiene as outlined in Section 1.2: Good practice IPC measures above.
Information on the correct procedures for putting on, taking off and disposing of masks or face coverings
should be displayed at appropriate locations around the airport. Instructions as well as means of
performing hand hygiene (e.g. hand sanitiser) should be provided at appropriate locations. Printouts of
these materials should be made available for passengers. (See appendices).
1.10 Routine testing for COVID-19 border workers
The COVID-19 Public Health Response (Required Testing) Order 2020 requires routine COVID-19
testing of specified border workers at airports. PCBUs must comply with their legal obligations under
this Order. They must make sure their workers are properly advised about how to access a test and
how often they must have a test done8.
Border workers at airports that only receive green flights, such as Queenstown International Airport and
Wellington International Airport, are not subject to regular mandatory testing requirements.
1.11 Vaccination
As part of New Zealand’s ongoing work to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in New Zealand, the COVID-
19 Public Health Response (Vaccinations) Order 2021 requires that all people working in MIQ settings
be vaccinated against COVID-19. The Order also requires all government officials to be vaccinated
before working in other high-risk border settings.
8
COVID-19 Public Health Response (Required Testing) Order 2020
https://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2020/0230/latest/whole.html#LMS400347
V1.2 | 18/05/2021 152 Table of recommended COVID-
19 PPE
Border workers should be familiar with and understand how to safely put on, take-off and dispose of
PPE. They also need to ensure that any other PPE they are instructed by their PCBU to wear to
minimise other risks arising from their work (e.g. chemicals) is worn.
2.1 Green zone PPE requirements
Use of PPE and additional IPC
Who Setting (where) measures
Activity (what)
- green zone
Airport cleaning Cleaning airport areas Green • Non-medical mask
staff used by international zone/flight • Appropriate gloves and any
arriving or transiting other protective items
passengers recommended by the
manufacturer of the cleaning
products
• Perform hand hygiene before
and after removal of PPE
and/or on entry or exit from
staff-only areas
Passengers and When disembarking Green • Non-medical mask
aircrew the aircraft zone/flight • Hand hygiene
Arrival pathway
through airport
including:
Throughout
airside areas of
the airport
Border workers Routine tasks Green • Non-medical mask
zone/flight • Hand hygiene
Arrival pathway
and throughout
airside areas of
the airport
Health staff Undertaking random Green • Medical mask
temperature and zone/flight • eye protection
health checks of • Hand hygiene
passengers
V1.2 | 18/05/2021 16Health staff Secondary health Green • P2/N95 particulate respirator9,
assessment zone/flight • eye protection,
• long sleeve fluid resistant gown
and gloves,
• Hand hygiene.
Passport control Routine tasks Green • Non-medical mask
staff zone/flight • Hand Hygiene
If gloves are used, it is suggested
that these be changed between
flight cohorts and hand hygiene be
performed before putting on and
after removing gloves.
MPI, Customs, Routine tasks, i.e. Green • Non-medical mask
Police, Aviation Undertaking border zone/flight • Hand hygiene.
Security and control measures.
other approved Staff should also follow approved
agency staff or established PCBU COVID-19
protocols/Health and Safety PPE
appropriate to their specific role.
Customs Conducting personal Green • Non-medical mask
/designated staff search (e.g. pat down/ zone/flight • Hand hygiene
strip) or bag searches
(e.g. where luggage is Border control Staff should also follow approved
opened and inspected) baggage search or established PCBU COVID-19
area protocols/Health and Safety PPE
appropriate to their specific role.
Ground staff – Routine tasks Green • No specific PPE required for
baggage/cargo zone/flight COVID-19 protection.
handlers • Hand hygiene.
Outside Staff should also follow approved
or established PCBU COVID-19
protocols/Health and Safety PPE
appropriate to their specific role.
Ground staff: Routine tasks, i.e. food Green • Non-medical mask
Aircraft cleaning services, laundry and zone/flights • Hand hygiene.
staff, waste removal, cabin
engineering etc. Aircraft Staff should also follow approved
or established PCBU COVID-19
protocols/Health and Safety PPE
appropriate to their specific role.
9
In situations where there is poor ventilation or the interaction takes place at close contact in a crowded closed space, border
workers may be exposed to short range infectious respiratory particles. As such, the use of a P2/N95 particulate respirator may
be indicated in such situations.
V1.2 | 18/05/2021 17Green • Non-medical mask
Ground staff:
zone/flights • Hand hygiene
assisting or
escorting
passengers Aircraft
from aircraft to
airside/landside
areas
2.2 Moving between red and green zones
Workers may move across red and green zones as long as they strictly follow the guidance below:
• PPE guidance and IPC measures as outlined within the guidance document for the zone that
they are entering/working in at that time.
• Before exiting a red or green work zone, border workers should completely change the PPE
they are wearing and dispose of this in adherence to Appendix 3: How to put on PPE safely in
bins provided at the boundary between the red/green zone.
• They should then don/put on the PPE required for the zone they are entering and perform hand
hygiene again before entering the new zone.
Ideally, border workers should not move across both zones during any one shift, however where this is
not possible, the guidance above should be followed.
Please note that employers have a broad duty to ensure the health and safety of their employees under
s36 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015. Accordingly, when updated guidance is provided, it is
the responsibility of the employer to ensure it is effectively communicated to employees and
implemented in the workplace.
V1.2 | 18/05/2021 183 Cleaning
Environmental cleaning is essential to reduce the risk of transmitting COVID-19. High touch areas and
hard surfaces can be contaminated with infectious respiratory droplets. Hands can become
contaminated after contact with these surfaces.
Airports should have cleaning schedules for common areas and document the date and time cleaning
was undertaken.
The COVID-19 virus is susceptible to standard cleaning and disinfection methods. Regular and
thorough cleaning with approved detergent/disinfectant that is effective against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-
19 virus) is recommended.
It is recommended that wherever practical and reasonable, equipment such as public wheelchairs,
trolleys should be dedicated to each zone. If they are moved between zones, then where the
responsibility for cleaning of the shared equipment sits should be clearly defined.
3.1 Basic principles of cleaning and disinfection
The basic principles of cleaning and disinfection should be followed, and these are outlined below:
• Cleaning is necessary to remove contamination (or ‘soil’) from surfaces before the use of
disinfectants, unless a combined detergent/disinfectant product is used. If soil is not removed first,
it can reduce the ability of disinfectants to kill pathogens (bacteria and viruses).
• Employers are responsible for ensuring workers undertaking cleaning are trained in the correct
usage of PPE and cleaning processes. Further guidance can be found on the MoH website at
www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-
information-specific-audiences/covid-19-general-cleaning-and-disinfection-advice/covid-19-
cleaning-frequently-asked-questions
• Physical cleaning (i.e. brisk rubbing over a surface) using a detergent and water solution and/or
disinfectants removes soil from surfaces.
• Whilst all surfaces should be cleaned, high touch surfaces should be prioritised, regardless of when
they were last cleaned or are next scheduled to be cleaned.
• Cleaning should start with the least soiled (cleanest) to most soiled (dirtiest) areas, and from higher
to lower levels in a systematic manner to avoid missing any areas.
• Clean all ‘high-touch’ surfaces such as seats, desks, counters, cupboards, tabletops, light switches,
door handles, and telephones. See specific ‘high touch area’ information at 3.1.1.
• Spot-clean any marks on soft furnishings.
• Clean toilets. See specific ‘bathroom’ information at 3.1.2.
• Vacuum the carpet with a HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner.
V1.2 | 18/05/2021 19• For hard floor surfaces, clean the floor starting from one end of the premises to another (from the
far side of the room working your way to the exit/door).
• At the end of cleaning, remove all PPE (see Appendix 3: How to put on PPE safely) and place in a
lined container before disposing of it with other general waste. The border worker should wash their
hands (or use hand sanitiser) immediately after handling these items.
• Follow routine airport practices for disposal of waste/ rubbish and see section 4.1: Waste
management – green zones for information on waste management. The border worker should wash
their hands (or use hand sanitiser) immediately after handling these items.
• Border workers need to follow any workplace protocols as required during standard operations.
• Cleaning practices and cleanliness of the airport environment should be routinely monitored and
audited by employers with feedback given to workers as a means of maintaining and reinforcing
good practice.
• A cleaning schedule should be maintained that documents date and time of when cleaning
occurred, as should an auditing or assurance document that identifies any concerns that have been
raised with workers.
3.1.1 Cleaning of high-touch surfaces (counter tops, handrails etc.)
High touch surfaces can be contaminated directly by infectious respiratory particles settling on them or
indirectly by hands and other items contaminated with respiratory particles coming into contact with and
transferring the particles onto the surface. High touch surfaces should be prioritised when cleaning,
ensure that:
• handles of baggage trolleys, public use wheelchairs and electric transfer vehicles are included in
the cleaning process and
• passenger processing stations and eGates are cleaned between blocks of flights.
For further information on cleaning and disinfecting refer to: www.health.govt.nz/covid-19-cleaning-
faqs.
3.1.2 Cleaning of toilets/bathrooms
Bathrooms in green zones should be cleaned regularly as per normal schedule and include the
following:
• carry out regular and thorough cleaning with approved detergent/disinfectant that is effective
against SARS-CoV-2
• dispensers for bathroom supplies (soap, toilet paper, disposable hand towels) are cleaned regularly
and topped up as needed.
V1.2 | 18/05/2021 203.2 Cleaning products Manual cleaning is necessary to remove surface soil before the use of disinfectants unless a ‘2 in 1’ product containing detergent is used. Regular and thorough cleaning with approved detergent/disinfectant that is effective against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19 virus) is recommended. All cleaning products should be used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions including additional PPE requirements. If using products that can be used for both cleaning and disinfecting, make sure that the instructions on the label are followed to ensure they work effectively and ensure that the product is also approved for use on any sensitive equipment. 3.3 Cleaning Process If any border workers need to pass through red zone terminal areas, they should wear appropriate PPE and avoid touching hard surfaces unless necessary. Refer to instructions on this in Section 2: Table of recommended COVID-19 PPE. Standard operating procedures for cleaning should be provided by employers and followed by workers. These should include clear instructions on cleaning responsibilities, products to be used, and systematic cleaning processes to ensure no areas are missed. When cleaning tasks are completed, staff should carefully remove PPE on exiting the area (e.g. after cleaning the aircraft and before moving on to the next area or aircraft ) and immediately wash their hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (Appendix 3: How to put on PPE safely). Border agencies should ensure cleaning of any agency-controlled areas and equipment not included in the standard airport cleaning process. 3.4 Aircraft cleaning processes Cleaning staff should follow the airline company policy for cleaning and disinfection of aircraft for green flights. 3.4.1 International and domestic flights – general information The aircraft is to be empty of passengers before cleaning starts. Cleaners should perform hand hygiene before putting on the appropriate PPE according to the task. Additionally, cleaners should wear any other protective items recommended by the manufacturer of the cleaning products and as required by PCBU processes. The following items should be cleaned using an approved cleaning and disinfectant product: • all flat surfaces that the passengers were in contact with (i.e. seats) • all touched surfaces located within the passengers seating zone: V1.2 | 18/05/2021 21
• handles and trays
• seatbelts and seatbelt fasteners
• compartment bars, overhead lockers, bulkheads
• seats (including back of seat)
• emergency cards
• headsets should be collected and reprocessed in line with current cleaning guidance for multi-
use items.
Electronic devices should be cleaned and disinfected as per manufacturer’s recommendations for the
device.
After aircraft cleaning is complete and before moving on to the next aircraft, dispose of cleaning wipes,
non-medical masks and gloves in appropriate manner. Perform hand hygiene after removing gloves.
Sessional use of non-medical mask allowed if not damp or soiled. Change as per information in
Appendix 2: How to wear a face covering safely.
3.4.2 Aircraft bathrooms
Bathrooms should be cleaned with appropriate cleaning and disinfectant products.
Cleaning and disinfection of bathrooms should be undertaken on a regular scheduled basis, observing
times when higher usage may occur i.e. after meals, and as necessary if there is a toileting accident in
the bathroom, in which case it will need to be cleaned before the next occupant.
3.4.3 Cleaning protocols
Those undertaking cleaning duties, should wear gloves, non-medical mask and any other protective
items recommended by the manufacturer of the cleaning products, in alignment with PCBU policies.
All touched surfaces including (but not limited to): door handles (inside and outside), taps, toilet seat lid
and any other item that is frequently touched should be wiped with approved cleaning and disinfecting
product in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
Dispose of cleaning wipes and gloves in appropriate manner. Perform hand hygiene after removing
gloves. Don new gloves before undertaking the next task.
3.5 Laundry
All linen from green flights should be aligned with company policies for the safe handling of linen and
use of PPE based on AS/NZS 4146 Standards for Laundry Practice. Maintain good adherence to hand
hygiene practices and other IPC measures as outlined in this document.
V1.2 | 18/05/2021 224 Waste Management, IPC
signage and Miscellaneous items
4.1 Waste management - green zones
Appropriate handling and management of waste at the border is a key factor in preventing the spread
of COVID-19.
Waste from international flights should be bagged, tied closed to prevent spillage and transported to an
appropriate MPI international waste disposal facility.
Workers should wear gloves and other PPE appropriate for the level of contact with waste, when
collecting and/or disposing of waste. Refer to Section 2: Table of recommended COVID-19 PPE for
PPE guidance.
A regular schedule should be in place to manage the removal of waste from areas.
General waste generated during air border operation is not classified as medical waste; however, the
following principles for waste handling and management are recommended:
• communal bins (i.e., in corridor spaces) should have hand sanitiser co-located next to the bin, to
enable good hand hygiene practices for those disposing of rubbish
• waste bins for shared use should not have lids, or if lids are present, should be of the pedal bin type
• rubbish bins should be emptied when ¾ full
• rubbish bins should be lined with a general plastic bin liner
• when handling rubbish, workers should wear disposable gloves as well as any other PPE as
described in company Standard Operating Procedures or aligned with any other health and safety
requirement
• the liner should be tied/sealed before removal to general rubbish/waste collection point
• disposable gloves should be changed and disposed of after handling rubbish and hand hygiene
performed.
4.2 Displaying IPC information in arrival and departure areas
Information on COVID-19 such as posters or announcements reminding passengers of correct mask
use, frequent cleaning of hands, QR Code scanning and physical distancing should be posted
throughout the arrivals and departure areas. Approved COVID-19 signage and messaging should be
used.
Illustrations and posters should be at least A4 size and should be placed in readily visible positions.
Posters should be laminated for easy cleaning.
V1.2 | 18/05/2021 235 On Boarding and at Arrival
Airlines are asked to maintain a supply of medical masks at check in or boarding (as appropriate) as
well as on board for all inbound international flights. Airlines are asked to make these available to
passengers in the event that they are travelling without their own medical mask or non-medical mask.
10
Passengers travelling on green flights are required to wear a face covering for the duration
of travel and whilst in airside areas at the airport at which they arrive in New Zealand, unless
they are in a situation where they are not required to wear a face covering. Please refer to
clause 14 of the COVID-19 Public Health Response (Alert Level Requirements) Order 2021 10
for exemptions from face covering requirements.
Children 12 years and under are not required to wear a face covering or mask on QFTZ flights
or whilst airside at a NZ international airport.
Airlines are asked to make a medical mask available to any passenger that does not have
5.1 Offloading
their own supply. and escorting
IPC should be maintained throughout the passenger offload and escorting process, including:
• wearing a non-medical mask/face covering
• observe regional requirements in accordance with local alert levels for physical distancing.
10
COVID-19 Public Health Response (Alert Level Requirements) Order 2021
https://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2021/0006/13.0/whole.html#LMS451789
V1.2 | 18/05/2021 246 Arrival pathway
6.1 Passengers
Passengers must wear a face covering through all airside areas at the airport and maintain physical
distancing in accordance with the regional alert level requirements at the time 11.
6.2 Waiting areas
Waiting areas include international and domestic transit areas, departure and arrival areas. Passengers
are required to follow public health measures when in New Zealand in accordance with current alert
levels.
Airports should display visual reminders for passengers to maintain physical distancing from others not
in their “travel bubble” as required for green zones, according to regional alert level specifications.
6.3 Random health checks
Staff undertaking random health checks should follow the PPE requirements as described in Section
2: Table of recommended COVID-19 PPE.
Green flight passengers are to be randomly selected for temperature checks upon arrival.
Passengers may also be referred for a secondary health assessment if required. Refer to
Section 2: Table of recommended COVID-19 PPE for temperature checking and secondary
health assessments.
Please note that secondary health assessment and/or random temperature checking is not required for
those who are departing from a New Zealand airport.
6.4 Urgent medical care required
Passengers who present at the border who are in urgent need of medical care are to be transferred
directly to hospital following airport procedures for managing unwell travellers.
6.5 Passport control (including manual processing and eGate)
At passport control, passengers must remove their face covering to enable a face-to-passport or
biometric check to be conducted12. Passengers should be provided with a means of performing hand
hygiene prior to removal and refitting their face coverings. The following process should be followed:
• passenger arrives at passport control
11
COVID-19 Public Health Response (Air Border) Order (No 2) 2020
https://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2020/0239/latest/whole.html#LMS483926
12
COVID-19 Public Health Response (Air Border) Order (No 2) 2020
https://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2020/0239/latest/whole.html#LMS483926
V1.2 | 18/05/2021 25• passenger must continue to maintain physical distancing in line with regional alert requirements 13
for green zone(s) to the greatest extent practicable
• passenger should perform hand hygiene before removing their face covering for identification
purposes
• when identification has concluded, passenger must refit their face covering and should perform
hand hygiene10
• passenger should perform hand hygiene before and after each time they touch their face covering
• spare medical masks should be made available for any passenger that may require one. Pictorial
representation of mask removal and re-fitting procedure should be displayed at passport control
(Appendix 2: How to wear a face covering safely).
6.6 Luggage Handling and Collection
6.6.1 Baggage handlers at the airport
For baggage handlers working in areas that are not accessible to international arriving or transiting
passengers, who are unloading baggage from an aircraft to be transferred trolley to a carousel, PPE
should be worn as normal, aligned with health and safety protocols.
13
COVID-19 Public Health Response (Alert Level Requirements) Order 2021
https://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2021/0006/10.0/whole.html#LMS451790
V1.2 | 18/05/2021 26How to use PPE
(including medical masks) and
gloves safely
It is important that masks are put on, worn, removed and disposed of correctly. Masks should fit snugly
and fully cover the nose and mouth.
Pictorial representations are also provided for putting on and removing medical masks (Appendix 2:
How to wear a face covering safely and Appendix 3: How to put on PPE safely).
1.1. General principles for safe use of medical masks
• Always perform hand hygiene before putting on a mask, after removing a mask and disposing of it.
• Do not touch the front of your mask, your face, or rub your eyes while wearing a mask.
• Do not re-use single-use masks. Dispose of them immediately after removing.
• Replace the mask every 4 hours or earlier if it becomes damp, damaged or soiled.
• Some people are exempt from wearing masks, including people who have medical conditions that
prevent them from doing so, children under 12 years of age or anyone unable to remove them
without assistance.14
• Please refer to The COVID-19 website at https://covid19.govt.nz/health-and-wellbeing/protect-
yourself-and-others/wear-a-face-covering/ for details on exemptions.
1.2. How to put on a mask
• Clean your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitiser (containing at least 60 percent alcohol).
Ensure your hands are dry before touching the mask.
• Check there are no obvious tears or holes in either side of the mask.
• Place the mask over your nose and mouth and secure with ties or ear loops.
• For masks with ties – bring the mask to your nose level and place the top ties over the crown of
your head and secure with a bow. Once you have made sure that the mask fits snugly, molded to
your face and around your nose, fully covering your nose mouth and chin then take the bottom ties,
one in each hand, and secure with a bow at the nape of your neck.
• For mask with loops – ensure these do not cross over as this widens the gap between the face and
the mask.
14
Although children under 12 years of age are exempt from wearing a face mask, their parent or care giver may have provided
them with a face covering to wear and they should be allowed to do so Face coverings should not be worn by children less than
2 years of age because of safety concerns. Parents or care givers should be encouraged to assist children to perform hand
hygiene.
.
V1.2 | 18/05/2021 27• Make sure the mask fits snugly, molded to your face and around your nose. Make sure the mask
fully covers your nose, mouth and chin. Your mask should be comfortable, with no gaps around the
mask and your face, and allow you to breathe easily.
• Always perform hand hygiene before putting on and after removing a mask.
• Ensure you know how to put on and remove your mask safely.
1.3. While wearing a mask
• Do not touch the front of the mask. If you do, clean your hands with soap and water or use hand
sanitiser (containing at least 60 percent alcohol). Ensure your hands are dry.
• Avoid touching your face, as infection can still be introduced by touching your eyes, mouth or nose,
or if you are not wearing your mask correctly.
• Masks should not be moved or adjusted during use. This includes being pulled up or pulled down
below your chin. If you need to remove your mask - remove it safely (as below), dispose of it
appropriately and clean your hands.
• Replace the mask every 4 hours or earlier if it becomes damp, damaged or soiled.
1.4. How to remove a mask and dispose of it safely
Use hand sanitiser (containing at least 60 percent alcohol) or clean your hands with soap and water.
Ensure your hands are dry. Any worker who is required to wear an P2/N95 respirator should have
undertaken the requisite fit testing and be trained in fit checking.
For further information on safe use of face masks, please refer to : www.health.govt.nz/our-
work/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-health-advice-general-
public/covid-19-use-face-masks-community/covid-19-how-use-face-mask-safely.
1.5. Glove use if required (for example when conducting personal
or baggage searches)
• Please follow normal agency procedure for use of gloves.
• Gloves if used, should be disposable (e.g. vinyl, latex and nitrile).
• Choose the right size glove, check for tears or holes.
• Always perform hand hygiene before putting on gloves. Once you have completed the task, remove
gloves using the correct technique, and dispose into designated bin, and perform hand hygiene.
• Gloves (if used) should be changed between each passenger when having direct contact with the
passenger or their luggage.
• Avoid touching your face, mouth, nose or eyes when wearing gloves.
For further information on hand hygiene and safe use of PPE refer to www.health.govt.nz/ppe-
workers#ppeinfo.
V1.2 | 18/05/2021 281.5.1. Notes on Glove Use • Please follow normal agency procedure for use of gloves. • Regular hand hygiene is preferable to glove use. • Inappropriate or incorrect use of gloves increases virus transmission risk. • Remove gloves safely and perform hand hygiene immediately. • Gloves, if used, should be changed between tasks. • Alcohol hand rub is not to be used on gloves. 1.6. Order for putting on and removing PPE 1.6.1. Order for putting on PPE (all PPE items included) Perform hand hygiene then: • Put on long sleeve fluid resistant gown (if required). • Put on mask or respirator (if required and ensuring that fit checked every time). • Put on gloves. 1.6.2. Order for removing PPE (mask, eye protection and gloves) Ensure that each item of used PPE is placed into waste bin carefully: • Remove gloves. • Perform hand hygiene. • Remove fluid resistant gown (if applicable). • Perform hand hygiene. • Remove mask/particulate respirator. • Perform hand hygiene. V1.2 | 18/05/2021 29
How to wear a face covering safely V1.2 | 18/05/2021 30
V1.2 | 18/05/2021 31
How to put on PPE safely Note: This diagram may contain references to PPE that may not be applicable to all persons. V1.2 | 18/05/2021 32
V1.2 | 18/05/2021 33
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