Following the Government’s announcement that New Zealand will move to Phase 2 of the RED setting of the COVID-19 Protection Framework on 15 February, the Foodstuffs team said: “Our focus remains on keeping our customers and team members safe, while making sure there’s a constant supply of essentials. We’re in good shape, prepared and as ready as we can be for this next phase.
“Operating in Phase 2 means we’re working to support slowing the spread of Omicron and protecting our vulnerable communities. We’re keeping all the tools we have in place to help keep people safe including increased hygiene and sanitation measures, physical distancing in store, mask use for teams and customers and scanning the QR app.
“Our teams are classed as part of New Zealand’s critical workforce and this means the testing requirements for our frontline teams change. Under Phase 2, we will be implementing the Government’s return-to-work policy where vaccinated team members who become close contacts and are asymptomatic, return a negative rapid antigen test can return to work.
“Customers can continue to play their part by having an isolation plan for their household, not buying more than they need and following all the protocols in store. We appreciate it can be stressful shopping in the current environment and we’d like to say thanks to our customers for their continued understanding and co-operation.
“If customers are unable to come into our stores because they are vulnerable or isolating at home, we encourage them to ask a friend or neighbour to shop for them or use our online and Click & Collect services, where available. If unable to use these options, Student Volunteer Army are reinstating their grocery delivery service in partnership with New World, predominantly to support people with COVID-19. To access this service go to www.shop.sva.org.nz or call 0800 005 902.
“Foodstuffs is 100% locally owned and operated so our store owners know their communities and their customers and go the extra mile to meet their needs. We’re a small country and have done well through this pandemic by working together and respecting each other, and we’ll need to continue to do that.”
