South Port New Zealand : Mattina Container Ship Crew test positive for COVID-19

SOUTH PORT NEW ZEALAND LIMITED

MEDIA RELEASE

19 July 2021

Mattina Container Ship Crew test positive for COVID-19

On Friday, 16 July 2021 South Port was informed by Public Health South that two crew members onboard the Mattina container ship, scheduled to arrive at Bluff, were showing flu-like symptoms and as a precaution had been isolated from the rest of the crew.

Since then, South Port has been working closely with Public Health South to manage the quarantining and testing of the vessel and its crew.

The vessel arrived in Bluff on the evening of Sunday, 18 July 2021. A South Port Pilot who has been fully vaccinated against Covid-19, boarded the vessel and piloted it into the Port. Strict protocols were followed to ensure the risk to the Pilot was minimised. This included PPE (personal protective equipment) and physical distancing requirements to ensure minimal interaction with the crew.

Rapid testing of the two symptomatic crew has been undertaken and both crew members have tested positive. The test results for the remainder of the crew are due back later tonight.

Both crew members who have tested positive, joined the ship in Singapore on 2 July after providing negative pre-departure tests.

The Company is continuing to work with Public Health South and the Ministry of Health to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our staff and to minimise any risk to them and the wider community.

We will provide further information once it is available.

ENDS

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Geoff Finnerty

ACTING CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Mobile: [phone]