COVID-19 Important Updates

AsureQuality COVID-19 Pandemic Plan and Actions Update #17

Following the announcement on Saturday evening by the New Zealand Government, we wish to reiterate that we are committed to continuing to serve your requirements. The following provides further detail on how we are responding to the latest lockdowns.

Essential Service Status

As per the previous lockdowns, the services AsureQuality deliver to the food and primary industries are considered essential services. This means we will continue to operate under the “COVID-19 Public Health Response (Alert Level Requirements) Order 2021” during Alert Level 3 in Auckland and Alert Level 2 for the rest of New Zealand.

Continuity Of Service

Currently, we anticipate no material service constraints. We will work closely with customers as needed to ensure we are able to maintain supply of essential services.

We are aware that if the raised Alert Levels progress there may be some potential impacts on people resource availability across certain service delivery areas. We are working hard to understand any potential gaps and will work directly with customers on solution options as needed.

Business Continuity Plans

AsureQuality is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for people and to ensure business continuity in service of our customers, partners, and other stakeholders.

We have re-enacted our Business Continuity Plans (BCP) specifically for COVID-19, with close reference to the New Zealand Ministry of Health’s Pandemic Plan. Here is an overview of our current plans, actions, and status:

Audit, Inspection And Certification Services

• All our people who can work from home will be doing so for at least the next week.
• All of our programmes will revert to the plans and practices we previously had in place as appropriate for the Alert Levels, including social distancing, strict hygiene protocols, and contact tracing. In addition, we have included clear guidelines for masks.
• Our people will continue to travel domestically in order to deliver essential services to customers. Every Government recommendation and guideline is being followed to minimise the risks to our people and customers as we do this.
• We are reviewing all activities scheduled in the coming weeks in the Auckland region and will be in direct contact with customers to align on an agreed plan to complete these activities.
• As before, our first preference remains to complete required audit activity according to schedule, however, where this is not feasible, we are committed to being as flexible and supportive as possible.
• We will endeavour to minimise the need for inter-regional travel between Auckland and the rest of New Zealand to deliver services. We have the needed approvals in place to allow inter-regional travel if there are no other viable alternatives.
• If needed, we are well prepared to revert to the alternative audit delivery models previously established and delivered.

Laboratory Services

• All our people who can work from home will be doing so for at least the next week.
• All our laboratories have implemented their COVID-19 plans and practices for Alert Level 3 including PPE, split shifts, social distancing, strict hygiene protocols and contact tracing.
• All of our laboratories continue to deliver testing with no material impacts to service.

We will be continuously monitoring the situation as it evolves and will adjust our plans and actions accordingly. We will be in direct communication again if we believe there are material changes.

If you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to our customer services team at customerservices@asurequality.com or your usual point of contact within AsureQuality.