At the beginning of September, the RBA was approached by our local pharmacy, Avondale Kiwi Chemist, offering free rapid antigen tests (RATs) until the end of the month, before the government rules were set to change. Our initial thought was, Is anyone still testing? To our surprise, when the call was put out, we discovered that many businesses still were, and quite a few had staff members recently affected by COVID-19, with the virus sweeping through some workplaces.
Even as New Zealand businesses navigate the post-pandemic landscape, COVID-19 remains a relevant concern. RATs remain a key tool in protecting the workforce, maintaining operational stability, and supporting community health. In the context of business, continuing rapid antigen testing plays a crucial role in ensuring companies can thrive in a world where the virus, although less disruptive, is still present.
One of the most immediate benefits of using RATs in the workplace is minimizing the spread of COVID-19 among employees. Early detection through regular testing allows businesses to identify and isolate positive cases before they cause outbreaks. This proactive approach helps reduce absenteeism, which in turn ensures consistent productivity. When employees know that testing is readily available, they are more likely to take responsibility for their health and avoid spreading the virus to their colleagues.
For businesses where remote work isn’t feasible, such as manufacturing, retail, or hospitality, preventing staff shortages is essential. RATs can be the first line of defence, helping keep critical operations running smoothly without significant disruptions due to illness.
By fostering a safe environment, businesses can keep customers coming back, confident that their health is being considered. This can be a differentiator in a competitive market, where customer confidence can directly affect foot traffic and sales.
For businesses, the financial impact of an outbreak in the workplace can be significant. If even a few employees test positive, it could lead to temporary closures, impacting revenue and damaging customer relationships. RATs offer a simple, low-cost solution to mitigate these risks. Regular testing helps businesses catch cases early, potentially avoiding full-scale shutdowns and ensuring continuity of operations.
For industries with tight schedules or supply chains, like logistics or construction, this is especially important. Preventing delays caused by outbreaks can keep projects on track and save significant costs.
Businesses are an integral part of the wider community, and continuing to use RATs reflects corporate responsibility. By maintaining vigilant testing protocols, businesses contribute to public health efforts, supporting the wellbeing of not only their staff, but also the broader community. A business that is proactive in COVID-19 prevention demonstrates a commitment to social responsibility, a trait that resonates with both employees and customers.
The RBA successfully delivered 66 boxes—totalling 5,820 individual RATs—to our local community and RBA Associate Members. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Linda Wooller from Avondale Kiwi Chemist for reaching out and for the seamless communication and cooperation between our teams.