An update on our business continuity & response to COVID-19

Yesterday, we all received the news that New Zealand will be moving to Level 4 of the COVID-19 alert system at 11:59pm on Wednesday, 25 March 2020. This means that anyone living in New Zealand who is not part of essential services or supporting essential services are required to stay at home for the next 4 weeks or until the restrictions have eased.

What does that mean for Drake?

Drake New Zealand falls under ‘supporting essential services’ in many industries, so while the majority of our staff will be working from home with immediate effect, we will also be able to work from the office for certain tasks as required, such as drug testing new Field Staff Employees, and distributing personal protection equipment. Most other tasks can be done remotely.

What does that mean for you?

Even when remote, rest assured we are working hard to meet the demands of the business. As Drake falls under the category of ‘supporting essential services’, our eligible Field Staff can still be placed on assignments.

Any Field Staff Employees working on a client’s premises with other workers over the next 4 weeks (while NZ is at Level 4) will need to comply with social distancing measures for your safety. Your host employer must have a plan in place to ensure the safety of the staff on site.

You can continue to contact us on 0800 840 940 or on your local branch number, which will be redirected to a member of our team.

We continue to operate an After Hours support team, offering our service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and for any Drake FSE who has health questions, you can speak to a Drake Medox nurse. Please contact your local Drake branch, or Healthline on 0800 611 116 if you need to speak to a nurse. For COVID-19 related queries, contact their direct line on 0800 358 5453.

Travel and Health Questionnaire

Please ensure you have completed our Travel and Health Questionnaire which provides us with information on your recent health status. You can only be placed into work if you have completed this form, and are in full health with no self-isolation requirements.

Supporting you through this time

Drake will be supporting our FSE’s who are not able to work, or where there is a decrease in demand, through the Government’s wage subsidy. We have applied to receive this, and once we have confirmation of approval, we can pass this onto any FSE’s who have been impacted by a drop in demand, or illness.

Health and Safety Reminder

Good Personal Hygiene Wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds REGULARLY Use hand sanitizer Cough and sneeze etiquette (cover your face) AVOID TOUCHING YOUR FACE

Maintain Physical Distancing At least 2 metre's distance between yourself and anyone sneezing/coughing Avoid crowds NO handshakes, hugs, high fives, hongi

Follow Healthline / Doctor's Orders Keep your Drake Consultant informed if you are unwell and have seen the Doctor or called Healthline

Good Workplace Hygiene Clean your work area and home regularly

Drake Medox Nurses

If you have any questions about your health, please get in touch with your Drake Consultant who can put you in touch with a Drake Medox Nurse to speak with, free of charge. As always, if you have any questions, please contact your Drake branch, 24/7. Stay safe and healthy.

We will keep in close touch – from afar.