First responders have plans ready

working with the Ministry of Health to take appropriate precautions, he said.

‘‘If some of our police staff are either affected by the virus or they are affected by family members that they have to care for who are sick; we will undertake the same precautions as the general public in relation to isolation,’’ Johnson said.

There were no positive test results in Marlborough, Nelson or the West Coast according to ministry’s list updated yesterday afternoon. The national total of confirmed cases had reached 28.

Johnson said the police continuity plan was about maintaining their services although that could mean reducing services if more staff were not able to work.

‘‘We are planning for all of those scenarios and how we would bolster our frontline to ensure our frontline services are absolutely delivered.’’

Appropriate measures would also be taken for anyone in custody, if they showed symptoms of the virus. ‘‘We are implementing hygiene and cleaning processes, and that is part of bringing in a higher level of vigilance to ensure the wellness and safety of our staff and those in our care,’’ Johnson said.

St John Marlborough territory manager Murray Neal said he was confident with the measures in place to protect staff and patients, such as personal protective equipment, cleaning contaminated surfaces, and biohazard bags.

‘‘I do ask for some patience that our staff will be taking a conservative approach around questioning both patients and those in close contact with them,’’ he said.

St John director of operations Dan Ohs said the organisation has tailored a plan in line with the Government’s to effectively manage staff who had to take time off. ‘‘As an essential emergency service, St John is well adept to face an outbreak of a pandemic disease,’’ Ohs said.

‘‘St John Ambulance officers frequently deal with diseases that are significantly more infectious than coronavirus is thought to be, such as measles and rotovirus.’’

Fire and Emergency NZ’S Paul Turner said they were keeping a close eye on the situation.

Maintaining staff levels was a priority and could include moving personnel around to cover areas short staffed.