Steve McKnight, general manager of operations at Fonterra’s Clandeboye and Studholme manufacturing sites, said the co-operative was fortunate to be near the end of the milk processing season when Covid-19 first hit New Zealand.

This time, the move in alert levels has coincided with the start of the season.

“There has been a big difference in how we operate this time round.

“With a declining intake during lockdown and now an increasing one, everything has been ramping up. We were still temperature checking but have had to go back into shift alignment, like we were before — full bore,” he said.

More than 1000 employees were part of the South Canterbury manufacturing team and Mr McKnight said sites had reinstated their Covid-19 contingencies.

“While we cannot predict what may happen with Covid-19, our team have taken every precaution to safeguard the sites and communities in which we operate.”

Only essential workers were permitted on site and when two-metre distancing was not possible, face masks, gloves and glasses were to be worn.

Extra people had been employed in case alert levels rose and vulnerable people had to go home.

A heat camera and monitor has been mounted to check the temperature of staff.

It automatically takes a temperature and records video as someone passes, activating a voice alert if an abnormal temperature is detected.