Walkinshaw Andretti United has taken the lead on COVID-19 testing, looking to implement a year-long testing regime for staff, beginning yesterday, Tuesday June 23.
In total, 20 Walkinshaw Andretti United staff members, including, Bryce Fullwood and all staff travelling to Sydney Motorsport Park this weekend undertook a COVID-19 swab test at the Team’s Clayton base. All tests returned a negative result. Chaz Mostert was also tested in his home state of Queensland.
Walkinshaw Andretti United Co-Team Principals, Bruce Stewart and Mathew Nilsson, believe it was imperative that all staff were tested before the event.
“First and foremost, the protection of our staff has been paramount in our decision making throughout this worldwide pandemic,” Stewart said.
“Being a Victorian team, and recognising that there are still active cases in hot-spots around the state, we investigated the AFL protocols and accordingly felt it prudent to test staff before and after the event. It certifies all staff are healthy at that time, and also helps to protect the rest of the Supercars paddock.
“We reached out to Supercars Medical Delegate, Dr. Carl Le, who put us in contact with Dorevitch Pathology, who were able to facilitate an on-site station to test our travelling staff.
“Dorevitch Pathology was fantastic with their approach and professionalism, and now we are working closely together to map out a full testing programme for the remainder of the year, as we plan to ensure staff are tested before each event, and immediately after before returning to work.
“It is a credit to our staff, who have been very supportive and actively engaged in the implementation of this protocol.”
Supercars Medical Delegate, Dr. Carl Le, added.
“In preparation for Sydney Motorsport Park, I contacted Dorevitch Pathology who I knew were capable of providing efficient COVID-19 swab testing as they do for the AFL. In this instance, they sent a mobile team to Walkinshaw Andretti United yesterday afternoon, with Chaz being tested separately on the Gold Coast,” Dr. Le said.
“All 20 tests that were taken yesterday afternoon returned as negative this morning. All 13 staff heading to Sydney will now follow infection prevention protocols and the team can be assured that they are not travelling with COVID-19.”
The team is now following set protocols to prevent infection while travelling to the event, and will adhere to all government and Supercars guidelines over the race weekend, both in New South Wales and Victoria.