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A woman who tested positive for Covid-19 over the weekend had been in an Auckland jail for 10 days after refusing to be examined when she arrived at Auckland International Airport from the United States.
Prison. (File photo)
Source: istock.com
The woman in her 20s agreed to take the test when she appeared in court last Friday. She was rescued after it was confirmed that the test had been done, but before the result was known.
The corrections told RNZ Checkpoint that during her time at Auckland Women’s Prison, the woman was quarantined and had no contact with other prisoners.
He said staff should wear full PPE, including eye protection, gloves and masks when dealing with someone suspected or confirmed to have Covid-19.
Corrections said the woman had her own exercise area and was provided a phone on her cell phone for calls that were disinfected after each use.
The cell where she was housed has also been thoroughly cleaned, the department said.
The corrections could not yet tell if any workers were being screened for the virus.
In a statement to Checkpoint, police said the woman was rescued under strict conditions.
They said they would work with the Ministry of Health to ensure compliance with the current self-isolation restrictions.
Police did not answer questions about whether they opposed bail.
The woman is accused of failing to comply with the instructions of a person authorized by a medical health official under Section 70 of the Health Law, that is, the requirement to undergo a medical examination.
