[ad_1]
New Zealanders trying to return home face months-long waits for a spot at MIQ, as the country tightens its border controls in an effort to stem the arrival of a more communicable variant of the coronavirus.
Health Director General Ashley Bloomfield said the new variant, known as B.1.1.7, was about one and a half times more infectious than previous versions of the coronavirus.
The new variant has been found in more than 30 countries.
Aotearoa is now among them, with six cases of Covid-19 resulting from the most contagious coronavirus, first detected in the UK, found in managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ) facilities. Five arrived from the UK and one from South Africa between December 13 and 25, the Health Ministry said on Sunday.
Four of the six infected with the new strain of the virus had recovered, underwent a final health check and were able to leave MIQ. Release of MIQ requires at least 72 hours without symptoms and a period of at least 10 days from the onset of symptoms or a positive test.
READ MORE:
* Covid-19: New variant of UK virus hits New Zealand as government introduces stricter testing rules for travelers
* Coronavirus – UK and US travelers now need negative Covid testing prior to departure before coming to New Zealand
* First reported US case of a new Covid-19 variant found in Colorado
* Covid-19: worsening of the global situation behind the move to pre-departure tests
Confirmation of the new variant would put the New Zealand MIQ facility to the test, said University of Auckland microbiologist Siouxsie Wiles.
“If there is any crack in the chain, it will find it,” he warned.
It was more important than ever that all New Zealanders follow the protocols of washing hands, wearing masks and scanning QR codes, he said.
LAWRENCE SMITH / Things
Almost 92,000 people have passed through the MIQ facilities. Among them is Rebecca Snape, who spent Christmas Day at MIQ.
Long tail for MIQ
As the new variant spreads around the world, New Zealanders trying to return home face waits of at least 74 days to get a spot at MIQ.
NZ currently has 32 MIQ facilities with a capacity of 5800 people, with the next space available for free starting March 19.
However, there were times when cancellations came up and people were able to get spots earlier, an MIQ spokeswoman said.
ROBERT KITCHEN / Things
Chief Health Officer Dr. Ashley Bloomfield said the new strain was about one and a half times more infectious than previous versions of the coronavirus.
There was emergency allocation space for those who needed to enter New Zealand urgently. Almost 92,000 people have passed through the MIQ facilities since the end of March.
Managing the facilities was a “complex logistical exercise,” the spokeswoman said.
“A key limitation to adding new facilities is the essential workforce dealing with returnees. We need nurses, defense personnel, and police to run these facilities, and this is a limited workforce.
“There are currently no plans to establish managed isolation or quarantine facilities anywhere else,” he said.
Abigail Dougherty / Stuff
Microbiologist Siouxsie Wiles said the new strain would put the MIQ system to the test.
Tighter border controls
Along with confirmation that the new variant is arriving in New Zealand, the government announced on Sunday that anyone planning to fly home from the UK or the US would have to return a negative Covid-19 test before they could board.
The stricter restrictions would take effect on January 15.
The move comes as doctors warn that the UK health system is at a critical point. More than 50,000 new cases have been detected for five days in a row, bringing the total number of infections to nearly 2.6 million. More than 70,000 people have died.
The situation is also dire in the United States, where the death toll has reached 350,000. Doctors are now preparing for a wave of infections and deaths after the holidays.
Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said the cost of the test would be covered by Kiwis returning home from the UK and the US.
Those who tested positive would likely lose reserves at MIQ facilities in New Zealand, although the government would work to help them.
Arrivals from other countries may soon be added to the list of places that require a negative Covid-19 test before boarding.
