MMA: Israel Adesanya on quarantine struggles

UFC star Israel Adesanya has called the managed isolation an ‘elegant prison’, as he does his second time in quarantine after returning to the country.

The Halberg winner and UFC middleweight champion posted a message to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Instagram about his concern for people in quarantine around mental health.

“It’s just an idea I got after talking to some of the staff and some guests at these quarantine hotels. It will be worth having a counselor or therapist assigned to each of these places. Some people do not manage to be locked up well. and only having one hour a day outside to sunbathe Some people are not like us and feel that their health deteriorates mentally.

“These places feel like a fancy prison I would know … this is my second delay lol.
Yeah just a thought, because I’m really down for the fight at the front, you know? Nice job dealing with this covid shit. Keep up the good work, “he finished his message.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Managed Isolation and Quarantine said returnees can speak with trained counselors by phone.

“Being in controlled isolation is challenging, especially during the festive season, when many returnees will be separated from whānau and their loved ones. We will remind them that there are information and tools available to help them feel supported in overcoming isolation. Their first point of El contact is the health personnel on the spot, “the statement said.

“When returnees arrive at a managed isolation or quarantine facility, health professionals carry out an on-site health and wellness assessment, including questions about mental health and well-being. They receive clear guidance on how to protect their own the health and well-being of others during their stay in managed isolation facilities, which is communicated to them verbally and reinforced in their Welcome Pack and throughout their stay.

“The Welcome Pack is a brochure that, among other things, contains key information on mental health and wellness resources, including online therapeutic tools and a service where returnees can speak with trained counselors by phone. The Welcome Pack can be viewed here and is available in 20 languages.

“This is followed by daily health checks that are done in person or over the phone. These are led by the health team on site. Nurses are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at the facility to support returnees and help them access care.

“If returnees have any concerns for their health and well-being, it is important that they speak with a health professional. Your first point of contact is the nurse or health personnel on site.

If a returnee feels that they are not receiving enough information during their stay, we encourage them to raise their concerns with the center. Alternatively, if a returnee feels that their expectations are not being met, they can raise the issue using the Complaint Form on the MIQ website. “