The government frowns on people trying to play managed isolation

At least a dozen returnees left New Zealand immediately after completing the controlled isolation, raising questions about whether the MIQ system was being abused.

This week, when investigations began into how three people linked to the Pullman Hotel’s managed isolation facilities became infected with Covid-19, Australian authorities reported that a dozen people who had departed from Pullman had landed in Sydney. Three reportedly traveled to Hong Kong.

His flying visits to New Zealand came as thousands of overseas kiwis faced months-long waits to return home.

Among them was Trev Ponting, 46, who has brain cancer and has only been given months to live. His family’s request for an emergency facility in managed isolation was initially denied on Friday, before being reviewed and approved yesterday.

National health spokesman Chris Bishop said he was surprised that 12 people finished handling isolation and left the country immediately.

READ MORE:
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* Covid-19: Pullman Hotel will gradually empty, hundreds of beds will be lost from the MIQ system

“Within the limits of respect for privacy, we need more information about why this happened and how widespread it is,” Bishop said.

“MIQ positions are limited, and I think people are baffled by people who are locked up for 14 days and then leave immediately.”

But the managed isolation and quarantine does not keep records of people’s movements once they leave the facility, and it was unknown how many people may have left the country since then, a spokesperson said.

When detailed questions were asked Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said Stuff There was no evidence to suggest that people were using the New Zealand MIQ as a “back door” for further travel.

“However, we are aware that people are leaving New Zealand after their stay at MIQ,” said Hipkins.

“While we do not know if their motivations differ from those described in their MIQ booking application, we would look down on anyone seeking to isolate themselves in New Zealand with the intention of traveling.”

Before last Sunday’s news of a community case of Covid-19 in Northland, those traveling to most of Australia did not have to self-quarantine when landing in Tasmania.

However, the Australia non-quarantine travel bubble was suspended last Monday, and the Australian government will make a decision today on whether to reinstate the deal.

Those who leave New Zealand within three months of arrival are expected to pay the cost of their stay in managed isolation.

Yesterday no new community cases were announced, but there was a new case in managed isolation.