Covid-19: All arrivals to NZ must self-isolate for 14 days. Heres what you need to know – The Spinoff
Posted: March 16, 2020 at 1:47 am
Jacinda Ardern with a print-out of the Spinoff 'Flatten the Curve' visual by Siouxsie Wiles and Toby Morris. (Photo by Dave Rowland/Getty Images)
With the exception of arrivals from the Pacific islands, those coming from every country in the world will be required to self-isolate for a fortnight. It follows the cancellation of the remembrance service scheduled for tomorrow in Christchurch and confirmation of a sixth positive Covid-19 case in New Zealand, a man who had been in the US.
The Spinoffs coverage of the Covid-19 outbreak is funded by Spinoff Members. To support this work, join Spinoff Members here.
The New Zealand government has announced a step change in measures to limit the spread of Covid-19, with arrivals from all countries required to self-isolate for a fortnight upon arrival in New Zealand. The measures go into effect from midnight tomorrow, with the Pacific region exempted. Australia is not exempted.
New Zealand will have the strongest restrictions in the world, said Ardern.
In effect, the change means incoming passenger numbers will reduce to a trickle, but the government believes that the public health imperatives outweigh the economic and social implications.
At a media conference in Auckland, Ardern said New Zealand had not seen the volume of cases experienced elsewhere, but needed to flatten the curve.
We must go hard, and we must go early.
The decision will be reviewed in 16 days, and applies only to passengers, not freight. Ardern also announced there will be exit controls applied to those travelling from New Zealand to Pacific islands. No one who had been out of New Zealand in the last 14 days, in casual or close contact within anyone confirmed as having Covid-19 or showing symptoms of illness would be permitted to travel.
Announcements on guidelines for social gatherings, new support measures for people in self-isolation and a business support package will be announced in the next few days.
Previously the requirement to self-isolate applied only to arrivals from South Korea and Italy, as well as New Zealand citizens and permanent residents who have been in mainland China or Iran. A blanket ban on foreign nationals travelling to New Zealand from China and Iran remains in place.
As of midnight Sunday every person entering New Zealand, including returning New Zealand citizens and residents, will be required to enter self isolation for 14 days. Everybody, said Ardern.
The Pacific are exempted from this measure, but they are the only ones. Anyone from these countries, though, will be required to self isolate should they exhibit any Covid-19 symptoms on arrival in New Zealand.
(The Pacific is defined as the Cook Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, New Caledonia, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, the Republic of Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu & Wallis and Futuna.)
The announcements follow a meeting of the Covid-19 Cabinet Committee, set up to coordinate and direct the government response to the outbreak, as well as a full Cabinet meeting.
At the media conference Ardern held aloft a print out of the gif created for The Spinoff by Siouxsie Wiles and Toby Morris.
The goal is to ultimately flatten the curve. That doesnt mean you have no cases. It means the pace at which you receive them is at a rate such that you can make sure people are cared for in the places they need it most, be it with mild to moderate symptoms at home, or be it in critical care if required, said Ardern.
The decision meant New Zealand would have the widest ranging and toughest border restrictions of any country in the world. We are also encouraging New Zealanders to avoid all non-essential travel overseas this helps reduce the risk of a New Zealander bringing Covid-19 in, said Ardern.
She also announced that all cruise ships would be directed not to come to New Zealand until at least the end of June.
We do not take these decisions lightly, we know these travel restrictions will place a significant strain on the aviation industry and anticipate some routes will reduce or cease for a period of time, she said.
More than a million passengers passed through the border at Auckland International Airport alone in January.
The changes come on a day marked by an intensified New Zealand response to the outbreak.
Early this afternoon a planned service to mark a year since 51 people were killed at prayer in two Christchurch mosques was cancelled. Organisers said the event, which had been scheduled for 3pm tomorrow at the Horncastle Arena, would not go ahead owing to the risk of Covid-19.
Just moments after the announcement, the Ministry of Health revealed that New Zealand had its sixth confirmed case of Covid-19, with a 60-year-old man, who had recently returned from the United States, testing positive in Auckland.
The prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, said they had taken a pragmatic decision to cancel the Christchurch event. Were very saddened to cancel, but in remembering such a terrible tragedy, we shouldnt create the risk of further harm being done.
In a statement, she said: The advice we received for this event, is that based on people travelling from different parts of the country and from overseas, if there was a case it could be difficult to trace those who had come into contact with that person, so we are taking a cautious approach.
Speaking at a press conference this afternoon, Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel said: My understanding is what changed was very much a focus on this not being a ticketed event and the risks around traceability. So if there was a case then it would be harder to trace all the contacts that were made. That was probably exacerbated because it is hard not to embrace people at a remembrance service. I think if it had been something else it would be much easier to stand back, but your heart naturally goes out to be people and there is a desire, a need to embrace, and that creates a risk situation.
The health of the community comes first. We were gathering tomorrow to commemorate the worst possible events you could imagine. It would have been worse to have added to it: the fear that it could have acted as a vector.
Spokespeople for the Al Noor and Linwood mosques said they accepted the decision had been made in the public interest, and would hold small gatherings tomorrow for their own communities and Muslims visiting the city. Al Noor spokesperson Tony Green said they would be small events with known members and a few invitees.
The Pasifika event which was to have taken place in Auckland this weekend was yesterday cancelled, but a range of other events, including the St Patricks Day parade on Queen Street and Super Rugby games, have proceeded.
Tomorrows scheduled service in Auckland has also been cancelled.
The sixth positive test for the coronavirus involves an Auckland man in his 60s who recently returned from the US. He did not require hospital treatment and is in self-isolation at his home.
The Ministry of Health said that because he did not become unwell for more than three days after returning home, they do not believe anyone else on his flight is a close contact.
In a statement, the ministry said: Once he became unwell, the man did everything right. When friends in the US alerted him to their possible link to a Covid-19 case in the US, on Wednesday he phoned ahead to the GP and told them of his travel history and his symptoms.
The man was then assessed in his car by his GP, with the GP wearing appropriate protective equipment, and a test swab taken.
A handful of close contacts who were at a church service he attended at 8.30am on Sunday 8 March at St Marys church in East St Papakura shortly before becoming unwell are being contacted and put into monitored self-isolation.
New research suggests that some people may be able to transmit Covid-19 virus for up to three days before they display symptoms. Writing in The Spinoff yesterday, microbiologist Siouxsie Wiles said: This is in line with influenza and several other viral infections. Its obviously a worrying development as it does mean that people may be more infectious in the early stages of Covid-19 than we initially thought.
As well as the six confirmed cases, there are two other cases considered probable officials believe they have had Covid-19.
Health officials are currently scaling up the ability to contact trace individuals who have been able exposed to others with Covid-19, in anticipation of further positive cases.
The ministry statement said: With regard to concerts and other large gatherings we have coming up, including this weekend the ministrys advice is to please stay home if youre unwell.
In Australia, official guidance is that no public events with more than 500 people in attendance should go ahead.
The White House has performed a handbrake turn in its own approach, with President Trump in recent days banning travel from continental Europe for 30 days and declaring a national emergency as the number of positive cases spiral.
Meanwhile New Zealand First minister Tracey Martin has gone into self-isolation. This follows her recent engagements in Washington DC with Peter Dutton, the Australian minister of immigration, who announced yesterday that he had tested positive for Covid-19.
Anyone feeling unwell should ring Healthline on the dedicated Covid-19 number: 0800 358 5453 or ring their GP.
This story was updated at 4.30pm to include the prime ministers announcements.
The Spinoff politics section is made possible by Flick, the electricity retailer giving New Zealanders power over their power. With both spot price and fixed price plans available, you can be sure youre getting true cost and real choice when you join Flick. Support us by making the switch today.
The Spinoff Daily gets you all the days' best reading in one handy package, fresh to your inbox Monday-Friday at 5pm.
See more here:
Covid-19: All arrivals to NZ must self-isolate for 14 days. Heres what you need to know - The Spinoff
- Professional & Personal Development Courses - UW-Extension [Last Updated On: September 3rd, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 3rd, 2015]
- Why Personal Development? - 7 Reasons Why - Razvan Dobre.com [Last Updated On: September 3rd, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 3rd, 2015]
- Teenage Personal Development - Margaret Mara [Last Updated On: September 3rd, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 3rd, 2015]
- Biodanza Personal Development [Last Updated On: September 3rd, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 3rd, 2015]
- Personal Development Archives - Mitra's Selfhelp Tips [Last Updated On: September 3rd, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 3rd, 2015]
- A List of Excellent Personal-Development Sites [Last Updated On: September 3rd, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 3rd, 2015]
- Personal Development Goals For Work Examples | Frassadys.com [Last Updated On: September 3rd, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 3rd, 2015]
- Personal Development Workshops - University College London [Last Updated On: September 3rd, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 3rd, 2015]
- Saint Leo [Last Updated On: September 3rd, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 3rd, 2015]
- Personal Development | The Cupcakebands Magazine [Last Updated On: September 3rd, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 3rd, 2015]
- Personal Development Plan | Personal Development Training [Last Updated On: September 3rd, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 3rd, 2015]
- Personal Development Blog List - PluginID [Last Updated On: September 5th, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 5th, 2015]
- The Power of Personal Development - SUCCESS magazine [Last Updated On: September 5th, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 5th, 2015]
- Free Personal Development Ebooks - The Change Blog [Last Updated On: September 5th, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 5th, 2015]
- Personal Development - Vision [Last Updated On: September 12th, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 12th, 2015]
- Sid Savara - Personal Development Training | Personal ... [Last Updated On: September 12th, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 12th, 2015]
- What is a Personal Development Plan? | Smart Self ... [Last Updated On: September 12th, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 12th, 2015]
- Personal Development at Work - Work Happy Now [Last Updated On: September 12th, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 12th, 2015]
- The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Center:: San Diego ... [Last Updated On: September 12th, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 12th, 2015]
- Effective personal development plan for high achievers ... [Last Updated On: September 12th, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 12th, 2015]
- Personal Development Blog [Last Updated On: September 12th, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 12th, 2015]
- Personal Development ToolboxPersonal Development Toolbox ... [Last Updated On: September 12th, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 12th, 2015]
- Featured Personal Development Books | Book Depository [Last Updated On: September 12th, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 12th, 2015]
- LegalZoom | Start a Business, Protect Your Family: LLC ... [Last Updated On: September 14th, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 14th, 2015]
- Irritable bowel syndrome - IBS Self Help and Support Group [Last Updated On: September 14th, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 14th, 2015]
- The Self Help Hipster [Last Updated On: September 14th, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 14th, 2015]
- Self-help book - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: September 14th, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 14th, 2015]
- Welcome To The Empty Nose Syndrome Self-Help Website [Last Updated On: September 15th, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 15th, 2015]
- Self-Help Zen - Pragmatic Tips for Effective Living [Last Updated On: September 15th, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 15th, 2015]
- Self Help (The Walking Dead) - Wikipedia, the free ... [Last Updated On: September 23rd, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 23rd, 2015]
- Home | Selfhelp - The Source for Independent Living [Last Updated On: September 23rd, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 23rd, 2015]
- Self-Help & Psychology Magazine [Last Updated On: September 25th, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 25th, 2015]
- Selfhelp Community Services, Inc. - About Us - Overview ... [Last Updated On: September 25th, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 25th, 2015]
- Self Help - Hundreds Of Articles To Choose From [Last Updated On: September 25th, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 25th, 2015]
- Forums | DVforums [Last Updated On: September 26th, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 26th, 2015]
- Careers | Selfhelp - The Source for Independent Living [Last Updated On: October 15th, 2015] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2015]
- Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life: The New ... [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2015] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2015]
- DBT Self Help [Last Updated On: January 22nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: January 22nd, 2016]
- Self-Help Glossary - selfhelp [Last Updated On: January 22nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: January 22nd, 2016]
- HelpGuide Overview [Last Updated On: January 22nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: January 22nd, 2016]
- Washington State Courts - Court Forms [Last Updated On: January 22nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: January 22nd, 2016]
- Minnesota Judicial Branch - Self Help Centers [Last Updated On: January 22nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: January 22nd, 2016]
- Self-Help Loan Pool - North Carolina Housing Finance Agency [Last Updated On: March 9th, 2016] [Originally Added On: March 9th, 2016]
- Self-Help Glossary - selfhelp - California Courts [Last Updated On: March 13th, 2016] [Originally Added On: March 13th, 2016]
- The 10 Best Self Help Books You Have to Read Before You Die [Last Updated On: March 19th, 2016] [Originally Added On: March 19th, 2016]
- Self-Help Center / Family Law Facilitator [Last Updated On: June 2nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 2nd, 2016]
- Self-Help: Popular, but Effective? - WebMD [Last Updated On: June 2nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 2nd, 2016]
- Contact Us | Self Help FAQ - Buick.com [Last Updated On: June 2nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 2nd, 2016]
- Top 100 Self-Help Blogs | Psychology of Eating [Last Updated On: June 2nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 2nd, 2016]
- Self Help - Women's Health in Women's Hands HomePage [Last Updated On: June 2nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 2nd, 2016]
- Self Help Socialite [Last Updated On: June 2nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 2nd, 2016]
- Self-Help Centers | NLSLA [Last Updated On: June 2nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 2nd, 2016]
- Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants ... [Last Updated On: June 2nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 2nd, 2016]
- What is Self Help: Confidence, Self Esteem, Panic, Anxiety ... [Last Updated On: June 2nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 2nd, 2016]
- Self Help, Self Help Spells - mistressofmagic.com [Last Updated On: June 2nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 2nd, 2016]
- USDA Blog Self Help Housing Program [Last Updated On: June 2nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 2nd, 2016]
- Fibromyalgia - Self-help - NHS Choices [Last Updated On: June 2nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 2nd, 2016]
- Self Help for Adult ADHD [Last Updated On: June 2nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 2nd, 2016]
- Self-Help Being Your Own Best Friend Choosing Goals [Last Updated On: July 20th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 20th, 2016]
- Self Help :: Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas [Last Updated On: July 20th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 20th, 2016]
- Psychological Self-Help: Contents [Last Updated On: July 20th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 20th, 2016]
- SAMHSA Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator [Last Updated On: July 20th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 20th, 2016]
- Representing Yourself - County of Alameda - Superior Court ... [Last Updated On: July 20th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 20th, 2016]
- Self Help - Improving Mental Health [Last Updated On: July 20th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 20th, 2016]
- Self Help Warehouse [Last Updated On: July 20th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 20th, 2016]
- Miami Family Court Self Help Center [Last Updated On: July 20th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 20th, 2016]
- Self Help - Welcome to the Clark County Courts in Las Vegas [Last Updated On: July 20th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 20th, 2016]
- Using the Website for Self Help - Getselfhelp.co.uk CBT ... [Last Updated On: July 20th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 20th, 2016]
- Self Help | Calaveras Superior Court [Last Updated On: July 20th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 20th, 2016]
- Self-Help Services - Butte County Superior Court [Last Updated On: July 20th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 20th, 2016]
- Self-Help - saclaw.org [Last Updated On: July 20th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 20th, 2016]
- Nebraska Online Legal Self-Help Center | Nebraska Judicial ... [Last Updated On: July 20th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 20th, 2016]
- Family Law Self-Help Center - Self-Help [Last Updated On: July 20th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 20th, 2016]
- Morning tai chi - The Register-Guard [Last Updated On: July 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 2nd, 2017]
- Video: Shanghai police shut down MMA vs. Tai Chi mass brawl ... - Bloody Elbow [Last Updated On: July 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 2nd, 2017]
- Good Samaritan Replaces Self Help Closet's Wagon, Cart - Journal ... - Journal & Topics Newspapers Online [Last Updated On: August 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 1st, 2017]
- Self-help groups - Huron Daily Tribune [Last Updated On: August 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 1st, 2017]
- Toni Ricer - Self help magazines, columns, blogs are great way to better oneself - The Exponent Telegram (press release) (registration) (blog) [Last Updated On: August 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 2nd, 2017]
- Pamela Anderson writing self-help book - TV3.ie [Last Updated On: August 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 2nd, 2017]
- Face-to-face therapy best to treat binge eating disorder - Reuters [Last Updated On: August 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 2nd, 2017]