People in isolation entering the public space at Queens Wharf for fresh air and exercise. Photo / Michael Craig
People in isolation entering the public space at Queens Wharf for fresh air and exercise. Photo / Michael Craig
Returnees staying at four of Auckland's managed isolation hotels will no longer enjoy waterfront outings on Queens Wharf, as the area is no longer being made available.
Until this week, a dedicated area had been set aside at the city's waterfront for people in isolation being put up at hotels without space for exercise.
A Managed Isolation and Quarantine (MIQ) spokesperson told the Herald on Sunday that from Thursday October 29, that site was no longer available.
As New Zealand is now at level 1, and with the longer days and summer around the corner, public events are scheduled at the wharf, the spokesperson said.
They said a range of alternatives had been explored over the past few weeks and last night said they had signed off on a new area.
"We know how important daily exercise and fresh air is for all of us."
Some returnees were able to use the exercise area yesterday, and the ministry said it would announce today where it is.
How did the dedicated area operate?
People from the hotels were taken to and from the wharf by bus and accompanied at all times by security staff. They wore PPE and could exercise for up to one hour a day.
There were four separate sections in the exercise area on the wharf, separated by double fencing from the public areas of Queens Wharf and from each other.
"This ensures that returnees are not mixing with members of the public or with returnees from other managed isolation facilities. Physical distancing is maintained within each area at all times," a MIQ spokesperson said in August.
The area had been in place since March for returnees staying at Sheraton Four Points, Rydges Hotel Auckland, SO Hotel, and Grand Mercure.
Rules of managed isolation
Under Government regulations, people returning to New Zealand have to complete 14 days at a managed isolation facility before being able to interact with the public.
During their stay, they are expected to be tested for Covid-19 on days 3 and 12, and must test negative before they can leave.
Since August, returnees have had to pay $3100 for a room at a managed isolation facility. If another adult wishes to stay in the same room, they are charged $950 and for an extra child (3-17 years old) it's $475. There is no charge for children under the age of 3.
People who have been granted exemption, for example to get medical treatment in New Zealand or who are refugees, may not be charged.
