Where can I self-isolate?
Until exact requirements are released, the Ministry of Health's current self-isolation regulations does give us an idea.
According to the existing advice, you can stay anywhere in the country that has:
-Access to a GP or Covid-19 testing centre
-Cell phone coverage, a landline or wi-fi
-Contactless access to food and other supplies
The ideal place to stay is in a standalone private residence, however, apartments and sole-occupancy rentals like hotels, motels or Airbnbs are also acceptable. If staying here you must let them know you are self-isolating.
Meanwhile, shared accommodation like hostels or boarding houses is off the cards.
How do I get there?
The government will release more details about travel between airports and locations of self-isolation in December.
Currently, those travelling from MIQ to self-isolation can take any form of transport if they wear masks and are encouraged to take the most direct route without stopping.
Can I see people when I self-isolate?
The good news is that returning travellers will be allowed to see people. The catch? You can only see whoever you're staying with.
If you self-isolate in your own home or flat, the only people allowed in the house during that period are the people you usually live with - your whānau or flatmates. Any flat parties or gatherings will have to wait.
Similarly, if you isolate with your parents in a family home, the only people allowed in will be you and whoever lives there; visitors like aunts, uncles, siblings or friends will have to stay away until isolation is over.
However, any occupants not self-isolating will be able to leave to go to work and school as per usual.
Can I leave self-isolation?
Barring an emergency, the Ministry of Health states that you cannot leave your place of self-isolation other than to get a Covid-19 test.
Hipkins seconded this and said they expected people to stay in their bubbles for the seven day isolation period.
Will self-isolation only last 7 days?
Yes, but this is contingent on returning a negative Covid-19 test on your final day.
Those staying in rental or temporary accommodation will need to ensure they could stay longer.
What protocols should I follow if I self-isolate in a house with other people?
If you choose to self-isolate with people you have not travelled with, such as family or flatmates, the Ministry of Health has recommendations for reducing risk.
Advice includes:
-Staying in separate beds or bedrooms,
-Wearing a face mask in communal areas
-Maintaining a two-metre distance
-Keeping shared spaces well ventilated
-Sanitising shared spaces like bathrooms and kitchens after use
Is there anyone I shouldn't self-isolate with?
Technically, no.
But it's worth avoiding staying with people who are more vulnerable to Covid-19 such as children, the elderly and those who are immunocompromised.
Can I get deliveries?
You can order items to your place of self-isolation but only if they can be paid and delivered outside in a contactless way.
Will fully vaccinated travellers always need to self-isolate?
As with many things concerning the pandemic, no one can be absolutely certain what the future of self-isolation will look like. However, Hipkins said it would be "under constant review" as they navigate the tricky balance between travel restrictions and public health.
Is there anywhere I can travel without needing to self-isolate?
If you are fully vaccinated, you will be able to travel all around Aotearoa this summer from December 15, when Auckland's border lowers.
For those wishing to head a little further away, the Cook Islands travel bubble will resume on January 14 2022. This makes it the only country Kiwis can visit without any quarantine or self-isolation at either end of their trip. Find out more information on the bubble here.
Read a full explainer on the recent travel announcements here.
