How people in MIQ will celebrate on Christmas Day
Roast turkey and glazed ham will be on the menu for the thousands of people spending the festive season in managed isolation and quarantine facilities.
Many Kiwis overseas have tried to get home in time to complete their mandatory isolation before December 25 – but not everyone has been able to.
A spokeswoman said MIQ was committed to delivering the ‘‘best festive experience we can’’ to those who could not be with their loved ones on Christmas Day.
The spokeswoman said hotels were used to looking after people and showing manaakitanga (hospitality).
‘‘This festive season our MIQ hotels are thinking of ways to celebrate safely, for example, Christmas trees, music, decorations and festive fare,’’ she said.
Roast turkey and glazed ham, as well as a vegetarian option, will be on the menu.
Pavlova and strawberries can be expected as a sweet treat.
Christmas music will be played in the foyers of the hotels and returnees will also be able to take part in festive photo competitions from the safety of their rooms.
MIQ facilities across the country have 4500 rooms available and all are expected to be occupied on Christmas Day.
More than 80,000 people have been through MIQ since March 26.
The total number of people in the facilities on Christmas Day will depend on how many people are in each room, the spokeswoman said.
‘‘We have projected occupancy for two weeks out. Projected occupancy through to December 17 is 5743 people.’’
The spokeswoman said the facilities were also planning ‘‘several surprises’’ for returnees to bring them festive cheer.
‘‘We will be encouraging returnees to get creative with whatever they have on hand to decorate their rooms and windows.’’
The spokeswoman said being in an MIQ facility was challenging and would be even more so during the Christmas period.
‘‘Many returnees will be apart from wha¯nau and loved ones. We will be reminding returnees that information and tools are available to help them feel mentally well and to get through isolation.’’
Christmas gifts can still be sent to family members in isolation by courier, mail or family and friends, she said.
They need to be of reasonable size and quantity, and the facility should be informed so it has the capacity to receive them.
The spokeswoman said facilities would remain aware that not all returnees would celebrate Christmas.