Wait goes on for testing answers

‘‘I will get you that number – I’m sorry I haven’t got it – I’d like to have it as well.’’

It’s been a week and counting since the director-general of health was first asked how many people have left managed isolation without being tested for Covid-19.

Yesterday Dr Ashley Bloomfield again fronted media without an answer, and repeatedly apologised for not being able to provide it.

The question was prompted by the case of two women being given compassionate leave to travel down the North Island on 13 June to be with a dying parent.

They later tested positive on June 16 after being allowed to leave isolation without first getting a test.

Prior to June 9, there was no requirement for those leaving facilities to be tested as everyone had to undergo 14 days of mandatory isolation.

Since the country moved to level 1 on June 9, Bloomfield’s instructions have been for testing to take place on day three and day 12 of isolation.

‘‘Clearly the implementation, there was a breakdown in communication there, that’s what I clarified last week.

‘‘Testing around day three and day 12 is a requirement,’’ he said.

Just how many people left without being tested will quantify how big the gaps were at the border at a time when Bloomfield and government ministers were under the impression everyone leaving isolation was being tested. Earlier yesterday, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said work was being done on getting an answer and it was for Bloomfield to share.

At his 1pm press conference, there was still no word on what the number was or when it might be known.

Bloomfield said the ministry was still following up with 2159 people who had left managed isolation between June 9 and 16, and urged anyone in that category – which included people who had exemptions and those at the Novotel – to contact the dedicated health number (09 302 0408).

Of the 2159 who left isolation between June 9 and 16, 55 did so after being granted compassionate exemptions. – RNZ