Self-isolation isn’t confinement

Newly announced travel restrictions require all travellers arriving from international flights to self-isolate for 14 days. But what does that actually mean?

What are the rules?

Every person entering the country from anywhere in the world – excluding the Pacific – is required to self-isolate for 14 days.

Can I leave the house at all?

Self-isolation doesn’t mean you will be quarantined to your apartment, hotel room or home for 14 days straight with no contact. You can walk around the block, ‘‘but you can’t go into public places and places where you’re interacting with others’’, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said. The aim was to reduce contact.

But I need supplies . . .

The Ministry of Health encourages people to ask friends or family members to run any necessary errands, as these are places you could have contact with others.

How will it be enforced?

Self-isolation isn’t being enforced by law, but travellers entering the country can expect to be contacted by Healthline during that period. It’s not yet known how these spot checks will work, how many people will be checked and how frequently, or if there will be penalties for breaches.

What if I refuse?

If necessary, the Government can enforce quarantine on individuals refusing to self-isolate for the required 14 days.

Can I report others?

Yes, if you think it’s necessary, you can report people who should be self-isolating to Healthline.

Can I still go overseas?

New Zealanders have been advised by the prime minister to avoid all non-essential travel overseas at this time.

Can I stay with family or friends?

You are still allowed to live with others during your self-isolation, but you should limit prolonged close contact. Travellers in selfisolation should avoid having faceto-face contact closer than 1 metre for more than 15 minutes. If these measures are followed, drivers or people living in the shared house don’t need to self-isolate.

The ministry recommends that people who are self-isolating don’t take any visitors during that period, but says it is OK for friends, family or delivery drivers to drop off food.

You should not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, pillows or other items with other people in your home. After using these items, you should wash them thoroughly with soap and water, place them in the dishwasher or wash them in your washing machine.