Senior health leader in unmasked train trip
A senior healthcare worker, wearing his hospital swipe card, has been photographed flouting mandatory mask rules on public transport.
Counties Manukau DHB project manager Muru Maipi boarded the 6.30am Hamilton-Papakura train service yesterday without wearing a face covering. One passenger said they felt uncomfortable, but Maipi was not approached by a conductor.
Wearing a face covering during journeys on public transit and domestic flights is required to limit the spread of Covid-19. It is an offence to go unmasked, punishable by a $300 infringement notice or a court fine of up to a $1000.
The nationwide rules were introduced for alert level 1 in February, and in March police revealed they were yet to fine anyone.
Maipi works for the Ma¯ori Health team and Whanua Ora services, based at Middlemore Hospital.
South Auckland holds a greater risk of a Covid-19 outbreak because of the high number of airport and border works.
During the journey, Maipi was wearing his DHB swipe card, displaying his name and photograph.
He took a place in priority seating, designated for the elderly, disabled, pregnant women and the injured.
A passenger said they were shocked to see him unmasked. ‘‘He spent the whole time looking at his phone. No-one, including the conductor, approached him. Everyone else was masked, including myself, and I am extremely claustrophobic.
‘‘So much for caring about
Ma¯ ori Healthcare.’’
The DHB did not address questions, including if he had an exemption, or a request to interview Maipi.
In a written statement, the board said: ‘‘Counties Manukau Health staff are aware of the requirement to wear a mask when travelling on public transport. We take our position as community health leaders very seriously and any instances of staff not wearing face coverings on public transport will be managed internally.’’
Stuff has asked for comment from the operators of the Te Huia train service.
Experts say the widespread use of masks can help reduce transmission in the community, particularly in indoor areas where there is less ventilation.
Enclosed spaces on public transport with minimal air flow allow for the transfer of tiny aerosol droplets between passengers.