Ask me anything on Covid
Living in alert level 4 lockdown comes with a unique set of rules, some of which are not always clear. In our new daily feature we answer questions from readers about anything Covid-related
Hello from a stranded 65-yearold, fully vaccinated Kiwi working in the US. I have tried to get an MIQ allocation since May without joy. Why is there no official waiting list?
Bill
Covid Response Minister Chris Hipkins announced changes to the MIQ system but there are still no plans for any wait list. Hipkins said they would now start warning people when the next large batch of rooms would be available for booking. There would also be a “virtual lobby” to sign up for.
“It will mean that people can be selected from the queue randomly, removing the need for people to be the fastest person to hit the button.” The new system would not solve the issue of demand far outstripping the supply of rooms available but would make the system slightly fairer. “This change will make bookings more transparent and easier for people and it will create a more level playing field for people once they are on the website,” Hipkins said. “Once all the rooms are taken, the lobby will be closed and anybody in the queue will be informed that they have unfortunately missed out this time.”
When the Herald asked if there were any plans to create a waiting list from those who missed out, a Managed Isolation and Quarantine spokesperson only repeated part of Hipkins’ statement. “Once all rooms have been taken, the lobby will be closed and anyone in the queue will be informed that they have unfortunately missed out this time. We will continue to announce room releases so people will know when to come back.”
Our daughter-in-law is struggling alone at home with her 2-month-old baby. Her husband, our son, works on rotation abroad. We are in the same bubble, trying to support her but she is in Mangawhai Heads. We live in Port Albert, 30km away. Can we cross this border under a shared bubble arrangement or must she manage alone in level-3 Northland? Brigitte H
Yes, there are reasons you can travel across the alert level boundary. One is to visit or stay at another residence under a shared bubble arrangement if a person lives alone there or all people in a residence are vulnerable, including supporting people with physical health or significant mental health conditions.
A new mum with a newborn falls into the category of vulnerable so you can cross the border to visit. If you have any documentation that helps explain your shared bubble arrangement, take it with you to show at the checkpoint. Everyone in the car should have photo ID on them if possible.
My son was at his friend’s in Mount Maunganui when lockdown happened. They said he could stay for the lockdown but circumstances have changed and they can no longer have him. We live in Taupo¯ and need to travel to the Mount to get him, or he will be homeless. How do I do this?
Deb
There are regional travel restrictions at level 3. However, one of those is if you are moving permanently or long term. In your son’s case it’s fair to say he’s moving permanently or long term so there shouldn’t be an issue getting him home.
Is it mandatory for all teachers to be vaccinated and are they essential workers? How will parents know if all the teachers their children are in contact with are fully vaccinated to make sure they can be in surroundings that are as safe as possible, giving the best protection possible? Margaret N
No, teachers are not essential workers and it is not mandatory for them to be vaccinated. Because teachers are not essential workers they are required to work from home during alert level 4 and not be in contact with anyone outside their bubble.
Some teachers will return to work during level 3 to care for essential workers’ children in year 10 or younger and who have no other care options available. Those above year 10 should still learn from home. At alert level 3, children who do go back to daycare or school must be split into bubbles of no more than 10 young people to help maintain social distancing and reduce the number of people the virus could spread to, should someone be infected. Teachers must remain with the same bubble of students. Tertiary providers are in much the same boat.They are advised to continue classes online during levels 3 and 4. However, if it is not possible for students to learn from home during level 3 (for example lab work or research) they may hold some classes in person. They too must be split into groups of no more than 10, including teachers, and must not interact with other bubbles. Everyone in those bubbles should wear a face covering.
These rules mean children and young people are in environments that are as safe as possible during the times when there is most risk of them contracting Covid.
When the country moves back into alert levels 1 and 2 and education resumes as normal, the risk of picking up the virus will be small.