Covid-test refusenik gets up Hipkins’ nose
Australian Lucinda Baulch has been released after 28 days in a Wellington managed isolation facility despite refusing to take a
Covid-19 test.
Speaking to Stuff as she left the facility yesterday evening, Baulch said she was heading to Wellington Airport and would fly to Auckland to stay ‘‘for a night or two’’ until she decided her next step.
She was transported to the airport in a van arranged by the facility. She was the only passenger and did not wear a mask.
Baulch had still not taken a
Covid-19 test but said she had answered a ‘‘series of questions’’ about her health before leaving the facility.
She was offered a test on each of the last 16 days of her stay at the Grand Mercure Hotel isolation facility and refused all of them. People refusing their day12 test are offered a test each day of their extended stay, up to a maximum of 28 days.
Baulch said she was unsatisfied with the evidence on testing provided.
She had instigated judicial review proceedings in protest at her unlawful detention at the quarantine facility.
Minister for Covid Response Chris Hipkins dismissed her claims as absurd.
‘‘It’s unfortunate when people buy into conspiracy theories and base their decisions on misinformation,’’ Hipkins said.
Baulch had received a welcome pack which included information about the tests.
‘‘Managed isolation nurses had conversations with Lucinda Baulch regarding testing and other matters. Additional clarification was also provided in response to Ms Baulch’s phone calls and emails, in line with information already provided.’’
Baulch, who had been accompanying three children who were moving into the care of New Zealand families, confirmed that she had attended an anti lockdown protest in Melbourne on November 3.