Ministry of Health have plans in place for Holidaymakers

Golden Bay

If covid-19 hits holiday makers in Tasman or Nelson the Ministry of Health and the DHB have undertaken significant preparation and planning work to manage localized outbreaks that may occur according to a Ministry of Health spokesperson.

The holidays are fast coming up and the influx of holidaymakers into our region is going to flow fast. There are parts of Tasman and Nelson that have low vaccination rates so if Covid-19 is brought into these areas or if it is caught here it is likely to spread to visitors and residents.

As we move away from the elimination strategy, particularly during the summer holidays when a significant number of people are traveling throughout the country, the preparation by the Ministry of Health is essential.  

Aucklanders from December 15th will be able to leave their region for any reason providing they can show their vaccine pass, or evidence of a negative Covid-19 test done no more than 72 hours before crossing the boundary.

The Ministry of Health spokesperson has advised “if a person tests positive for COVID-19 on holiday, away from their normal place of residence, the immediate health and welfare needs of the individuals (s) will be assessed.”

“Their personal safety, wellbeing and public health assessment will determine whether they are considered ‘safe’ to stay put, return home or if alternative accommodation is required.”

Alternative accommodation in the region has been organised and if alternative accommodation is required, an appropriate option will be  identified by the local COVID Care Coordination Hub.

Golden Bay

For privacy reasons, the Ministry is not releasing information on the privately-owned facilities that are being considered, or have been contracted to provide alternative accommodation. Where necessary, a person may be transferred to a managed isolation facility.

The Ministry of health spokesperson went on to say “it’s also important to note that the COVID-19 Protection Framework is designed to respond to localized outbreaks and manage risk to particular regions, as well as providing a number of protective measures to minimize the spread of COVID-19 including testing and vaccination requirements.”

Ministry of Health spokesperson

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