Wristband

This blue wristband was given to returnee Alan Gibson once he had received his first negative Covid-19 test result at his Managed Isolation Facility hotel in Auckland. He had flown from San Francisco, via Los Angeles, departing on 9 October, arriving in Auckland on 11 October. After arrival, he set up a Day 0 Covid-19 test for that afternoon. He was not allowed outside of his room until the next day when the negative test came back. Then he was allowed outside for fresh air and a walk for half an hour a day, as long as he wore the wristband.

Managed Isolation and Quarantine (MIQ) are key parts of New Zealand’s border control strategy during the Covid-19 pandemic. Until mid-November 2021, international arrivals to New Zealand were required to stay in managed isolation for 14 days, and be clear of Covid-19 symptoms for at least 72 hours before they could leave (four Covid-19 swab tests were conducted during the 14 days). MIQ is a legal requirement under the Covid-19 Public Health Response (Isolation and Quarantine) Order 2020. MIQ systems have evolved throughout the pandemic as new information and new variants have emerged. Since July 2020 the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has been responsible for MIQ facilities, supported by almost 1000 defence personnel.