MIQ outdoor areas

This photograph shows part of the outdoor areas of a Managed Isolation Facility hotel in Auckland where returnees could walk in fresh air for half an hour a day, booked in advance. The signage covers a range of Covid-19 directives and restrictions including the compulsory wearing of masks and social distancing.

The photograph was taken by Alan Gibson who had arrived in New Zealand the morning before (11 October 2021), after flying from San Francisco via Los Angeles. He was required by law to stay at a Managed Isolation Facility for two weeks until safely cleared of Covid-19. The first day of his stay (Day 0), he took a Covid test. When that test came back negative, he was allowed to book his first outdoors walking slot for half an hour the next evening (Day 1). This was the signage that he needed to abide by.

MIQ

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.