PM: We can enforce self-isolation rules

The prime minister says quarantine powers may be used to keep possible Covid-19 coronavirus cases in hospital if they refuse to self-isolate.

Jacinda Ardern, in an interview on Q+A yesterday morning, explained how the Government’s decision to require all international travellers to self-isolate for 14 days was expected to work.

There would be more ‘‘spot checks’’ on those in self-isolation. People would be asked to take private transport from the airport, and returning travellers could still take domestic flights.

On Saturday, Ardern announced that everyone arriving in New Zealand would have to selfisolate for 14 days, beginning midnight yesterday. The deadline was later changed to 1am today.

Board of Airline Representatives NZ executive director Justin Tighe-Umbers said the change had been made to reflect the reality of last night’s flight patterns, when flights typically landed late in the evening.

Ardern yesterday said that although 10,000 people had self isolated successfully without needing strict enforcement, public health officials and police could use quarantine powers to compel self-isolation.

‘‘We can put you in a facility and monitor your movements.’’

These facilities include a medical facility or hospital, and officials could be stationed at doors to stop those quarantined from leaving.

Anyone entering the country would be asked to complete a border entry form and would have to speak with a nurse who would explain the self-isolating requirements.

They would be asked to take private transport from the airport to their home. Those travelling on domestic flights were advised to reduce close contact with others and maintain social distancing, Ardern said.

They would then receive calls from Healthline to ensure they were self-isolating.

‘‘Spot checks’’ by public health officials would be increased, Ardern said.

She also explained that selfisolation didn’t mean you couldn’t go outside. Self-isolation was more about reducing contact with others and staying confined to your home.

‘‘You can take a walk around the block, but you can’t go into public places and places where you’re interacting with others".