The Government has announced that additional security systems, including thermal CCTV that triggers an alarm if returnees break out, will be added to all managed isolation and quarantine facilities.
Housing Minister Megan Woods said the estimated $6 million rollout follows yesterday’s announcement of a 500-person boost to New Zealand Defence Force personnel in managed isolation and quarantine facilities, and previous increases to police and security fencing.
Each facility will soon be equipped with thermal CCTV around the perimeter with geo-fenced alarming which will sound if people move within a defined area.
CCTV will also be added to public and exercise areas to monitor for distance breaches as well as accommodation corridors to monitor breaches between rooms.
Staff inside the facilities are also set to take part in a pilot of a Covid card, which will track a worker’s movements within the facilities. Ms Woods said they plan to widen the pilot in the coming months.
“Managed isolation and quarantine facilities are commercial hotels with security systems that support the hotel function but there is room to improve these systems to better protect our communities from Covid-19,” Ms Woods said.
“Benefits include an increased ability to quickly detect and respond to perimeter breaches and incursions, and breaches of managed isolation and quarantine facility rules and security such as physical distancing and use of PPE. It will also enable better evidence collection to support enforcement action and if necessary police prosecution for non-compliance.
It comes after a hotel worker in Auckland was confirmed to have the coronavirus earlier this week which was later linked to a returnee from the US.
“Keeping Covid-19 at the border is a priority for the Government and these security enhancements are another tool in our toolbox to ensure returnees stay in the facilities and limit risk to the community,” Ms Woods added.
“While no system is foolproof, these additional security arrangements add an extra layer of protection to help keep Covid at the border.
“We are mindful of the privacy of returnees and any additional surveillance will take place only in the public areas of the facilities, not in rooms.”
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