More measures at air border coming into effect to boost defence against COVID-19

“As part of our precautionary approach and strategy of constant review, we’re tightening the requirements around international aircrew,” Chris Hipkins said.

Additional measures coming into effect on Monday will boost our defence against COVID-19 entering New Zealand through the air border, Health Minister Chris Hipkins said today.

"As part of our precautionary approach and strategy of constant review, we're tightening the requirements around international aircrew," Chris Hipkins said.

The COVID-19 Public Health Response (Air Border, Isolation and Quarantine and Required Testing) Amendment Order 2020 comes into effect from 11.59 pm Sunday, 4 October 2020.

"The amended order includes significant changes to isolation requirements for international aircrew entering New Zealand and introduces new mandated requirements for New Zealand-based crew.

"This order is designed to make sure that our air border is even safer and that we reduce the risk of COVID-19 being spread to the greatest extent possible. It builds on our already extensive border protection regime, which is one of the strongest in the world," Chris Hipkins said.

"The air border is a complex ecosystem and we've made sure to take sufficient time to work with a range of stakeholders to get this strong and workable safety regime in place."

Under the new rules:

overseas-based aircrew who are laying over in New Zealand will be required to stay in a Government managed isolation facility for as long as they are in the country, to ensure they avoid contact with New Zealanders

all overseas-based aircrew will be required to wear appropriate PPE while in New Zealand airports and whenever travelling between the airport and their hotel

all New Zealand-based aircrew will be required to use PPE on all flights and to isolate with other crew members while on overseas layovers

New Zealand-based crew returning to New Zealand from high-risk locations overseas will be required to self-isolate for at least 48 hours after they return, and until they are assessed as being low risk of having COVID-19 (including receiving a negative test).

"In addition, from 19 October weekly surveillance testing for some lower-risk New Zealand-based international aircrew will start.

"Cabin crew on domestic flights transferring passengers to managed isolation facilities will be tested as part of the existing border staff testing regime due to close proximity to international travellers. Airlines have been given two weeks to get their processes in place," Chris Hipkins said.

"We want to acknowledge the airlines, including Air New Zealand, have been working hard to protect their passengers, staff and the New Zealand community from COVID-19.

"Due to these protections, the risk of COVID-19 spreading is low. Reviews and audits have shown strong levels of compliance. No cases of COVID-19 to or from aircrew have been identified since the guidance was first introduced in April 2020.

"This new regime, however, will provide extra reassurance to the crew, passengers and New Zealanders that we take nothing for granted. It will be monitored and reviewed in December," Chris Hipkins said.

(With Inputs from New Zealand Government Press Release)