Covid-19: Auckland’s Grand Mercure MIQ to reopen after inquiry into virus spread

The Grand Mercure managed isolation facility in Auckland CBD will reopen for returnees this weekend after a pause prompted by the unfold of Covid-19 inside.

On Friday, Joint Head of Managed Isolation and Quarantine (MIQ), Megan Most important, introduced the ability had been deemed protected to reopen, following a “thorough” investigation and remediation of its air flow system.

The lodge was emptied in April after two separate breaches, which noticed three returnees catch the virus throughout their keep.

It comes as Ministry of Enterprise, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) released the first independent assessment of MIQ on Friday.

READ MORE:
* Covid-19: Grand Mercure and Grand Millennium MIQ breaches linked to aerosol transmission
* Covid-19: Arrivals at two Auckland MIQ hotels halted amid inquiry into ventilation system
* Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern alleges infected MIQ security guard ‘lied’ about getting Covid-19 tests

One of many Grand Mercure instances concerned two positive returnee cases who were genomically linked, “strongly” indicating transmission occurred inside the ability.

The second concerned a Covid-19-positive returnee who was in a position to take a bus ride to go for a walk whereas in isolation. This resulted in 14 different returnees on the bus being deemed shut contacts and having to remain in isolation for another 14 days. There was no neighborhood transmission linked to the breach.

A report launched by MIQ and Director-Normal of Well being Dr Ashley Bloomfield earlier within the month discovered the unfold was likely due to aerosol transmission.

Whereas aerosol transmission by way of the recent air provide cavity appeared “unlikely”, it was “nonetheless probably the most believable transmission pathway”, it discovered.

The danger of downward airflow between rooms seemed to be distinctive to the Grand Mercure however the general threat of transmission to returnees on the facility was deemed “low”.

Most important stated the “rigorously thought-about reopening” got here after an “intensive” deep-cleaning course of, and work on the air flow system.

The Grand Mercure’s air flow system has been rebalanced, and there’s “unfavorable stress” inside returnee rooms. When room doorways are opened, the air strikes from corridors (shared areas) into rooms, not from rooms to shared areas.

The danger offered by air flow programs has at all times been assessed by well being specialists as very low, Most important stated.

Due to the vary of an infection prevention and management measures in place, the overview discovered the general threat of transmission to returnees staying on the Grand Mercure was additionally low.

A report requested by MBIE chief govt Carolyn Tremain after the primary six months of MIQ operation, made 82 recommendations to make sure the system is sustainable and continues to enhance.

Eight of those had been deemed excessive precedence, together with involving iwi following a “important omission” to contemplate Treaty obligations whereas MIQs had been being set-up.

Strengthening IT infrastructure and information integrity and dealing with the Ministry of Well being and well being boards to treatment well being staffing shortages in Auckland were also high priorities.

There are 32 MIQ amenities in New Zealand. Eighteen are in Auckland, there are three in Hamilton and Rotorua, two in Wellington, and 6 in Christchurch.

As a result of MIQ adjustments “at such a fast tempo”, about half of the suggestions had already been accomplished, and an additional 45 per cent were underway, Most important stated.

5 suggestions weren’t accepted.