The Ministry of Health is footing a bill of about $10 million a week to accommodate and feed Kiwis who are put into isolation under covid response border control rules.
A spokesperson confirmed that the ministry had spent $48.22 million on hotel accommodation, food, laundry, hotel security and wrap-around health and well-being services for 7,755 people for the five weeks from April 10 to May 19.
That may pale in comparison to the $1 billion a week the government is paying in wage subsidies under the pandemic response, but still averages to $6,218 per person for a 14-day stay, or $414 per day, per person.
The spokesperson said, however, that that initial cost will have been higher due to set-up costs and the "higher cost of some short-term contracts" entered into during the formative stages. More recent figures were not yet available.
During that April and May period, about 94 percent of guests had stayed at 15 Auckland hotels and the remainder at the Novotel Christchurch, which had contracts with the Ministry.
Current capacity of the 17 hotels on the ministry's books is 4,194, including two hotels in Wellington. The spokesperson said an additional two hotels will be stood up this week in Christchurch with some capacity to stand up more hotels in Auckland.
"Not all hotels can participate in the isolation quarantine and repatriation programme as their facilities don't meet ministry guidelines."
Tally
At last count, she said there were 3,321 people in quarantine and self-isolation, with 24 hour-a-day minders, both from the army and police.
Responding to a concern that guests were exercising in close proximity to each other, the spokesperson said social distancing requirements "are meant to be observed."
"It should also be noted that everyone in managed isolation will be tested twice for covid-19 and will require a negative result before they leave."
Immigration New Zealand has estimated there are about 10,000 people holding a current visa who are outside the country's borders, but who normally live here.
The government's agreed rules on border restrictions mean the border is effectively closed to residents of all countries with the exception of NZ citizens and residence class visa holders or their partners or family. Australian citizens and permanent residence class visa holders in the country, air crew and some marine crew are also allowed in without specific application to do so.
Outside those people, entry may be allowed for humanitarian reasons, to essential health workers, to Samoan and Tongan citizens, and other essential workers deemed as such by the relevant minister.
