12 Nov 2020

Niue Covid protection rules slammed

7:32 am on 12 November 2020

Opposition MPs in Niue have slammed a government decision to allow home quarantine and increase the number of passengers arriving from New Zealand.

The Niue High Commissioner to New Zealand O'Love Jacobsen.

O'love Jacobsen Photo: RNZ/Daniela Maoate-Cox

O'love Jacobsen, who is currently in Auckland, told BCN News the move is unprofessional and irresponsible.

Ms Jacobsen said there are Covid-19 cases in New Zealand and the decision to allow home quarantine raises the risk of infection.

The quarantine option is only available for passengers on next week's flight however it may extend to December flights.

Another veteran MP, Terry Coe, shares the concerns, saying the issue should be brought to the Fono for MPs to discuss.

Both MPs also disagree with the decision to increase the number of passengers allowed into Niue.

Last week Cabinet increased the number from 15 to 30

Ms Jacobsen said she is very worried about the capacity to conduct Covid-19 testing.

The government said the move was in response to demand from families to return to Niue for the festive season.