4 Oct 2021

Experts push for Auckland freeze on prosecutions for personal drug use

From Checkpoint, 5:54 pm on 4 October 2021

A group of health experts are suggesting an Auckland wide freeze on prosecuting people for personal drug use while the city's under strict Covid-19 restrictions.

A think-piece by epidemiologists, public health experts and the head of the NZ Drug Foundation says the virus is still spreading in deprived and marginalised groups and there needs to be an urgent review of containment measures.

And it suggests a harm minimisation approach when it comes to people who are drug and alcohol dependent, who could be particularly vulnerable to Covid-19.

Drug Foundation boss Sarah Helm talks to Lisa Owen.