A dedicated email has been established for the public to report breaches of self-isolation protocol to the Ministry of Health (MoH).
The email is now active and allows the public access to multi-agency assistance and advice from the MoH, police and immigration, where required, throughout the COVID-19 outbreak.
"Priority will be given to messages from confirmed cases and the contacts of confirmed cases and will also enable notifications of reported breaches of self-isolation and mass gathering requirements," a statement said on Friday.
The ministry asks people to use the channel judicially.
The ministry is receiving a "growing number" of reports claiming people "are not complying with self-isolation advice", a spokesperson confirmed to Newshub on Friday.
"People who disregard our self-isolation advice can put a large number of other people at risk, which can place a huge burden on our health system," the spokesperson said.
"If the MoH becomes aware that a person is disregarding the self-isolation rules, police can be notified."
The dedicated email address is nhccselfisolation@health.govt.nz.
How you can report someone for breaking self-isolation
If you're at the airport and become aware that someone is intending to continue with their travels, it's important to inform authorities.
"Make customs officials and health staff aware," MoH Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield has advised.
"After a conversation explaining why self-isolation is necessary, most people are willing to comply."
"Let Healthline know and that can be followed up, or you can let the police know," Dr Bloomfield said.
Medical Officers of Health can also call on the police to assist in enforcing self-isolation.
Eleven new COVID-19 cases confirmed
Eleven new cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the past 24 hours, bringing New Zealand's total number of cases to 39. Around 1000 tests were processed on Thursday.
Of these 11 new cases, five are in Auckland, two in the Waikato region, two in the Wellington region and one each in Canterbury and Hawke's Bay.
The 11 new cases are linked to overseas travel and there is no evidence to suggest there has been community transmission.
New Zealand's self-isolation guidelines
- limit contact with people other than the family members of companions you travelled with (for those returning from affected countries)
- avoid having visitors
- ask friends, family or delivery services to drop off food and supplies
- avoid face-to-face contact that is closer than two metres and for more than 15 minutes
- don't share crockery, cutlery, towels, pillows or beds with others in the home
- maintain regular cleaning and sanitising of surfaces and household items
- work from home if possible
- wash your hands frequently
- practice good coughing and sneezing etiquette
- avoid communal/shared areas or cleaning them well after each use
- going outside (to do gardening or go for a run, for example) is permitted if close contact with others is avoided.
