A psychologist says a constant police presence at managed isolation facilities will increase people's anxiety.
On Thursday Megan Woods, the Minister in charge of the isolation facilities, revealed police will be posted outside 24/7 to prevent further escapes.
The news followed two people escaping the facilities in a week - one of whom was positive for COVID-19.
Clinical psychologist Dougal Sutherland says police will only worsen the feelings of being locked down.
"I think it will really add to their sense of being isolated perhaps increasing their sense of being a threat to other people - and that can have a really negative effect on people's mental wellbeing," Sutherland told Newshub.
In addition to the anxiety, he says there is a darker side to New Zealand's "team of five million" mentality which has been highlighted throughout the pandemic.
The term "team of five million" was used continuously by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to remind New Zealanders of the importance of working together to stop the spread of the virus.
But Sutherland says returning New Zealanders are being treated like outsiders which could create a divisive and unhealthy "us versus them mentality".
"We can be suspicious of people who aren't part of that team," he said.
"We need to be cautious about that because everyone in that isolation is a New Zealander returning home - they are welcome to be here because it's their home too."
