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Disgraceful situation

According to Travellers unchecked (July 22), the Government is still not checking that every arrival from Australia has proof of a predeparture Covid-19 test.

Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said ‘‘staffing issues’’ meant it was still not possible to check the documentation of every arrival.

Quite frankly, this is an unbelievable disgraceful situation.

There were 42,800 visitor arrivals in New Zealand over the 10 months from April 2020 to January 2021, down 3.1 million from the corresponding period a year earlier, and the minister talks about ‘‘staffing issues’’?

I think it criminally irresponsible for the minister to be allowing such people in.

If Covid-19 enters the country from anyone who was not checked for a pre-departure test, then Jacinda Ardern and team should be held personably responsible for the consequences.

Ross Steele, Pt Howard

Opinion

en-nz

2021-07-24T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-07-24T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://stuff.pressreader.com/article/283699777532458

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