Venkat Raman
Auckland, April 4, 2020
The New Zealand government is providing accommodation for self-isolation to foreign travellers and residents affected by the Covid-10 pandemic.
‘Temporary Accommodation Service’ (TAS) is a facility established within the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) to provide temporary accommodation those in need.
The service is provided in conjunction with other government agencies at a cost.
Eligibility criteria
Visiting travellers and people who are required to self-isolate but cannot do so in their own homes can access the service.
“Under the government’s COVID-19 Alert Level 4, everyone currently in New Zealand must now self-isolate – you must only make physical contact with those with who you live. Further information on what this means in practice can be found on the COVID-19 website,” a notification said.
The Ministry Statement said that a TAS team member will work with those in need to understand their housing needs, identify temporary self-isolation accommodation options, and provide guidance on how to access support services.
Registration process
Names can be registered on freephone 0508-754163.
Following registration, a TAS team member will contact applicants, access their needs and work with them to find suitable temporary self-isolation accommodation.
“Those tested COVID-19 positive, been exposed to someone who has tested positive or have cold or flu-like symptoms, should call the Health Ministry on 0800-3585453 first. People developing COVID-19 symptoms after starting self-isolation such as a cough, fever, shortness of breath, sneezing or a runny nose, should call their GP (doctor). If they do not have a GP, they should call the Health Ministry,” the notification said.
The Cost
Temporary accommodation comes with a cost and the TAS team will work each individual who uses the service about how to meet this cost.
If people cannot meet the costs for temporary accommodation themselves or through the support of other agencies, they will still be supported through TAS with suitable temporary accommodation. This helps ensure the safety and wellbeing of everyone in the response to COVID-19.
Please read about self-isolation.
The dedicated government COVID-19 website has everything you need to know COVID-19 website.
Those in need of TAS, please visit Self-isolating in temporary accommodation factsheet.
Further information and support
Visitors to New Zealand may please contact their High Commission, Embassy or Consulate.
New Zealand citizens and residents on low income or benefit, can contact Work and Income.
Source: Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment
