Document 2.pdf

Briefing
AirNZ New Zealand-domiciled aircrew on long haul routes
Date due to MO:  11 June 2021
Action required by:
18 June 2021
Security level:
IN CONFIDENCE
Health Report number:  20211320
To:
Hon Chris Hipkins, Minister for COVID-19 Response
Copy to:
Hon Andrew Little, Minister of Health
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Hon Kris Faafoi, Minister of Justice
Hon Michael Wood, Minister of Transport
Contact for telephone discussion
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Name
Position
Telephone
Dr Ashley Bloomfield  Director-General of Health
s 9(2)(a)
Maree Roberts
Deputy Director-General, System Strategy and Policy  s 9(2)(a)
Minister’s office to complete:
☐ Approved
☐ Decline
☐ Noted
☐ Needs change
☐ Seen
☐ Overtaken by events
☐ See Minister’s Notes
☐ Withdrawn
Comment:
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5.
On 18 May 2021, you were provided with advice on the Ministry’s plans for the phased
introduction of saliva PCR testing in conjunction with a nasopharyngeal PCR testing at
the border [HR 20211161 refers]. A prototype will begin in mid-June, before transitioning
to the full rollout to enable border workers who are currently on a seven-day testing
cycle to choose between the three testing regimes detailed at paragraph 17.
6.
We recommend the exemption from the higher risk routes self-isolation and testing
regime for AirNZ’s New Zealand-domiciled aircrew is made (HR 20211057 refers). From a
New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 perspective, the isolation and testing requirements
currently impose obligations on the affected aircrew that are no longer proportionate
from a public health perspective. Of note, we are also briefing you on the ability to
release New Zealand-domiciled aircrew where they are directed to managed quarantine
in HR 20211320 to support our public health approach to these aircrew members.
Recommendations
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We recommend you:
a) Note  the information provided on Air New Zealand’s long-haul aircrew’s Noted
vaccination rates and on the planned rol out of a diversified testing regime
c) Agree  the  exemption  from the higher risk route obligations for Air New Yes/No
Zealand’s regularly scheduled international air services  attached to HR
20211057
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d) Note that from New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 perspective, the current Noted
isolation and testing  requirements currently impose obligations on the
affected aircrew that are no longer proportionate from a public health
perspective.
Dr Ashley Bloomfield
Hon Chris Hipkins
Director-General of Health
Minister for COVID-19 Response
Date: 11/06/2021
Date:
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AirNZ New Zealand-domiciled aircrew on
long haul routes
Background
7.
On 24 May 2021, we briefed on you a range of matters associated with higher risk
routes, and the self-isolation and testing obligations imposed on New Zealand-
domiciled aircrew flying these routes [HR 20211057 refers]. We proposed making:
  amendments to the Air Border Order to enable a better approach to be taken to
designating higher risk routes and risk-assessing airlines flying these routes 1982
  al  long haul (over six hours) international routes classified as higher risk routes, to
address the risk of new airlines establishing routes, and that of charter and private
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flights.
8.
We also recommended that AirNZ New Zealand-domiciled aircrew on regularly
scheduled international air services be exempt from the isolation and testing
requirements associated with higher risk routes. If agreed, they would remain subject to
the Air Border Order and surveil ance testing under the Required Testing Order. This
means that they would continue to undergo a health check on return to New Zealand
and be subject to isolation or quarantine if they present with COVID-19-like symptoms.
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They would also be subject to seven-day surveil ance testing in New Zealand (in addition
to any testing undertaken while overseas)2.
9.
We made the recommendation to exempt AirNZ’s New Zealand-domiciled aircrew only
(not other aircrew), as we have undertaken a comprehensive public health assessment of
the airline’s compliance with the Standards on al  its long-haul international routes. A
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concern about the airline’s ability to comply with the Standards on its San Francisco and
Los Angeles route resulted in those routes being declared higher risk routes. AirNZ has
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addressed those concerns. It is fully compliant with the Standards across al  long-haul
international routes.
10.
The Standards set out the safety protocols for aircrew in-flight, in airports, for their travel
and accommodation while o
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contract COVID-19, and the risk that it is transmitted into the community upon their
return to New Zealand. The Standards do not rely on the vaccination status or testing of
aircrew, but on a range of measures that include the use of personal protective
equipment, physical distancing, and isolation from other aircrew and passengers during
lay-over while overseas.
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11.
Before agreeing our exemption recommendation, you requested advice on:
  confirmation that al  AirNZ international aircrew have been vaccinated
  more regular saliva tests in lieu of self-isolation.

2 For example, AirNZ aircrew travel ing to China are tested on arrival in that country. This is in addition to the testing
undertaken in New Zealand.

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