No exemptions from border rules given on compassionate grounds

None of the travellers returning to New Zealand to see a family member who is close to dying have been allowed out of managed isolation.

So far 24 people have applied for an exemption to visit someone dying or close to dying and all have been turned down.

In some cases the traveller was still in isolation when their relative died.

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About 50 other people who applied for an exemption from the mandatory 14-day isolation on other compassionate grounds were also rejected.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has spoken of needing to avoid a "double tragedy" if a traveller were to spread the virus.

The Ministry of Health said the border rules could be "very distressing" but it was taking a precautionary approach.

Among those turned down for a dispensation from managed isolation were two sisters from Melbourne who spoke to RNZ last week about travelling to be with their dying mother.

Officials have been looking at the controls as the country moves toward level 2 and what could be put in place to manage the risk.

Since border controls were tightened 28 March, 6355 travellers have been required to stay in managed isolation in Auckland hotels and quarantine facilities, paid for by the government.

About half have completed their isolation.

Of the total, 296 have applied for an exemption from having their isolation managed this way, and 29 have been granted.

Exemptions granted:16 on medical grounds5 medivacs - unwell people going straight to hospital1 exceptional circumstances (left managed isolation 16 hours early to get transport)2 transit (collecting children and leaving the country)2 unaccompanied minors (parent or guardian joining them in managed isolation)2 essential worker exemptions1 extradition (to isolate in prison rather than a hotel)

Read more about the Covid-19 coronavirus:Your Covid-19 questions answered - from health and employment to managing anxietyA timeline: How the coronavirus started, spread and stalled life in New ZealandCovid-19 symptoms: What they are and how they make you feelScientific hand-washing advice to avoid infection