22 Oct 2021

Covid-19: Student criticises communication from officials

From Morning Report, 8:25 am on 22 October 2021

An Auckland high school student who tested positive for Covid-19 has criticised the delay in moving him into managed isolation - something he believes caused his 74-year-old mother to also contract the disease.

Mt Albert Grammar School deputy head boy Tali Meavale became infected as part of a cluster of cases at Māngere's Assembly of God church in August.

He says there was poor communication from health officials in explaining bubbles and close contacts in a way that would connect with the church's Samoan community.

He told RNZ's Anric Sitanilei his first three swabs were negative so he went shopping with his mother.