Dubbo Photo News 13.01.2022

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KIWI KERFUFFLE COUPLE’S OBSTACLES OVER OMICRON

Anna Rouse, her husband Damian and their five-month-old son Gabriel have been visiting family in Wellington for Christmas. PHOTO: DUBBO PHOTO NEWS/ COLIN ROUSE

By TIJANA BIRDJAN SINCE arriving in Australia six weeks ago, the Omicron variant has disrupted family gatherings, Christmas and New Year celebrations. In the past among the easiest to navigate, New Zealand and Australian border restrictions have rapidly tightened over the past two years but were set to again ease on January 17 prior to the introduction of Omicron. To enter the New Zealand borders travellers are required to apply for Manage Isolation Quarantine (MIQ) to secure one of 2000 rooms to isolate in when they return from overseas travel.

New Zealand resident Anna Rouse – formerly of Wellington and home to see family for the festive season – said there are more than 15,000 people applying for a MIQ room. Anna, her husband Damian and their five-month-old son Gabriel were fortunate enough to reserve a room from Thursday, January 13 when they return from their Aussie visit. Ms Rouse said they entered Australia on December 3 and were required to isolate for three days then do a PCR test on day six. “We tried to avoid Sydney as much as we could to enjoy our trip,” Ms Rouse said. “It was really hard for us be-

cause our son Gabriel had to get tested six times while in Australia. “As a mum, I was extremely anxious as he doesn’t have vaccines and can’t wear a mask so we had to protect him the best we could while travelling.” After leaving Sydney the trio travelled to Tasmania to meet her husband’s family. “The flight there was scary,” she said. “Police came on the plane and escorted six people out of the plane, probably for not having the correct documentation. “No one knew what was going on.” Once they arrived in Tasmania, the Omicron outbreak surged through the Apple Isle during the

Christmas period. “We’ve been really lucky as we have been able to see everyone and haven’t been a close contact to any positive cases,” she said. Anna and her family have recently been in Wellington spending time with her parents. “This is the first time my family has met our son, so it is great he got to meet his grandparents, aunties and uncles,” she said. “My sister has also recently had her first baby so I’m happy to be here and give her extra support.” Anna does not have any family in New Zealand, having moved there with her husband for a job opening. “I haven’t seen my family for

two years so thank God we came, but this trip has been very anxiety driven. “It is scary not knowing what is going to happen and where it is so we’re very lucky we have avoided it so far.” On their return to New Zealand, the family is required purchase an $80 PCR test to receive a letter to prove their negative results 48 hours before their flight. “The rest of the world is opening so it’s very difficult to see that Australia and New Zealand still have very tight borders,” she said. “Even when I was enjoying time with my family, I always had constant anxiety at the back of my mind about future uncertainties.”

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