IWK Explainer: What is Community Supported Isolation and Quarantine (CIQ) system?

Covid-19 traffic light system comes into effect today

What is Community Supported Isolation and Quarantine (CIQ) system?

In the light of a new report released by Northern Region Health Coordination Centre (NRHCC) affirming that the two deaths of self-isolating people in Auckland could have potentially been prevented, it is important that everyone has a better understanding about the new Community Supported Isolation and Quarantine (CIQ) system.

This system is already in place (set up by the Ministry of Health and having recently received government’s additional $300 million funding) and supporting self-isolating people.

However, the government is envisaging that as we move to the traffic light system, reduce restrictions and remove the Auckland boundary, people will be travelling around the country in the months to come and we will potentially see more cases across the country.

Care in the Community model

The Covid Care in the Community model provides the framework for how the end-to-end community support will be provided as cases increase throughout the country, and sets out the expectations of health and welfare providers.

For someone with Covid-19 who can isolate at home, Care in the Community will include the following: 

• An initial contact from a healthcare provider within 24 hours of a positive result notification, to discuss any health, accommodation and wellbeing requirements. Household contacts will also need to isolate, they’ll be supported with health advice and getting tested as well.
• A designated point of contact, most likely from a local healthcare provider, who will be responsible for looking out for the person’s health and wellbeing needs, including making a plan for checking in regularly while the person is infected.
• A health pack tailored to the individual’s health needs delivered within 48 hours to help the person manage recovery.
• Ongoing clinical monitoring over the duration of the isolation period to make sure the person is coping with symptoms and is safe to continue being cared for in the community.
• A health assessment on Day 10 to determine whether the person can safely end time in isolation.

At this point, household contacts will need to stay at home for at least 10 days, to make sure they remain free from the virus. The household's dedicated health contact will continue to check in on them during this time.