Publication date: 3 June 2021
Reports into the in-facility transmission of COVID-19 at the Grand Millennium and Grand Mercure managed isolation facilities in Auckland earlier this year have been proactively released by MBIE and the Ministry of Health.
While it has not been possible to conclude with absolute certainty where and how transmission occurred, the reports conclude aerosol transmission is regarded as the most plausible pathway, among a range of ‘unlikely’ scenarios. A number of recommendations were made, with action in response well underway. This includes emptying out both the Grand Mercure and Grand Millennium and completing full, on-site assessments of the ventilation at these sites. The two facilities will remain unoccupied until such time as the necessary work has been completed. Remediation work at the Grand Mercure is almost complete. An extensive assessment of the Grand Millennium’s ventilation system has been done and a remediation plan is being developed.