Returning New Zealanders quarantined in Rotorua hotels are upset at the "big stressful mess" that's been created.
A woman who returned from Australia with her husband after he received cancer treatment were two of the 230 people onboard a bus that unexpectedly travelled to Rotorua at the last minute on Saturday.
The pair, neither of whom want to be identified, are staying at the Ibis, and were ordered on Wednesday morning to stay in their rooms.
The woman told Newshub everyone was "jammed in" on the bus, which is adding to the anxiety of not knowing whether they were travelling with a COVID-19 positive person - and it's taking its toll.
"All this stress is all adding to [my husband] not actually resting and healing the way he should be… It's just one big stressful mess."
Wednesday's update from Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield was light on detail with a potential case in Rotorua, but it was loaded with worrying possibilities. He confirmed the hotel's lockdown was likely a response to a positive COVID-19 case, or at the very least someone showing symptoms.
"That could be that there has been a case there. However, I'm only reporting on what came through from until 9am this morning. We will report from any cases that happen subsequently either in Rotorua or Christchurch or Auckland in tomorrow's report."
Rotorua became the new base for quarantine last weekend after Auckland reached capacity, and it's causing concern for local tourism operators who are now encouraging people not to be put off by the use of hotels as quarantine facilities.
Managing director of Velocity Valley Adrenaline Park Simon Short says there were "probably better alternatives" to having quarantine facilities in Rotorua, and he's now relying on the school holidays to boost sales to soften the blow of lockdown.
"Having this happen has certainly hindered what everyone's perception of Rotorua is going to be. On the other hand, we have to look after these people [in quarantine]. They're our people, they're Kiwis."
He has a message for Kiwis who may be nervous of a visit to Rotorua.
"There is no danger of it getting out. [It] doesn't mean Rotorua has it. If we look at it that way, then Auckland has it."
That sentiment is echoed with Rotorua Tourism CEO Andrew Wilson.
"The main concern is that we hope this just doesn't deter people from visiting over the holidays. So our operators are really looking forward to being able to extend a warm welcome to all New Zealanders."
An industry worried once more that COVID-19 has found a new way of threatening their livelihoods.
