According to an image being shared on social media, a fine of $300 was issued in the first week of January 2022 for Covid testing non-compliance in New Zealand. It violates inalienable rights and freedoms to enforce medical procedures and when courts threaten fundamental rights because of disobedience to diktats it’s an indication the system is not working to the benefit of the people but for someone or something else.
The first fines for non-compliance with Covid-19 testing requirements were issued in July 2021 to 18 border workers. Routine Covid-19 testing had been mandatory for workers in specific roles at New Zealand’s sea and air borders and at MIQ facilities since August 2020.
The Ministry of Health’s director of public health Caroline McElnay said moving from monitoring to enforcement was a precautionary but necessary approach to keep Covid-19 out of the community, the New Zealand Herald reported at the time.
What is more sinister than the penalties for not complying with diktats to use tests – which are unable to detect live infection and are therefore meaningless in controlling the spread of an infectious disease – are the threats noted at the bottom of the penalty notice:
“If you don’t pay or arrange payment the court can:
issue a warrant for your arrest
Suspend your driver’s licence
Seize and sell your property, or take money from your income or bank account
Report your overdue fine as part of your credit reference check – meaning you may or may not be able to get a loan, credit card or hire purchase
Restrict your ability to sell property
Stop you from travelling overseas”