Some of us find it challenging to follow rules, regulations, or instructions. So too do others find it difficult when these are new, change, misunderstood or inconsistent. And so, it is the same with our current dilemma in New Zealand of people 'escaping' from our so termed Managed Isolation facilities.
In my humble opinion, rules, regulations, or instructions must be as clear and simple as possible. They must also be delivered in various formats and account for age and language capabilities. Additionally, the person hearing, reading, AND watching the rules, regulations or instructions must be in a sound cognitive state.
Let's look at the term Managed Isolation and what that might mean for a returning New Zealander. The Oxford dictionary defines the word manage as "to take charge of" and the word 'isolation' means simply, alone. Therefore, we are telling people that "we will be in charge of them being alone".
What if the term was changed to 'Supported Separation' or 'Supported Prevention'. The simple act of changing the term 'social distancing' to 'physical distancing' comforted a lot of us, could Supported Separation do the same for returning Kiwis?
Some people do not enjoy having restrictions imposed on them, it feels uncomfortable at best. Tell a child not to touch something and chances are they will want to. Similarly, how many of us felt restricted when we were told not to go hunting, fishing, or to travel across town during Level 4. We might not have been going to do any of those things but the mere fact that someone said 'you are no longer allowed to' compelled us to want to.
When we introduce new rules into our workplaces, how long does it take before everyone complies, often it is a month or two. So to it is for those who are returning to NZ. Moreover, if we change existing rules, regulations or instructions there is great difficulty in making such changes. Those monitoring compliance of the rules, regulations or instructions in the facilities have had many changes made to their operational procedures over recent weeks.
Now let's look at the facilities themselves. Imagine if you were told upon arriving into a country that you were being taken to a 4-star hotel were you would be 'quarantined' for two weeks. Two weeks in a flash hotel with free room service and internet might sound appealing, but what about if you had been stuck overseas for many weeks trying to get home to your family. Or, wanting to visit a family member who is dying. Or, if you had an addiction or health issue. Or...
You arrive at your wonderful hotel to find it surrounded by 2-metre high fencing shrouded in black sheeting with people dressed in a variety of uniforms guarding the perimeter. And some were police officers. Is that what you expected?
"Everyone else had to do it" you tell yourself. "If 33,000 other people could do it, I can. After all, it's only two weeks". Then you find out that those 33,000 other people weren't in the same managed isolation as you are today. You hear that the very first returnees were placed in camper vans on the picturesque Whangapararoa peninsula? And then you find out that some people did go shopping, did get out, but they never got caught until the media highlighted gaps in the system.
How many of us during Level 4 had wonderful ideas of reading books we always wanted to read, binge-watching a series, finishing that painting job, and the myriad of other tasks that we had set ourselves. Did you do any of those? If you did, do you remember the stories or the challenges you found in doing them? Possibly not.
At Level 4 we had restrictions, we complied, but how many of us truly complied to the exact rules, regulations or instructions set for us. You kept your distance, you drove only to the shops and back, and you never met with anyone from outside of your immediate bubble. I venture to say some of us may not have.
How then can we ensure that returnees comply with the rules, regulations or instructions. Threats and sanctions? These work for most people, or so we may think. Who reading this post has never erred against a rule, regulation or instruction. Many countries have a high penalty for murder yet it never stops murders from occurring. The carrot tends to work better these days, more so than the stick.
Engaged communication is the key to success in most situations we we are asking people to comply with a rule, regulation or instruction. Importantly, explaining why the rules, regulations or instructions are necessary, rather than just saying - "Here are the rules, regulations or instructions".
Rules, regulations or instructions are there for two main reasons - to keep us safe or for fairness. In the case of returnees, we can use both as the main point of what we asking them to do.
"You are being taken to a Supported Separation hotel where you will remain to ensure the safety of yourselves and all New Zealanders. The restrictions are the same for everyone returning and we cannot stress enough that we have eliminated Covid-19 community transmission because of the sacrifice we have all made and that you are now making".
I am certain that not everyone will agree with what I have proposed. What I ask of you if you disagree, has what we have done so far worked? I recall a saying that our Prime Minister used, "We are all in this together". Changing 'I' and 'Me, to 'Us' and 'We' brings us closer.
Let's talk!