Covid-19: The Air Force worker stuck in the cycle of managed isolation
Royal New Zealand Air Force squadron leader Marcus Hogan is second in charge of the No 5 Squadron which flies P-3K2 Orions.
The 41-year-old pilot was deployed to Japan in December to patrol international waters in North Asia to detect vessels of interest and illicit ship to ship transfers.
The mission backed implementation of United Nations Security Council resolutions imposing sanctions against North Korea.
Hogan said he isolated for 14 days on arrival in Japan, operated under “level four lockdown” conditions for another four weeks, then returned home to another 14 days in managed isolation.
“You start going a bit stir crazy, then you stack up a couple of sets of isolation on that, and you start getting a bit twitchy,” the Whenuapai resident said.
Hogan packed his travel guitar, computer and books to keep busy.
He said some team members struggled with the long confinement “but we helped each other out, got some memes and some Viber groups going”.
The degree of discomfort from nose swabs depended on the skills and the speed of the person administering the test, he said.
During one “horrid” examination, a health worker was proceeding so slowly that Hogan started sneezing.
“Oh my word, it was uncomfortable. I was crying for about 10 minutes.”
The former airline pilot said before the pandemic, cabin crew and Orion personnel would typically spend their rest time abroad at the pool, going for a walk or doing something fun together.
“Now you talk to people on the aircraft, hop off and go to your own room and that’s the end of it.
“It definitely has taken a lot of that enjoyable social aspect out of it.”
Read about other air crew facing perpetual managed isolation here:
www.stuff.co.nz...
Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.
This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.
Do you think this ban is reasonable?
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76.3% Yes
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22.3% No
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1.4% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Chrstmas light show
Hi everyone.
I have put my Xmas lights up and am currently doing the final testing.
This is an animated show set to music, so drive by viewing is not the best.
There are speakers out so you will be able to hear the music that goes with the lights.
As last year, I will have my shows running from 1st of December until 31st of Dec inclusive.
As I have neighbours, Please respect them and their properties.
Show times will be,
Sunday to Thursday 9pm to 10pm.
Friday and Saturday 9pm to 10:30pm.
Last but not least the address.
28 Harrington Rd
Henderson.
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