Man arrested after cutting through fence to escape managed isolation in Hamilton

By MiNDFOOD

Man arrested after cutting through fence to escape managed isolation in Hamilton
A man has been arrested after he escaped from managed isolation in Hamilton, with authorities believing he broke free in order to go to the liquor store.

The man in his 50s was staying at the Distinction Hotel, where he cut through the ties on a 1.8-metre fence in order to leave the premises.

Police believe the man was gone from the hotel for around half an hour between 6.30pm and 7pm last night, and went to a liquor store on Te Rapa Road.

Authorities are checking CCTV footage to confirm the man’s movements and talking to local businesses who may have come into contact with him.

The liquor store on Te Rapa Road has cleaned its premises, and police ensured no one entered the store this morning until health officials confirmed it was safe to do so.

“Public health has provided advice to the store owner that this is a low-risk scenario and they do not have to close,” said Air Commodore Darryn Webb, head of managed isolation and quarantine.

“A review of CCTV footage at the managed isolation facility has confirmed there are no close contacts. Investigations at this point also indicate there were no close contacts outside the facility.”

The man arrived from Sydney on 1 July. He tested negative in his test on day three of managed isolation, and it has just been confirmed that a second test has come back negative.

He is due to appear in court later today. He is the third person to escape from managed isolation in New Zealand within a week.

Air Commodore Webb once again said these kinds of actions are “completely unacceptable”.

“Returnees are given clear instructions and information about what their responsibilities are,” he said.

“Managed isolation is a critical part in our defence against COVID-19, and it is up to each and every person entering this country to play their part and abide by the law …

“We take any breach of the COVID-19 rules very seriously. Wilfully leaving our facilities will not be tolerated, and the appropriate action will be taken.”

 

 

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