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National | Managed Isolation

Person smashes window, climbs fence to escape managed isolation

A person in their late 60s has smashed a window and climbed a fence to escape managed isolation at an Auckland hotel and then set about knocking on residents doors around midnight. The person is now under guard back at the facility after a resident called 111.

Air Commodore Darryn Webb in a media statement this afternoon said police are investigating the incident in which the person absconded for a short period of time late Friday night from the Waipuna Hotel managed isolation facility in Auckland.

The individual, who is symptom free, tested negative for their day 3 test, after arriving in New Zealand on 4 July. Their next scheduled test is due on around day 12.

The Covid-19 health risk has been assessed as very low, Public Health advise.

The individual is now under guard in the facility. Investigations at this point also indicate there were no close contacts outside the facility. Standard Covid-19 procedures are being followed for police and staff who were in contact with the individual.

Air Commodore Webb says, "The individual broke and climbed out of a window in their room and climbed perimeter fencing to abscond. They were last seen at the facility at around 11pm. They were picked up by police at about 12.15am and immediately returned to the facility where they were put under guard. The individual had allegedly knocked on three residents’ doors while outside the facility. The first property did not answer. The second property called 111. At the third property the individual apparently spoke to a couple."

Public health will be talking to local residents to reassure them of the low risk and provide any advice.

The individual is being offered health and welfare support.

Anyone who has concerns about their health should call Healthline on 0800 358 5453.