A 32-year-old man who today tested positive for Covid-19 will be charged after absconding from a managed isolation facility in Auckland last night to go to the supermarket.
Head of Managed Isolation and Quarantine Air Commodore Darryn Webb says the man escaped through a fenced area at the Stamford Plaza when he was out smoking, about 6.50pm last night.
He says security attempted to follow the man but couldn't find him.
Police were called immediately, and enquiries were underway to locate the man, before he returned to the facility where he was then interviewed by Police.
Enquires established the man went to Countdown on Victoria Street West and purchased items at a self-service checkout, before returning to the hotel 10 minutes later.
The man, who is a New Zealand citizen, arrived from New Delhi on third of July, and will appear in court at a later date.Â
Public health officials are conducting interviews to assess the risk, but it's currently deemed low.
They say the man didn't come into close contact in the hour he was away from the facility, from 7pm to 8pm.
The Countdown is being thoroughly cleaned and Covid tests are being provided for supermarket staff.
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