Breakout, Corona Style

Social media users have lambasted a man who left his managed isolation facility and later tested positive for COVID-19. The offender, who is in his 30s, broke isolation protocol by leaving Auckland's Stamford Plaza to visit Countdown Victoria St in the CBD on Tuesday night. His virus test came back positive yesterday morning. The man escaped through a fenced area at the hotel that was being replaced while he was outside for a smoke, head of managed isolation and quarantine Air Commodore Darryn Webb said. As a result, all fencing at managed isolation facilities will be replaced with six-feet-high fences. A review is also being undertaken of the arrangements for smokers and the security in smoking areas. The offender will be charged under the COVID-19 Public Health Response Act and could face six months in jail and/or a $4000 fine. This was an utterly selfish and reckless thing to do. It sets back the hard work of all Kiwis over the last few months. If you are going to come home, you should be prepared to abide by the rules that keep us all safe.