There are seven new cases of Covid-19 today. All are in the community and there are no cases in managed isolation. Six cases are linked to the Auckland cluster and one case is being investigated. Video / Chris Tarpey
A quarantine hotel has been evacuated early this afternoon after the fire alarm went off.
Jet Park Hotel, near Auckland Airport, is being used as a quarantine facility for those who have tested positive for Covid-19 after returning from overseas and those affected by or linked with this week's communityoutbreak.
TVNZ reporter Anna Burns-Francis tweeted just after noon that those in quarantine were "spaced apart, but mixed (negatives and possible positives) outside".
"Don't expect any footage though - they're being told to delete photos and videos by police and quarantine staff."
But a person in quarantine at the hotel told the Herald they weren't aware of that occurring, and described the evacuation as well managed.
Jet Park Hotel near Auckland Airport is being used as a quarantine facility. Photo / Google Streetview
"[People] were all wearing face masks. Everyone was protected and there was large area to stand in. It wasn't congested."
The person didn't know why the alarm went off. There was no fire and those under quarantine had since returned to their rooms.
A spokesperson for managed isolation and quarantine said: "Today at 11.40am, a fire alarm, that has subsequently been assessed as faulty, triggered a temporary incident-free evacuation of the JetPark Hotel.
"Fire Emergency NZ (FENZ) and Police attended the facility before guests were able to return to their rooms by about 11.50am.
"All safety protocols including the use of PPE and social distancing was adhered to, with some family bubbles legitimately gathered together during the brief evacuation. Guests are asked to respect each other's privacy and the privacy of staff by not filming or photographing each other while at the facility."
Health Minister Chris Hipkins and Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield were asked about the evacuation during today's 1pm press conference.
He wasn't aware of the incident, but would look into it, Hipkins said.
Bloomfield said there were protocols in place to ensure people don't mix.
