The New Zealand government will put police outside hotels used to isolate returning Kiwis after a second escapee in a week.
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On Tuesday night, a man skipped out of his Auckland hotel and headed to an inner-city supermarket, browsing the aisles and taking selfies in contravention of New Zealand's strict health orders.
The 32-year-old man, who returned to New Zealand from India and like all international arrivals had been ordered to isolate for a fortnight, subsequently tested positive to coronavirus.
Health Minister Chris Hipkins says the man faces charges from his actions, which also threatens the country's COVID-free status.
Store workers and shoppers in the supermarket on Tuesday night - including a prominent television journalist - are now self-isolating in the hope of containing the virus.
The government has responded by ensuring a police officer will be at each of New Zealand's hotels used for isolating returning Kiwis.
New Zealand has not had a case of COVID-19 outside of its border regime for two months.
On Thursday, health authorities announced three new cases of COVID-19, who will be moved from a 'managed isolation' hotel to a 'quarantine' hotel.
New Zealand has 24 active cases, none of which require hospital-level care.
Australian Associated Press
