The British DJ accused of breaching self-isolation says since-deleted Instagram photos of himself on a Waiheke Beach were taken at taken at an approved "private address" and removed them because he was receiving hate and abuse.
Dimension, AKA Robert Etheridge, earlier confirmed he has the Omicron variant of COVID-19 but said he understood he'd completed his self-isolation requirements.
- Watch Thursday's COVID-19 press conference LIVE from 11am at Newshub.co.nz
On Wednesday afternoon, the Ministry of Health revealed an Omicron case had been active in the community - visiting multiple locations in Auckland's CBD.
The ministry said the case arrived on a flight from the UK on December 16 and after three negative tests in managed isolation, was allowed to complete their final three days in self-isolation.
But the ministry said they didn't wait for their negative day nine test result before leaving self-isolation, as required, and went on to visit multiple venues including a nightclub.
A source later told Newshub that person was Dimension. He's since confirmed he has COVID-19, saying he's "devastated that after 10 days of isolation, I tested positive for Omicron in New Zealand".
Etheridge said he showed no symptoms throughout his time in quarantine.
"In line with the Government rules, I was in managed isolation for seven days followed by three days of home isolation," he said in a statement posted on Instagram.
"After completing my 10 day isolation, and of the understanding that I had completed my quarantine, I entered the community.
"To my shock and enormous concern, I unexpectedly received a positive test on day 12, two days after my isolation period had ended."
Dimension had earlier photos to social media on Christmas Day showing him on a Waiheke Beach but since deleted them. In an update to his Instagram statement later on Thursday morning, he said the images were taken at a private address approved by the Ministry of Health.
"As a result of my name being revealed in the media, I received many comments of hate and abuse, therefore I felt the need to remove the post in that moment.
"I want to reiterate my apologies to those who I have inadvertently put at risk as a result of my misunderstandings. I realise the gravity of the situation and I am deeply regretful to those who have been impacted; including members of the public, event organisers and close contacts."
Etheridge was in New Zealand to play at Wānaka's Rhythm and Alps festival but has since withdrawn. Another British DJ, Friction, and Kiwi drum and base duo Lee Mvtthews have also had to withdraw due to being close contacts. Friction posted on Instagram he had received a negative test result but was isolating as a precaution.
COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins is due to front a press conference at 11am to provide an update.
