An investigation is underway after a person absconded from a managed isolation facility in Auckland on Monday.
"This morning at approximately 8:20am, on-site security staff at the managed isolation facility at the Ramada Federal Street, located a number of sheets tied together hanging from a window of a fourth-floor room at the rear of the building," an MBIE statement reads.
"The police investigation is at an early stage, and initial indications are that this person has absconded by exiting via a fourth story window and climbing down a makeshift rope, which is clearly an extremely dangerous act."
Shortly afterwards, the man reappeared at the front gate.
"He was immediately taken into custody by police and he currently remains at the facility under questioning," MBIE says in its statement.
"Security at the facility has been reviewed and immediate improvements have been made following this incident."
'Low public health risk'
Public Health says the COVID-19 health risk from the man's escape has been "assessed as low".
"The man returned from Australia on a deportation flight on 16 September, and tested negative following his day three and day 12 tests. He is on day 12 of his stay," the statement states. "He has been asymptomatic throughout his stay."
It's unknown what time the man managed to escape, and police are reviewing CCTV to work out where the man went while he was outside the facility.
"While this person's exact movements are still being determined, immediate enquiries were conducted in the vicinity, which have not established any particular businesses or properties entered by the abscondee at this point," MBIE says.
"This person has put themselves and others at potential risk and their actions were unacceptable. Wilfully leaving our facilities will not be tolerated, and the appropriate action will be taken."
