Tasmanian police continue to investigate a COVID-19 positive man from Albury who allegedly fled hotel quarantine after arriving in the state.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The state was recently placed in a lockdown after Timothy Andrew Gunn allegedly fled for about 18 hours after entering the state without permission.
Another person allegedly helped him leave the Hobart hotel.
The Albury man, 31, was said to have been non-compliant with restrictions, including mask wearing, and uncooperative with authorities after being caught.
The southern part of the state was locked down after the incident, which was lifted at 6pm on Monday.
Tasmania Police on Monday told The Border Mail the matter was still being investigated.
Mr Gunn has already been fined more than $1300 for breaching quarantine, with other fines possible.
Premier Peter Gutwein on Monday said the state had been fortunate to avoid any further spread, which could change as his close contacts were tested.
Mr Gunn may be sent back to NSW after he is released from quarantine.
"That's obviously a matter for police," the premier said.
"They'll work through those matters."
IN OTHER NEWS
- 'No major exposures' in Albury, MLHD 'can cope' with the outbreak
- All the known exposure sites in the Southern Riverina and North East
- Lavington cricketer tests positive to COVID, attended training last week
- Education Department gives Jindera and Lavington school opening update
- Wodonga testing clinics at capacity, Indie School an exposure site
At an earlier press conference, Mr Gutwein said authorities had struggled to trace his movements.
"Unfortunately the COVID positive man who absconded from hotel quarantine has not been co-operative, leading into inconsistencies and non-disclosure of information," he said on Friday.
The 31-year-old had been released from jail in NSW last month after being sentenced in Albury Local Court.
Magistrate Richard Funston imposed a four-month jail term on July 14 on a charge of contravening an apprehended violence order, which had been due to expire on September 26.
He was also sentenced on a charge of ice possession.
Tasmanians have taken to social media to vent their frustrations in recent days.
The southern state has largely been COVID-free all year with only three cases.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter: @bordermail
- Follow us on Instagram @bordermail
- Follow us on Google News