Man breaches hotel quarantine to have a cigarette in Sydney CBD

A man has been charged after attempting to flee hotel quarantine when he was caught leaving his room for a cigarette today.

About 2.35am (Sunday 19 July 2020), a 28-year-old man currently completing a mandatory, 14-day quarantine period at a hotel on Macquarie Street, Sydney, was seen attempting to leave his room by security.

After being advised to return to his room, the man refused, and allegedly attempted to leave the hotel via the lift when he was stopped by police.

After a short, physical struggle with officers, the man was restrained and returned to his hotel room.

The Queensland man will be served a Future Court Attendance Notice for the offences of resist police officer in execution of duty and failing to comply with the Public Health Act Order.

Police will allege the man breached the 14-day mandatory quarantine required to be completed by returned international travellers, as per the Public Health (COVID-19 Air Transportation Quarantine) Order 2020.

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