A man has been arrested after attempting to escape a managed isolation facility in Auckland.
The 32-year-old unlawfully left the Crowne Plaza hotel on Albert Street in the CBD around 1pm on Thursday.
Air Commodore Darryn Webb said he was caught by police only 100 metres away.
"Defence Force staff verbally challenged the man as he attempted to follow them out a gate, claiming he was a worker. When asked for identification he allegedly refused, and exited onto Albert St.
"AVSEC and Police were immediately alerted, and two Defence Force staff followed the man down Albert St, maintaining a safe distance while doing so until a police officer arrived. The officer was wearing a mask and gloves.
"The man allegedly failed to stop, and was chased for a short distance and apprehended."
The man had only arrived on a flight from Brisbane on Wednesday July 29, and has not yet been tested for COVID-19.