Australian traveller facing $50,000 fine for sneaking out of quarantine
A man is facing fines of up to $50,000 for allegedly sneaking out of a coronavirus quarantine hotel after he travelled interstate.
The 35-year-old arrived in Western Australia on March 28 from Victoria and was legally required to self-isolate to two weeks to slow the spread of COVID-19.
He was given a hotel room in Perth to stay at until the 14 days were up on April 13, but allegedly left the property on multiple occasions.
WA Police said he allegedly wedged open a fire door and used it to creep in and out without being seen by police.
He then allegedly used public transport to travel within the metropolitan area – potentially infecting others with the deadly virus.
He was arrested and charged on Sunday with two counts of failure to comply with directions.
“The man remains in custody as he was refused bail on the basis that he will likely continue or repeat the offense, which endangers another person’s safety,” said WA Police in a statement.
Fines breaking quarantine in WA range between $5,000 to $50,000.