20 Oct 2021

Covid-19 updates: Fines handed out to North Shore partygoers

6:09 pm on 20 October 2021

Police have started handing out fines to those who attended a North Shore house party over the weekend and is advising anyone who was at the gathering to come forward. See how the day's news unfolded with RNZ's live blog.

A 28-year-old man has already been charged over the mass gathering at a Redvale property, and police have started issuing infringement notices.

In a statement, police said six infringements have now been issued and one Youth Aid referral made.

"Police expect further infringements to be issued and we are continuing to identify individuals who attended.

"Police are advising those who were present at this gathering that rather than wait for police to come to them, there is an opportunity to take accountability for their own actions and contact police about this matter."

Meanwhile, a woman with Covid-19 who fled from her Auckland home last night while being escorted by MIQ security has handed herself in to police.

Three positive Covid-19 cases - including the woman - who were staying at an Auckland managed isolation facility allegedly absconded last night.

The woman who had arrived from hospital asked to return home briefly shortly before 10pm yesterday. A security detail accompanied her and she was given 10 minutes to retrieve items, but when security checked, they found she had disappeared from the house.

The woman is now being transported by police in full PPE back to the Auckland District Custody Unit in Mt Eden to appear in the Manukau District Court tomorrow. She has been charged with failing to comply with a health order.

In yesterday's other escape attempt, two people left at about 5.40pm and were taken into custody five minutes later - after being seen leaving the managed isolation facility. The Ministry of Health believes the public health risk is low.

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