Melbourne security guard who raised alarm about quarantine breach says he was just doing his job

The security guard at Melbourne Airport who raised the alarm over a quarantine breach says he was just “at the right place at the right time”

A switched-on security guard who raised the alarm about two German travellers who’d mistakenly bypassed quarantine says he was just doing his job.

Claudio Cominotto, who was working at Melbourne Airport on Saturday afternoon when the mum and teenage son approached asking where to quarantine, immediately alerted duty manager Peter Mikha.

The hero duo, who have worked together for seven years, have been praised for averting a potential virus disaster.

Mr Cominotto, among about 180 people forced to isolate over the scare, exclusively told the Herald Sun: “I was just at the right place at the right time and doing my job.”

“Even though we seem to be past the worst of it, it’s so important for us to remain vigilant,’’ Mr Cominotto said.

“At the end of the day, I was doing my part in keeping everyone safe.”

Security guard Claudio Cominotto, appearing via video call, and duty manager Peter Mikha have been praised for their quick action when two German travellers landed at Melbourne without quarantining in Sydney. Picture: Jason Edwards

Mr Cominotto, a security veteran who’s also worked at quarantine hotels which didn’t cause outbreaks, was assisting travellers with taxis and buses outside the Terminal 3 arrivals area when he discovered the breach.

Mr Mikha himself donned personal protective equipment and went to investigate.

He was so astounded on hearing what had happened he asked Mr Cominotto to double check the information.

The mum and son had flown from Germany to Tokyo and then Sydney where they even asked police at the airport about quarantining only to be directed to Melbourne.

“Claudio was approached by the two German travellers asking him: ‘Where can we go to quarantine?’,’’ Mr Mikha said.

“He said to them: ‘Look, we don’t have any quarantine facilities at the moment at Melbourne because we’re not taking international flights so how did you come here?’

“I was shocked. I had a headache for a couple of days just trying to think: ‘How did this happen?’.”

Mr Cominotto had to isolate as a precaution.

International travellers began landing in Melbourne again on Monday. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Ian Currie

The Wilson Security colleagues caught up via video call on Monday and plan to share a drink outside work when eventually reunited in person.

“I’m very impressed,’’ Mr Mikha said.

“Claudio has done amazing work. He is very switched on.

“It does show that our job is very, very much needed.

“We will have a few beers and as Dan Andrews says we will go to the top shelf.”

Wilson Security chief executive officer Nick Frangoulis said the company would be recognising Mr Cominotto and Mr Mikha for doing such an amazing job.

“It is moments like these that make you especially proud of our people and the work they do,’’ Mr Frangoulis said.

“It is especially satisfying to see the recognition for both Claudio and Peter in managing such a complex, but significant matter which could have affected us all.

“The way Claudio and Peter promptly responded to this situation is a testament to them as individuals, and something for which all Victorians should be incredibly thankful.”

The travellers — who will remain in mandatory quarantine for 14 days — tested negative for a second time on Monday afternoon.

Authorities were contacting 179 close contacts — including Mr Cominotto, 168 passengers, four crew and two pilots — to inform them they can “end their current period of isolation”.