Number of returned travellers given permission to skip hotel quarantine

A number of returned travellers have been allowed to skip hotel quarantine after international flights returned to Melbourne — here’s why.

One returned traveller has been allowed to skip hotel quarantine every fortnight since international flights returned to Melbourne in April.

The Herald Sun has confirmed six travellers have been granted exemptions from completing the mandatory 14-day quarantine while a further 998 requests were refused.

It is understood each of the exemptions was granted on medical grounds.

The Herald Sun has also been told at least one of the returned travellers arrived in Melbourne from India.

But the state government has refused to detail the country of departure for international arrivals, or the reasons exemptions were granted citing privacy concerns.

“Exemptions from hotel quarantine, or to undertake quarantine in another location, are granted by the Department of Health on a case-by-case basis,” a Department of Health spokeswoman said.

“They are only granted in exceptional circumstances.

“Grounds for exemption include certain medical reasons, travelling interstate for medical or compassionate reasons, unaccompanied minors, foreign diplomats and their family and maritime crew members.”

A returned travellers arrives at the InterContinental Hotel in Melbourne for their 14 day quarantine period. Picture : Ian Currie

The spokeswoman said since the resumption of flights on April 7 the Department of Health had received 1004 requests to alter the 14-day mandatory quarantine.

Of these, four completed quarantine at home under strict conditions and supervision, while the other two applicants did not progress with their application.

The spokeswoman said applications were reviewed to limit the risk of spreading coronavirus and must be made in writing.

Opposition police spokesman David Southwick called on the government to fully disclose exemption details.

“Victorians expect a level of transparency and accountability from their government and to date they have seen neither,” he said.

“When decisions like this can have such a devastating impact on our lives, the Andrews Labor government must stop its secrecy and come clean on quarantine exemptions.

“Victorians watched as numerous Labor ministers dodged accountability and threw others under the bus during the Coate Inquiry, it appears nothing has changed.”

The state government has ruled out home quarantine as a wider option for returned travellers despite it being a recommendation from its own Hotel Quarantine inquiry.

Premier Daniel Andrews has said the option is not supported by the National Cabinet.