Coronavirus detainee says little concern shown for welfare

UPDATED: Locked in a hotel room for two weeks, guarded by police, meals dropped at your door: welcome to quarantine detention in Tasmania.

WELCOME: Former Tasmania Police assistant commissioner Glenn Frame, right, is taken into the Travelodge in Cambridge to start his mandatory two-week quarantine. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

PEOPLE being detained by the government after arriving from interstate are being confined to hotel rooms 24 hours a day with little concern being shown for their needs or welfare, one detainee says.

Former Tasmania police assistant commissioner Glenn Frame arrived in Hobart yesterday and is now among more than 90 people who have been detained for 14 days after arriving from interstate.

Premier Peter Gutwein this morning said around 90 hotel rooms around the state were being occupied by people who were under mandatory detention after arriving interstate.

The measure is among those introduced to contain the spread of coronavirus.

MORE ARRIVALS: JQ707 arrives at Hobart from Melbourne on Tuesday. Picture: CHRIS KIDD

Mr Frame was caught up in rapidly-changing quarantine rules after his original flight was cancelled — and is now being kept under guard at the Hobart Airport Travelodge for the next two weeks.

“Our only crime was trying to fly with Jetstar who cancelled weekend flights meaning we didn’t beat the deadline,” Mr Frame said.

Tasmania Police investigation results in raft of firearms and burglary charges

“If I have to stay in here, I have to stay in here, but the lack of information and concern has been really disappointing.

“The detention is frustrating but the lack of contact and incorrect information by government officials is disgraceful. A true lack of leadership. No doubt if I was a criminal, I would get bail.

JQ707 arrives at Hobart from Melbourne, police prepare for arrival. Picture: CHRIS KIDD

“No contact number or email [has been] provided. No inquiring whether you need anything. No caring for the mental or physical welfare of those innocent people who are locked up 24/7 in a small room.

“When you have to do things like this, you can do them with compassion and empathy. This has been done without compassion and empathy.”

Everything you need to know about how coronavirus impacts your life

He said a group of returning fly-in fly-out workers arriving from interstate were allowed to go home to self-isolate, but everyone else on the Jetstar flight from Melbourne was bundled up on buses and taken to the hotel.

“It’s a pretty traumatic experience for anyone to be forced to be locked up for 14 days,” he said.

Coronavirus: Virgin Australia may not get $1.4b bailout as it considers closing Tigerair base

“There were people who didn’t know they were going to be detained and no one has been in touch to say ‘how are you travelling, do you need anything?

“The lack of information and concern has been very disappointing.

“I was happy to self-isolate. I was happy to play by the rules, but at least treat me like a human being.

“I’ve charged people with rape and murder who have been treated better than we are.”

A Tasmanian Government spokesman said tough measures had to be taken to protect Tasmanians’ health and safety.

“All those arriving and going into government provided quarantine receive information prior to landing and information on arrival.

“There are also staff on the ground when passengers arrive to inform and assist people with explaining the arrangements.

“Those in quarantine have access to food, laundry services and wifi, they can still access medical supplies and/or medications. If individuals need further support, we will ensure it’s provided.”

[e-mail]