Hobart Travelodge Hotel guests evacuated into street for second time in less than two weeks

UPDATED: One of Hobart’s quarantine hotels has been evacuated – for the second time in two weeks. SEE THE PHOTOS AND COMMENTS FROM EVACUEES >>

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QUARANTINED guests at Hobart’s Travelodge Hotel were evacuated into the street for the second time in less than two weeks.

Travelodge Hotel Hobart which is being used as a quarantine hotel evacuated on Sunday 26th July 2020. Picture: JOSH AGNEW/PULSE FM HOBART

Early Sunday afternoon, people spilt out onto Collins St wearing personal protection equipment, with police and the Tasmania Fire Service on the scene.

Travelodge Hotel Hobart was evacuated on Sunday 26th July 2020. Picture: JOSH AGNEW/PULSE FM HOBART

A Tasmania Police spokeswoman said smoke in one of the guests rooms had triggered the fire alarm, but the incident had since been cleared.

On July 17, an alarm was sparked by an overheated microwave.

Travelodge Hotel Hobart which is being used as a quarantine hotel evacuated on Sunday 26th July 2020. Picture: JOSH AGNEW/PULSE FM HOBART

The hotel, in Macquarie Street, is one of a handful around the state being used to quarantine people who arrive in Tasmania from interstate in line with COVID-19 border restrictions.

Evacuated guests said they smelled something like burnt toast as they left the building via the stairs.

Quarantine hotel Travelodge Hotel Hobart was evacuated on Sunday 26th July 2020. Picture: JOSH AGNEW/PULSE FM HOBART

People who spoke to Pulse FM as they waited outside during the evacuation were generally in good spirits.

“You’ve got to do what you’ve got to do to make sure we don’t end up like Victoria. It’s pretty good, the meals are good, it’s a bit boring but it is what it is,” said one man in quarantine at the hotel.

“It’s not too bad. The food is not amazing but what do you expect catering for this many people?” another man said.

Travelodge Hotel Hobart which is being used as a quarantine hotel evacuated on Sunday 26th July 2020. Picture: JOSH AGNEW/PULSE FM HOBART

A woman being held in quarantine was pleased to get some fresh air during the evacuation.

“This is fantastic because we get some outside time,” she said.