Soldier in isolation after MIQ woman allegedly spits in their face

A Covid-positive woman allegedly spat in the face of a soldier delivering her lunch at Jet Park quarantine facility on Friday.

The solider was delivering the woman’s lunch shortly before noon when the alleged attack took place, Sunday News understands.

It is understood the woman is flagged as a higher-risk guest at Jet Park due to her gang links.

Chris Bunny, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment deputy chief executive and joint head of Managed Isolation and Quarantine (MIQ), said in a statement police were investigating the incident.

Police have been approached for comment but as of yesterday evening were yet to confirm the woman had been charged.

‘‘At 11.49 am on Friday 26 November, an incident at the Jet Park MIQ resulted in a member of security staff being spat at by a person staying in the facility,’’ Bunny said.

‘‘The staff member was wearing appropriate PPE. Police are investigating the incident.

‘‘The staff member showered immediately after the incident and is currently in isolation.’’

The soldier was yesterday awaiting a Covid-19 test and facing the prospect of going from

MIQ staffer to guest if they returned a positive result.

‘‘If they test positive, the staff member will need to isolate for seven days from the date of exposure.

‘‘We were very disappointed to hear of this incident. Everyone at MIQ is doing an incredibly important and sometimes very

challenging job.’’

During the ongoing Delta community outbreak, staff at Jet Park and other quarantine facilities have battled significant issues with some guests.

The problems include intimidation by gang-affiliated cases and property damage.

Among the cases who have been housed there during the

outbreak are an Auckland Hells Angels prospect.

Early in October, a 23-year-old man allegedly kicked a police officer in the face before briefly escaping the facility.

Shortly after that incident, Brigadier Rose King, a joint head of Managed Isolation and Quarantine (MIQ), said five rooms at Jet Park had been damaged.