A Christchurch managed isolation facility was evacuated for a short time this morning.

A Managed Isolation and Quarantine spokeswoman said at 9:00am a fire alarm went off at the Crowne Plaza managed isolation facility.

She said Fire and Emergency NZ responded and those inside the building were safely evacuated as per pre-planned fire evacuation processes which include the requirement to maintain physical distancing and wearing appropriate PPE.

The spokeswoman says returnees were evacuated to the designated safe assembly points under the guidance of the onsite coordinator.

“The returnee evacuation area was located within hotel property grounds and there was no risk of interaction with the general public.”

 Returnees were able to re-enter the facility around 9:30am after it was deemed safe.

 Fire and Emergency have advised the cause was a false alarm

 Cleaning of areas used by returnees during the evacuation has taken place.