Staff at Christchurch’s Sudima Hotel have been released from the building tonight and have been told to immediately self isolate following a confirmed managed isolation case in Christchurch in the community.

The Ministry of Health confirmed the “community” case tonight.

The Ministry of Health released a statement after Chris Lynch Media received messages from concerned hotel workers about the lack of information.

All staff and hotel guests are being re-tested for Covid19.

One staff member told Chris Lynch at least 30 workers were at the hotel this afternoon when they got the news.

Earlier a staff member told Chris Lynch they were asked to stay at the hotel but the lack of information was frustrating.

The staff member said they were ”a bit nervous” after hearing the news.

They said were instructed to wipe down all staff areas and all staff were wearing full PPE until nurses provided more details.

The hotel worker said they’ve been told to self-isolate until they get their results back.

The Ministry of Health said the individual was tested as part of the routine testing for staff in the facility and returned a negative test on Thursday 29 October.

On Saturday they developed symptoms and sought a further test on Sunday and a positive result was received today.

The person is now in isolation at home.

The first of the international mariners, due to complete their managed isolation on Tuesday morning, will have their managed isolation extended for at least 24 hours as an additional precautionary measure.