Coronavirus: Major repatriation operation begins as thousands finish mandatory hotel quarantine in Sydney

A large-scale multi-agency operation is underway this morning as the repatriation of thousands of returned travellers in mandatory quarantine at hotels across Sydney begins.

Approximately 1300 passengers who arrived at Sydney International Airport under the new restrictions requiring all overseas travellers to quarantine for 14 will today have completed their mandatory isolation period.

The NSW Police Force-led operation – assisted by NSW Health, the Office of the Sheriff of NSW, Australian Defence Force, and hotel staff – will assist the passengers as they depart their hotels and return home.

All travellers will be required to undergo a final health check before departing, which includes observation and assessment for respiratory symptoms and a temperature check.

Police have been discussing onward travel plans with those in quarantine to ensure departures from hotels are as simple as possible.

Large numbers of the travellers, who are from across NSW, are already departing hotels with assistance of family, friends, taxi, ride-share, or public transport.

Due to the current flight schedules, only some of the interstate travellers will be taking flights today to their home states and will be transported by coach to the airport throughout the day.

The remaining travellers are being assisted with alternate arrangements.

The operation will run each day as returned travellers continue to complete their mandatory quarantines and depart from hotels across Sydney CBD.