Woman to visit dying dad after leaving quarantine limbo
A woman stuck in New South Wales hotel quarantine will today be able to say goodbye to her dying father in Melbourne after she was granted permission to leave.
The fully-vaccinated 32-year-old flew into Sydney from New York one week ago upon learning her father had suffered a serious stroke.
Anna Coffey has had a difficult week, unsure if she would be able to farewell her beloved dad.
But yesterday, health authorities in NSW and Victoria found a solution and a charity stepped in to help.
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Ms Coffey will be able to fly to Melbourne after health authorities reached a solution. Supplied
"Just thinking about the moment I am going to see my dad and see my family and I am just so happy," she said.
Angel Flight has footed the bill to take her from Sydney to Melbourne to be by her father John's side.
Ms Coffey was initially told she needed exemptions from NSW and Victoria, plus would need to pay up to $8000 for a flight.
The 32-year-old said she was touched by the kindness of the charity, who emailed her yesterday.
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A charity has also stepped in allowing Ms Coffey to be with her father as soon as possible. Supplied
"It's pretty amazing, and there are a few other people who reached out. Unbelievable kindness."
Ms Coffey, who has tested negative several times to COVID-19 since her arrival said the uncertainty as to whether she would be able to see her dad had left her in "despair".
"It's pretty unbelievable to think back to yesterday morning. I was in absolute despair, it was completely hopeless anything was going to be resolved quickly."
The NSW health department started to become "proactive" over the past 24 hours Ms Coffey said, and finally some clarity ensued and her flight was arranged for this afternoon.
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Ms Coffey was told she would need to buy a $8000 charter flight if she wants to see her father who is dying in Melbourne. Supplied
"I'm pretty elated... and still in disbelief I'm going to be flying today," she said.
NSW and Victoria health departments worked together to reach a solution.
"I'm so happy, and there seems to be some kind of change and review of the process so people don't have to miss out on saying goodbye to loved ones."
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