A "gravely ill" overseas returnee died last night shortly after arriving in New Zealand and before going into managed isolation.
The Herald understands the 42-year-old man had flown from Samoa and developed a medical condition. His death is being referred to the Coroner.
Police confirmed the man was gravely ill and transported direct to hospital after landing at Auckland International Airport last night, before he could be taken to an MIQ facility.
"There was a sudden death last night but sadly the person passed away in hospital before they were taken to the hotel.
"It's a medical event, not Covid-related. The matter will be referred to the Coroner."
The Herald sought comment from the Ministry of Health but a spokesman said it was an MIQ matter and referred questions to MBIE.
Managed Isolation and Quarantine spokeswoman issued a statement saying: "No returnees staying at the Novotel have died or been transferred to hospital."
She refused to provide further information, including which hospital the man had died at, referring the Herald to the Ministry of Health and relevant district health board.
"There's nothing further I can add."
The Herald is seeking comment from both Middlemore and Auckland City hospitals.
The incident comes after news broke yesterday that a Covid-19 positive case had been moved out of MIQ to Middlemore Hospital in South Auckland.
A Counties Manukau District Health Board staffer confirmed yesterday that the patient was admitted the night before with both Covid and pneumonia.
The person was said to be in a moderate but stable condition as of yesterday.
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