'It is very freeing': Sydney hotel coronavirus quarantine ends for Australian travellers

The first travellers put into two weeks of mandatory hotel quarantine because of coronavirus restrictions have been released.

A mandatory quarantine period has ended for hundreds of Australians confined to Sydney hotels after returning from overseas. Source: SBS

Over one thousand Australian travellers being kept in mandatory quarantine in Sydney hotels have ended their two-week confinement in time for Easter.

About 1,300 people who arrived at Sydney International Airport on 29 March finished their 14-day quarantine on Saturday, NSW Police said.

After months of travel, Steven, who did not give his last name, said he is relieved his fortnight in quarantine has come to an end.

"It is very freeing," he told SBS News on Saturday.

"This is the first time I have felt air on my skin that wasn't from air conditioning in two weeks, so that's very nice."

Another returned traveller from the US said the first thing he plans to do is hug his kids. 

"After the first week and a half it was a bit of a blur," he said of the experience.

Australians have ended their mandatory 14-day quarantine at Sydney's hotels. Source: SBS

Those leaving the hotels underwent a final health check before being allowed to depart for their homes around the country.

Police oversaw the departures, assisted by health authorities, the Australian Defence Force and hotel staff.

Coaches have been running to Sydney's airport throughout the day, but some people won't be able to return to their home states on Saturday due to flight schedules.

"The remaining travellers are being assisted with alternate arrangements, as required," police said in a statement on Saturday.

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

The NSW health minister issued an order directing all overseas arrivals to go directly to a quarantine facility from 29 March to combat the coronavirus pandemic.

People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others and gatherings are limited to two people unless you are with your family or household.

If you believe you may have contracted the virus, call your doctor (don’t visit) or contact the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080. If you are struggling to breathe or experiencing a medical emergency, call 000.

SBS is committed to informing Australia’s diverse communities about the latest COVID-19 developments. News and information is available in 63 languages at sbs.com.au/coronavirus. 

Additional reporting by Biwa Kwan.