Man has anxiety attack after WA quarantine nightmare
A man suffering claustrophobia has called out Western Australia’s “heavy-handed” approach to hotel quarantine.
The unnamed man, a fly-in-fly-out (FIFO) worker who landed in Perth from Dubai says he was dealt with like a criminal by hotel staff and police despite having explained his condition.
The man’s doctor had also informed the state government of his condition on 24 August before he arrived back in the country in October. His doctor’s letter listed the man’s medical history including a flying phobia, hypertension, cluster headaches and claustrophobia.
The letter stated: “As he suffers from anxiety and severe claustrophobia it would be medically desirable for him to have a balcony or courtyard room when he undergoes mandatory quarantine in a Perth hotel.”
A WA government helpline operator assured the man his medical needs would be met.
However, somewhere along the line it seems a miscommunication or no communication occurred and the fracas at the Intercontinental Hotel, the location of Perth’s mandatory quarantine, left the man feeling "like a criminal in my own country".
The father of three, who had a G2G Pass (a temporary travel permit) arrived in Perth on 7 October on the understanding he would serve his quarantine in a hotel room with a balcony or courtyard.
“Upon arrival at the Hyatt hotel I was informed that no balcony or courtyard was available, so I refused to accept this knowing that my condition would make this impossible,” the man who wishes to remain anonymous said.
“Numerous police officers and health appointees then surrounded me stating that I have to accept what was offered in an aggressive attitude, I attempted explaining my predicament but all other parties were not interested.”
The man negotiated with officers for an hour before being arrested and spending 26 hours in Northbridge watchouse.
He was charged with failing to comply with a direction and faced the magistrates court on 8 October.
Magistrate Robert Young gave the man the option to go to Hakea Prison or the InterContinental Hotel on bail.Add to shortlist
According to a court statement: “It was explained to the accused that rooms with balconies were not issued to persons subject to COVID-19 quarantine as directed by the Health Department due to the risk associated with potential self-harm”.
Not only was he fined $500, he suffered an anxiety attack while in quarantine and was taken to Royal Perth Hospital.
The man’s wife accused the government of dismissing people with mental health conditions.
This case follows that of FIFO worker Chris Wright, who also quarantined at the Intercontinental Hotel.
Wright likened the hotel to a high-security prison, saying he too experienced claustrophobia-like symptoms.
"I've worked 2 kilometres underground in Mongolia and never felt claustrophobic but my second week in here I'm starting to have that panicky feeling," he said.
"Every phone call I make is recorded. Every conversation I have with hotel or on-site medical staff is also recorded. I have been treated like a criminal in my own country."
Irit Jackson, 21st October 2020
