A 22-year-old woman and her three children from Sydney, plus 17 other passengers and six crew, are in quarantine after police stopped a train at Kempsey overnight (Thursday, September 9).
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Mid North Coast Police District officers received reports that the woman had failed to isolate after a positive COVID-19 test, and was travelling from Strathfield to Coffs Harbour with her three children.
"Officers stopped the train at Kempsey about 10.40pm to remove the woman and her children from the train, before they were taken by NSW Ambulance paramedics to a special health hotel at Port Macquarie, where they will quarantine," NSW police said.
"Following further inquiries, the 17 passengers and six crew on board at the time were also taken to the quarantine hotel, where they remain under the care of NSW Health."
Other passengers who boarded the train at stations previously in the journey are being contacted by NSW Health, police said.
"The officers involved are being managed in line with requirements in the Public Health Orders.
"Inquiries are being conducted into the incident, including potential breaches of the public health order."
Mid North Coast Local Health District chief executive Stewart Dowrick said there is no cause for alarm.
This is not a local COVID-19 case and there has been no local transmission within our community, he confirmed.
"A number of close contacts have been identified and are also in isolation," Mr Dowrick said.
"Public Health investigations are ongoing. We ask the community to please remain vigilant and continue to practise COVID-safe measures at all times."
