Three COVID-19 positive community cases escaped from an MIQ facility near Auckland Airport yesterday evening.

The first two men were caught by police around five minutes after they fled.

But the third, who was being taken home to retrieve personal items and care for a pet, disappeared within 10 minutes despite being escorted by security.

They are yet to be found.

Te Pūrongo's request to interview the joint head of MIQ, Brigadier Rose King, was declined.

RNZ reporter Katie Todd tells Māni Dunlop the latest.