NSW Police and the health authorities are investigating a potential quarantine breach at the Mercure Sydney on George Street, following a fire alarm going off and partial evacuation of guests.

The hotel, which is one of the designated COVID-19 quarantine hotels in Sydney for international arrivals, had the fire alarm activated at 8.45am on Friday.

A NSW Police spokesperson said the alert was later confirmed to be a false alarm. A number of guests, however, self-evacuated to the lobby of the hotel before being returned to their rooms.

The spokesperson said all guests were wearing masks but NSW Police and NSW Health had started inquiries to determine whether any public health orders were breached.

On some floors of the hotel, guests were instructed to stay in their rooms while the cause of the alarm was investigated. However, the evacuation message sounded on at least one floor.

Anna Sloan, who is on day nine of quarantine after flying from Edinburgh, said police and security on her floor instructed guests to evacuate.

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“We were evacuated to the basement (not outside) for about 15 minutes all in an enclosed space,” Ms Sloan said.

“Everyone I saw were wearing masks and we were told later that the CCTV footage was reviewed by NSW Health to confirm that. It definitely wasn’t socially distanced but masks were worn.”