Details of a hotel quarantine policy blunder puts in question New South Wales’ reputation as the “gold standard leader” in handling pandemics.

Sky News host Chris Smith said the revelation the NSW government only just now mandated masks for hotel quarantine guards was “inexplicable”.

“I had to read this twice. I cannot believe this wasn’t a rule already,” he said.

“For some inexplicable reason, up until now, security guards were not required to wear any personal protective equipment when sitting or walking around the floors”.

The change comes after a returning traveller blew the whistle on a guard who was sitting outsider her hotel room not wearing a mask.

“At least a problem no longer exists,” Mr Smith said.

“But among all the ticks and gold stamps New South Wales has received for their quarantine and protocols, this one has a big red cross next to it.”