Australian man charged after allegedly partying at nightclub despite positive COVID test
An Australian man was charged with ignoring health orders after allegedly going to a nightclub despite testing positive for COVID-19.
According to a press release from the South Australian Police, the 19-year-old was arrested on Tuesday, but has since bailed out. He faces up to a $20,000 fine or up to two years in prison if convicted.
The man received a text on Dec. 17 from South Australia Health notifying him that he tested positive for COVID-19, according to local reports. The same night he went to the Loverboy nightclub in Adeilade and partied into the early morning.
"As far as we are aware, a patron knowingly entered our venue having tested positive to COVID earlier that evening and then continued to stay for the duration of the night, putting all 150 patrons, staff and their families in harm's way," Loverboy owner said in a statement to local news.
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The nightclub was placed on South Australia's contract tracing and exposure location list with the event considered a high risk for spreading the virus due to close contact. Unvaccinated patrons at the club from 10:45 p.m. on December 16 to 4:15 a.m. on December 17, were instructed to quarantine for 14 days.
Fully vaccinated patrons who went to the club during those times were told to quarantine for 7 days and that they needed proof of a negative test result before leaving quarantine.
The man was charged with failing to comply with directions under Section 28 of the Emergency Management Act and due back in court on Feb. 22, 2022, according to SAPOL.
"Someone knowingly entering somewhere with a positive result should be considered an offence and we will be seeking justice," Loverboy owner said in the statement.
Follow reporter Asha Gilbert @Coastalasha. Email: agilbert@usatoday.com.