COVID-positive teen who allegedly kept partying at SA nightclub could face hefty fine
A teenager who allegedly continued to party at an Adelaide nightclub despite being told he had COVID-19 could face a fine of up to $20,000 if the case is taken to court.
Hundreds of South Australians will spend Christmas in quarantine after the COVID-positive teenager partied at the club.
Authorities slammed his actions and the venue, Loverboy, said it would be "seeking justice" after being forced to shut the doors at the busiest time of the year.
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Hundreds of South Australians will be in quarantine for Christmas, after a teenager carried on partying at a Adelaide club (pictured centre) after being told he had COVID-19. Nine
9News understands police are investigating if the teenager breached the Emergency Management Act which could result in a $1092 fine.
However, the state's police commissioner said the case could be taken to court, potentially resulting in a $20,000 fine.
The teen got a text just after 10pm on Friday advising him of his positive diagnosis and that he must isolate immediately.
The 19-year old allegedly ignored the message and kept partying, with SA Health saying he entered the club at 10.45pm.
Now 150 patrons and staff who were at the nightclub have been forced into isolation.
"Christmas is supposed to be a time to celebrate with family and loved ones, however, because of the actions of one selfish person, that won't be the case for many," Loverboy said in a statement.
"We have to close our doors for the busiest week of the year and 'will be opening presents in isolation'...
"We will be seeking justice."
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After being criticised online, the young man wrote: "I reckon we just drop it. I've admitted to my mistakes and am truly apologetic." Nine
SA Health said anybody who was at the venue from 10.45pm on Friday night until 4.15am on Saturday is a close contact.
South Australia's rules mean vaccinated people need to get tested immediately and quarantine for seven days.
MP David Pisoni, called the man's actions; "absolutely outrageous," while Opposition leader Peter Malinauskas said he felt for families, "that will now miss out on spending time with their children at Christmas."
Several Hindley and Peel Street bars stopped trading early last night fearing they too might have been exposed.
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