Police Commissioner Grant Stevens has Covid-19, but feeling fine and working from home

SA’s emergency co-ordinator Grant Stevens has contracted Covid, but he says he is “feeling fine” and has not posed a risk to other top state officials. Peter Malinauskas also has the virus.

SA Police Commissioner Grant Stevens has tested positive for Covid-19, but says he is still feeling fine.

SA Police announced on Monday evening that after feeling mild symptoms of a sore throat, the commissioner attended a testing site and on Monday evening was informed of a positive PCR test for Covid-19.

Opposition leader Peter Malinauskas has also tested positive for Covid-19, as has Greens MLC Robert Simms.

Mr Stevens said testing positive would not stop him or other key members of the state’s Covid ready committee (CRC) from working.

“[I am] feeling fine and will continue to perform my role from home,” he said.

“The team have already put workarounds in place. The good news is the Covid ready committee meetings and my meetings with SA Health have all been virtual since Boxing Day so no risk of exposure to other key members”.

Police said the top cop is isolating in a private residence and he will continue to carry out his role while completing the required isolation period.

It is understood the commissioner, who is fully vaccinated and has had a (third) booster shot, woke up with mild symptoms on Monday and immediately went for testing.

Officials added that he is still “actively undertaking” his roles as police commissioner and state Covid co-ordinator.

Premier Steven Marshall sent good wishes.

“I wish the Police Commissioner a very speedy recovery, as I do with everyone who is currently COVID positive here in SA,” he said.

SA Police Commissioner Grant Stevens during a press conference in front of the State Administration Building. Picture: Emma Brasier

Other top officials are not believed to be at any risk.

A senior government source confirmed on Monday night the CRC had been meeting online since Boxing Day to avoid isolation problems and to stop any potential spread.

The Premier has not seen Mr Stevens in person since they attended a Boxing Day press conference outside the State Administration Centre with chief public health officer Professor Nicola Spurrier and health minister Stephen Wade.

A state government spokeswoman said, “The Premier hasn’t seen the Police Commissioner in person since the Boxing Day press conference.

“Recent daily CRC meetings and cabinet meetings have occurred virtually … to avoid this issue.”

Other members of the Covid-ready committee include Prof Spurrier, her boss SA Health chief executive Dr Chris McGowan, treasurer Rob Lucas, treasury boss David Reynolds and Department of Premier and Cabinet chief executive Nick Reade.

SA Health said none of its officials has been placed in isolation.

The state’s transition committee is not meeting at the moment.

It is understood that no other senior police leaders have been placed into quarantine at this stage.