Many South Australians ‘forced’ into hotel quarantine after visiting a Covid-19 exposure site are angry and confused

South Australians ‘forced’ into medi-hotels after visiting exposure sites in recent days have told The Advertiser they are confused and angry, after receiving multiple negative tests.

South Australians caught up in Covid-19 exposure sites who were forced into hotel quarantine are confused and angry about why they are not permitted to complete 14 days of home isolation.

Multiple people who visited Tier 1 and 2 exposure sites at the risk times including the Modbury Hospital and the Greek on Halifax have told The Advertiser they have returned two negative tests but are still confined to a medi-hotel room.

Sandra Williams, 50, from Paradise, presented at Modbury’s emergency department about 10.30pm Monday, July 19 with chest pains.

She was told, 12 hours later on Tuesday morning, that she would have to undergo 14 days in hotel quarantine while she awaited her scan results.

“I was in meltdown mode, ringing my sister, ringing my family … I was a total mess, bawling my eyes out,” Ms Williams said.

She visited the hospital during an exposure time, meaning Ms Williams has to adhere to Tier 2 requirements, and has to isolate away from family for 14 days.

The Woolworths employee is now isolated at the Stamford Hotel, away from her husband, Craig, and two children, Matilda, 17, and Jackson, 19 – who has an intellectual disability and requires care.

Sandra Williams in the Stamford Hotel on North Terrace. Picture: Dean Martin

She has received two negative tests and would like to undertake the rest of her quarantine period at home.

“Dealing with the reality that I’ve got two negative tests, and the frustration that I’m not on the release list, how does that work?”

Another SA couple who did not wish to be identified were transferred into hotel quarantine on Thursday after they had dinner at the Greek on Halifax – another tier 1 exposure site – on Saturday, July 17.

The couple and their three children are now at the Pullman Hotel, despite all testing negative to Covid-19 twice.

The Pullman Hotel. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Mariuz

“We complied with the rules. We had our two tests and are negative and we are not really sure why they think we are a risk at home versus being here,” the woman said.

Professor Nicola Spurrier said an overall risk assessment for the Greek on Halifax meant they are “extremely high risk” to the community.

“And the reason being, is it’s an already documented transmission site,” Professor Spurrier said.

‘The team will be working with individuals about their own circumstances … where they were sitting in the restaurant, and where we’ve seen the transmission events occurring.”

Tim King visited Tenafeate Creek Winery on Sunday during exposure times with his partner, parents and in-laws.

The Golden Grove man said communication from SA Health has been confusing, as he was told multiple times he would have to go to a medi-hotel despite returning a negative test.

Mr King remains at home, but said he feels uncertainty about being moved.

“We’re still in this fear mode, like are we going to be shipped off?” Mr King said.