Teenage girls fined after leaving isolation on New Year’s Eve while knowingly Covid-positive

Two young women have been fined for leaving quarantine on New Year’s Eve – while knowing they were Covid-positive.

Two Covid-positive teenagers have been fined by police for skipping out on home isolation on New Year’s Eve.

A SA police spokesperson confirmed the women, aged 18 and 19, were fined $1000 after police did not find them at home during a routine check.

“They allegedly left their Bedford Park home on New Year’s Eve in contravention of an Emergency Management Act direction,” the police spokesperson said.

The pair, whose matter has now been finalised, have been directed to isolate until January 4 and 5.

It comes as SA Health listed Dog and Duck among several new close contact exposure sites late on Sunday.

Anyone who was at the venue on New Year’s Eve from 10pm until 11pm must get a PCR test immediately and quarantine for seven days since being at the site.

The Dog and Duck Hotel in Hindley St. Picture: Campbell Brodie

Dog and Duck owner Dave O’Connell said there were rumours constantly circulating in venues that some patrons were there while knowingly Covid-positive.

Owner of Dog and Duck David O'Connell. Picture: Keryn Stevens

“They see it on TikTok and think it’s cool … they need to pull their heads in,” he said.

“It’s crazy, just do your time. It’s only one week for God’s sake. There’s no need to do that and put everyone else at risk.”

Mr O’Connell said the venue, which has been listed as an exposure site twice, would not hesitate to name and shame if operators found someone breaching the rules.

“We were only a week away from dancing and having a good time on New Year’s,” he said.

“Now we’re in crisis mode and may have to shut down for a month, that’s how bad we’re going.”

Nightclubber Ralph MacIntosh, 19, was last week charged for allegedly flouting legal directions.

Ralph MacIntosh quickly exited the City Watch House. Picture: 9News Adelaide

Mr MacIntosh is accused of visiting Loverboy nightclub, on Hindley St, on December 17, instead of undertaking 14 days of quarantine.

SA Health had messaged him at 10.18pm that night notifying him of his positive Covid-19 result and warned he was “required by law to isolate immediately”.

In a statement, police said: “It will be alleged the man remained at a city nightclub and did not quarantine after being informed by SA Health that he had returned a positive Covid-19 test.”

The Kensington Park man will face the Adelaide Magistrates Court in February. He is yet to enter any plea.