Infected Queensland ride-share driver Duran Raman fined for alleged border breach

The unvaccinated man who sparked fears of a Covid-19 outbreak in Queensland has been slapped with a hefty fine, and police have finally revealed how he allegedly made it across the border after visiting two declared hotspots.

The infected Uber driver who sparked fears of a Covid-19 outbreak in Queensland has been slapped with a fine of more than $4000 for breaching border rules.

Queensland Police Service confirmed on Monday it had completed its investigation into Duran Raman’s movements leading up to his infection.

The man, aged in his 30s, was originally reported to have travelled to Melbourne before being confirmed as a local infection in mid-October.

Police allege Raman had visited Victoria and New South Wales – two declared Covid hot spots – before parking his vehicle at Tweed Heads and walking across the border about 5.40pm on October 15.

Mr Raman, who has lived on the Gold Coast for about a year, was unvaccinated and had not used the Covid check-in app since early September, the state government revealed at the time.

“Our investigation into the man referred to as the Uber driver, Mr Raman, has now concluded,” Deputy Commissioner Steven Gollschewski told reporters on Monday morning.

“We have interviewed Mr Raman and he has been issued with a $4135 on-the-spot fine for a border breach, which brings to conclusion our activities in relation to that person.

Duran Raman was fined more than $4000.

“I understand he still remains in hospital and am unable to comment on when he may be released.”

The man suffered heavy symptoms related to the virus and was reliant on high-flow oxygen while in hospital, then chief health officer Jeannette Young revealed.

“They’re keeping a very close eye on him – he’s on high-flow oxygen and he’ll probably need to go into intensive care,” the top doctor told reporters last month.

“That is terrible. He is a very young, fit man who was not vaccinated and he’s now extremely sick.”

Mr Raman was an Uber driver, but the company confirmed he had not driven with them since September 19.

At the time, the man was widely ridiculed for allegedly opposing the Covid-19 vaccine with Capalaba Labor MP Don Brown sharing the story of Mr Raman on Facebook as an example of why people should get the jab.

“Just because you’re 30, lift some weights and eat a lot of protein, doesn’t mean you won’t end up in ICU from Covid,” Mr Brown wrote.

“Get vaccinated!”

Originally published as Infected Queensland ride-share driver Duran Raman fined for alleged border breach