A SAPOL taskforce has undertaken an investigation into the information given to SA health professionals and other authorities, about a man who caught COVID-19 from a Woodville Pizza Bar.
It was initially thought that a worker at the Stanford Plaza medi-hotel caught COVID-19 from a pizza box from the Woodville Pizza Bar. This caused a six-day circuit breaker lockdown for South Australia. The information caused fears for a widespread outbreak of the virus.
In analysing an interview between the male in question and COVID-19 contact tracers, SAPOL have found insufficient evidence of intent to present a case to the courts. The investigation found that the first conversation with contact tracing had by the man, was misleading.
It also found the man had “changed his version” of events, which was discovered by police during the lockdown period. However police say the initial conversation is unsubstantiated, and no court action could be taken over the matter.
The advice provided by senior SAPOL staff and the DPP is that there is limited evidence for a court hearing, and the matter would not likely proceed or progress.
In Investigation terms, said Assistant Police Commissioner Peter Harvey, “the matter is complete.” This was because the exact contact and intent could not be substantiated.
The outcome of this investigation is that there will be no charge.
The man’s lawyer says the man is “extremely remorseful and deeply sorry for any part his conduct played in the unnecessary lockdown actions”.
RELATED ARTICLES
- SA COVID-19 cases surge by 50% in just a week, prompting health officials to issue warningThe state has witnessed a startling 50% increase in COVID-19 cases in just one week, coinciding with the onset of end-of-year celebrations.
- Fifth dose rollout starts as SAHMRI shows unvaccinated face higher risks from COVIDNew SAHMRI analysis of SA COVID data released today shows people who are unvaccinated against COVID-19 face much higher risks as fifth booster rolls out.
- Fifth Covid-19 vaccine to be rolled out across Australia later this monthThe Federal Government has confirmed that a fifth dose of the Covid-19 vaccination will be rolled out across the country later this month.
- Australia announces COVID-19 testing requirements for travellers from ChinaFrom 12:01am on Thursday 5 January 2023, travellers will be required to undertake a COVID-19 test within the 48hrs prior to travel and show evidence of a negative test result when travelling to Australia.
- Free masks to support South Aussies this ChristmasUp to 10,000 masks a day packaged in Christmas-themed wrappers are expected to be handed out over coming weeks.