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I’m a celeb worker charged with breaching public health orders in Byron Bay, sparking lockdown

Anton NilssonNCA NewsWire
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Camera IconNot Supplied Credit: News Corp Australia

A reality television worker whose Covid-19 infection sparked contagion fears and a lockdown in Byron Bay has been charged by police.

The woman allegedly breached public health orders by visiting businesses in Byron Bay and Kingscliff over the weekend.

The 31-year-old Sydneysider had a travel exemption to visit the area for work on the television show “I’m a celebrity, get me out of here”.

But she was not allowed to visit businesses under the exemption, police said. Police also allege she didn’t use QR codes to check in at the venues.

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NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian slammed the woman’s alleged behaviour on Wednesday.

“They were there only to work, but what they did is (allegedly) breach the health orders and went to multiple venues they weren’t allowed to go to,” Ms Berejiklian said.

Byron Bay Area Covid Locations
Camera IconByron Bay is in lockdown again. NCA NewsWire / Scott Powick Credit: News Corp Australia

Byron, Tweed and Kempsey Shires were thrown back into lockdown on Tuesday afternoon over fears the virus would spread in the area.

“Unfortunately we've had some cases in the northern part of the state,” Health Minister Brad Hazzard said.

Police said the woman would face court in Tweed Heads on November 8 on five counts of failing to comply with electronic registration directive.

Prior to the charges being laid, ITV Studios Australia issued a statement to reporters.

“We can confirm that one of our crew members has tested positive to Covid-19. This discovery was made through the rigorous testing regime implemented by our CovidSAFE plan,” the company said on Tuesday.

“The crew member is fully vaccinated and was wearing PPE while at work. All close contacts of the crew member from within the ITV production have been identified.

“They are being tested and will isolate in accordance with NSW Health’s requirements. ITV is providing crew members with all the support and assistance possible.”

NCA NewsWire has asked ITV for further comment on the charges.

Originally published as I’m a celeb worker charged with breaching public health orders in Byron Bay, sparking lockdown

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