I’m A Celebrity worker charged after allegedly prompting Byron lockdown

A crew member attached to the production of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! has been identified as the alleged COVID-19 case that sparked the recent lockdown in NSW’s North Coast.

The Sydney woman, who was fully vaccinated, allegedly visited several non-essential locations in Byron Bay and Kingscliff while infected with COVID-19 and has since been charged.

Although the 31-year-old was an authorised worker who was granted a travel exemption for her job, it’s alleged that she didn’t follow health orders and failed to check in to a number of locations using QR codes.

The incident prompted three LGAs to enter a snap seven-day lockdown on Tuesday, including Byron Bay, Tweed and Kempsey.

Queensland also tightened its restrictions, where border residents can now only enter the state for limited essential purposes.

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The reality TV show’s production company, ITV Studios Australia, has since confirmed that one of its crew members had contracted the virus.

“This discovery was made through the rigorous testing regime implemented by our COVID-safe plan,” they said in a statement.

“We are working with NSW Health to ensure all necessary steps are taken in relation to contact tracing, testing and further communication to anyone that needs to isolate.”

Sydney Morning Herald reports that the woman will now have to attend court for "five counts of failing to comply with an electronic registration directive”, with her appearance set for November 8.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian commented on the allegations on Wednesday and hit back at claims that she shouldn’t have been allowed to enter Byron in the first place.

“[This person was] there only to work, but what they did was breach the health orders,” she said.

“The system worked. It was people doing the wrong thing and I'm really glad police have charged them.”

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