Australia arrests COVID-positive man dubbed ‘public health enemy number one’
- 27 Aug 2021
Gulf Today Report
The Australian Police have arrested the 27-year-old COVID-positive man dubbed the “public health enemy number one” has been charged by police for fleeing the quarantine and refusing to isolate despite knowing he was infectious and not wearing a face mask.
Anthony Karam will face court on Friday, charged with 13 offences related to his alleged failure to isolate despite knowing he was COVID-19 positive.
The COVID-19-positive man - dubbed the “worst of the worst” by Health Minister Brad Hazzard - has been arrested in Sydney’s west on Thursday evening.
Karam, 27, was wanted on an outstanding warrant for multiple alleged breaches of the Public Health Order.
“The 27-year-old man, who tested positive for COVID-19, was also subject to an order under Section 62 of the Public Health Act,” NSW Police said in a statement on Thursday evening.
Police say Karam was told that he had coronavirus earlier this month and was asked to isolate in hotel quarantine, but he allegedly refused.
He is then accused of defying public health orders and continuing to move among the community.
“I’ve been isolating this whole time mate,” he told press as he was being arrested.
“I have proof that I’ve been isolating the whole time mate, so do what you want.”
CCTV footage released by NSW Police showed his last known movements, inside an apartment complex’s elevator during which he is seen appearing to sneeze several times.
An order signed by Dr Chant said Karam was a “risk to the health or safety of the public”.