A 19-year-old man in Australia has been arrested by police after allegedly ignoring a positive COVID-19 test and hitting a local nightclub.

Ralph MacIntosh from Kensington Park, Adelaide, has been accused of failing to quarantine himself after being informed by South Australia Health that he had returned a positive COVID-19 test.

MacIntosh allegedly then spent the evening at Adelaide's Loverboy city nightclub on Friday, December 17 where he remained until the early hours of the following morning.

According to 9News, the teenager received a text message just after 10 p.m. on Friday, informing him he had tested positive and must isolate immediately. He allegedly ignored that message with South Australia Health saying he subsequently entered the nightclub at 10:45 p.m.

Vaccinated patrons who were at Loverboy during MacIntosh's alleged visit have since been ordered to quarantine for seven days with unvaccinated visitors told to quarantine for 14 days.

9News reports that a total of 150 patrons and staff who were at the nightclub at the time were forced into isolation.

The nightclub also had to temporarily close its doors as a result.

On Tuesday, South Australia Police COVID-19 investigators from the Licensing Enforcement Branch arrested the 19-year-old and charged him with failing to comply with directions under Section 28 of the Emergency Management Act.

"It will be alleged the man remained at a city nightclub and did not quarantine after being informed by SA Health that he had returned a positive COVID-19 test," South Australia Police said.

"The failure without a reasonable excuse to comply with a direction given in accordance with the Emergency Management Act 2004 during a major emergency amounts to a criminal offence."

MacIntosh could face a fine of up to $20,000 (nearly $14,500) or a maximum two years in prison.

Following an initial review of his case, MacIntosh was released on bail. He is due to appear at Adelaide Magistrates Court on February 18, 2022.

Speaking to ABC News, Premier Steven Marshall said he hoped the case would serve as "a lesson" to others about the importance of abiding by COVID restrictions.

"These are very serious allegations, and if they're correct, I think this serves as a lesson to every single South Australian that they've got to abide by these restrictions, otherwise there are very heavy penalties," he said.

According to 9News, MacIntosh posted a message to social media: "I've admitted to my mistakes and am truly apologetic."

The owners of the Loverboy nightclub have issued a statement hitting out at MacIntosh over his "selfish" actions and hinting at possible legal action.

"Christmas is supposed to be a time to celebrate with family and loved ones, however, because of the actions of one selfish person, that won't be the case for many," it said.

"We have to close our doors for the busiest week of the year and will be opening presents in isolation. We will be seeking justice."

Newsweek has contacted Loverboy nightclub and MacIntosh for comment.

A man handcuffed and a Covid test.
Stock images of a man being arrested and a positive Covid test. A 19-year-old man in Australia is facing up to two years in prison after allegedly ignoring a positive COVID test to go partying in a club. IPGGutenbergUKLtd/ Gingagi/Getty