The South Coast will likely remain in lockdown after a man newly released from prison held a party, which Batesman Bay locals believe all cases and sewage detections can be traced back to.

Deputy Premier John Barilaro confirmed to Ray Hadley the story is true “in line with what I’ve understood and heard”.

“The bit that concerns me the most is that individual not being cooperative, because what it’s meant is that we’re not sure where the exposure sites are.

“The reality here is we’ve now put a region that had no cases for the whole period … in lockdown because of it.”

Ray spoke against the state government’s refusal to take rule-breakers to task in their rhetoric.

“It’s a very simple solution – get the coppers to put a set of handcuffs on him and put him back in custody!”

“I actually don’t disagree with anything you say,” Mr Barilaro replied.

Press PLAY below to hear the full interview