Health departments are increasingly concerned about transmission of the COVID virus in hospitality settings, such as pubs and clubs, with growing case numbers and big hikes in non-compliance penalties.
COVID-19 case numbers have continued to increase in New South Wales, as several well-known Sydney pubs are listed as exposure sites by NSW Health over events of five to twenty days earlier.
Thorpe Hospitality’s Oxford Tavern in Petersham was listed as a close contact exposure site, following a cluster that has grown to 44 people, present at a trivia night on Tuesday, 30 November.
Anyone who attended the pub between 4pm and 10.30pm must get tested and isolate, as per NSW Health guidelines.
Similarly, anyone who attended Solotel’s Golden Sheaf Hotel in Double Bay on Saturday, 20 November (2.30-9pm) or Saturday, 27 November (9.15pm-1.15am) is now a casual contact.
And the same applies at the group’s Albion Hotel in Parramatta, in regard to Sunday, 5 December (4.30pm until closing).
Close contacts are instructed to isolate where possible and watch for symptoms.
NSW Health is urging people to not attend social functions if they have any symptoms – even if mild – and to wear a mask in situations where physical distancing is not possible, especially indoors.
Incoming overseas travellers must isolate for 72 hours, avoid high risk settings until after day seven and be tested in the first 24 hours, on day six and day 12 after arrival.
Penalties for non-compliance with the isolation, testing and quarantine requirements have increased many-fold, to $5,000 for individuals (up from $1,000), and $10,000 for corporations (up from $5,000).
NSW authorities reported 516 new cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to Thursday night, and there are currently 158 cases admitted to hospital; 24 of them in intensive care.
So far 42 cases of the new Omicron strain have been recorded in the state, but no new cases were confirmed yesterday and to date no Omicron cases have required admission to hospital.
The State now reports 93 per cent of the population 16 and over fully vaccinated and 77.5 per cent of those aged 12 to 15.
Victoria recorded 1,206 new cases in the preceding 24 hours. The State reports at least 91 per cent of all people aged over 16 years double-dosed, except 18-35s, lagging behind at 84 per cent.
Anyone directed at any time to be tested for COVID‑19 or to self-isolate must follow the directives provided.
