As Victoria continues to struggle with another wave of COVID-19, NSW is starting to fear similar lockdowns with reports of an outbreak of the virus at a second Sydney pub.
According to multiple reports, The Picton Hotel in South West Sydney has been closed for cleaning after a person attended the pub on three different occasions to play the pokies while infectious with COVID-19.
The same person also visited Casula’s Crossroads Hotel gaming room, which has now been linked to at least 13 confirmed coronavirus cases.
NSW Health is urging anyone who attended Crossroads Hotel between July 3rd and July 10th to self-isolate for 14 days and get tested for COVID-19, even if they have no symptoms.
To make matters worse, Sydney’s Star Casino has just confirmed a patron who visited the establishment on July 4th has also tested positive for the virus.
It’s not a good sign, but it also begs the question – can you be safe at the pub during the pandemic?
In June, pubs, cafes and restaurants were able to reopen in NSW with up to 50 customers and clubs were allowed to have as many as 500 patrons spread across multiple venues within their premises.
In order to remain COVID safe, the government enforced a 4-square metre rule at venues, bookings of no more than 10 people as well as the prohibition of buffets and shared cutlery.
Patrons have also been required to register their name and phone number on entry to assist with contact tracing if an outbreak were to occur.
While many establishments have followed the rules, there are some who have ignored social distancing, resulting in major consequences. According to ABC News, the Golden Sheaf Hotel in Sydney’s Double Bay was fined $5,500 after a crowd of people were photographed lining up outside.
“We need to send a clear message to this business and others that if you are not doing the right thing you will be held to account, and we will escalate our enforcement actions for those who put the public at risk,” Acting Director for Compliance for Liquor and Gaming Dimitri Argeres said.
While there are plenty of ways pubs can remain COVID safe, patrons also have a responsibility to maintain personal hygiene, follow social distancing rules and stay home if they are sick. One Sydney pub owner told ABC, restaurants requiring pre-booking deposits are risky as “I would worry that if someone for instance got the sniffles, they may decide to still go out as to not lose their deposit.”
Speaking of pubs, hear about life after lockdown below:
According to the World Health Organisation, people with COVID-19 can transmit the virus “when they sneeze, cough on, or touch surfaces, such as tables, door knobs or handrails.”
“Other people may become infected by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, noses or mouths before cleaning their hands,” WHO states.
It’s quite clear that heading to the pub for a pint does come with a risk – which makes it incredibly important for venues and patrons to follow the rules to remain COVID safe.
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