Torrensville cafe Kalymnos Pastries closed for deep cleaning after Covid exposure

A popular cafe has voluntarily closed its doors for deep cleaning after it was named a “low-risk casual contact” exposure site, while a Chinese restaurant is also taking extra precautions.

A popular western suburbs pastry cafe has voluntarily closed its doors for deep cleaning after it was named a “low-risk casual contact” Covid exposure site.

Kalymnos Pastries at Torrensville was visited by a close contact of a Covid case between 11.15am and 11.55am on Tuesday, SA Health announced on Thursday night.

Owner George Diakomichalis said he was notified of the exposure by health officials, who told him the shop was allowed to continue trading.

People at low-risk casual contact exposure locations are required to monitor for symptoms and get tested as soon as they develop.

However, Mr Diakomichalis said he and his wife made the decision to close on Friday, for one day, so that the site could be cleaned.

“It’s overkill but we have a duty to protect our customers, so we’re basically cleaning the place from top to bottom – sanitising everything with bleaches and detergent” he said.

George Diakomichalis has temporarily closed his business, Kalymnos Pastries, after it was listed as a Covid exposure site. Picture: Keryn Stevens

“We’re one of the first places that’s been hit (in SA), but we knew it was coming and this is what we need to do to get through it and back to normality.”

The shop, which will reopen on Saturday, has been flooded with messages of support since Mr Diakomichalis took to social media on Thursday night to announce the temporary closure.

Despite the exposure, he said he agrees with the decision to throw open the state’s borders.

“The reality is we have to go back to normality sooner rather than later,” he said.

“There are a lot of families who have been separated for a long time, and I understand we need to be able to live with this and do the right things.”

The cafe is one of 15 exposure sites that have been announced by SA Health since the state’s borders opened on Tuesday, including three Qantas flights.

Riverland Hokkien Chinese Restaurant was listed as a “casual contact” exposure site for customers, after it was exposed between 7.15pm-7.55pm on Wednesday night.

People at casual contact exposure locations must isolate until their first negative test result, and get tested again on day six and day 13.

Owner Eric Fan said the restaurant had been visited by a Covid case for a brief period while they were picking up takeaway food.

“I asked if we need to close but they said it’s not necessary,” he said.

“We were surprised that it happened on a weeknight, it’s not usually very busy.”

Mr Fan said the restaurant had already been closely complying with all Covid requirements, but would undertake extra cleaning after the exposure.

“We’ve got more alcohol detergent to spread over the handles, the floor,” he said.