’We have no staff’: Virus contact decimates Far North workforce
A perfect storm is brewing for many Cairns businesses now forced to temporarily shut up shop as soaring infection rates and the unvaccinated impact the region’s hospitality workforce. SEE THE LIST
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A PERFECT storm is brewing for many Cairns businesses now forced to temporarily shut up shop as soaring infection rates and the unvaccinated impact the region’s hospitality workforce.
The opening of the state’s borders has been a double edged sword for hospitality businesses that had enjoyed an uptick in trade but now have limited staff availability, as workers come into contact with the virus, has left many venues in an unenviable predicament.
Crave Cairns owner Gayle Allen said workers in isolation waiting test results had made it impossible to staff her Shields St eatery.
“No one has got it but we have just taken the precaution,” she said.
“I put my staff first and straight away bought self-testing kits for all staff members.
“There are no positive cases and as soon as we had (staff) symptoms we shut the shop.
“(And now) we have no staff, they are all at home.”
Sauce Brewing Co founder Mike Clarke also made the call to close the doors of his Lake St bar due to staffing shortages.
“Everyone is waiting on results,” he said.
“It’s not what we needed right now. The opening of the border was great and now everyone is too scared to go out.”
He said keeping a business afloat in a tourist town during a pandemic was no easy task.
“(But) you just got to roll with the punches, we were looking forward to a big summer but this is another curve ball,” he said.
“Everyone is telling us it’s going to get better and they say pandemics last about three years, so we just have to wait.”
The following is a list of Far North business that have made the decision to temporarily suspend services.
Pier Bar
To keep all out valued guests safe, we will remain closed until further notice.
Keep and eye out for social media updates for any changes.
Crave Cairns
Unfortunately due to these uncertain times, Crave will be closed for the remainder of this week. We look forward to seeing you back soon! Stay safe everyone.
Rattle n Hum
We are closed until further notice. We apologise for the inconvenience this has caused. Please stay up to date on our Facebook page and our Instagram page for further details.
The Backyard
The wellbeing of our guests and staff is paramount at the Shangri La, The Marina. As a result, we will be exercising an abundance of caution in the coming days and to temporarily close The Backyard during lunch and dinner services.
Sauce Brewing Cairns
Sorry all, the bar will be closed Thursday this week.
But don’t worry, OutSauce Liquor will be open, so come down and grab a beer and drink it in our crafty little courtyard.
Yungaburra Whistle Stop Cafe
This year we have had a few to many staff in close contact with Covid positive people. As always better safe then sorry, so we will be reopening when all staff have received their negative results.
McGinty’s Cairns
McGinty’s will be closed until Monday January 10. There have been a number of positive Covid cases among the bars in Cairns. We have all lined up today to get Covid PCR testing and should have results back in 48 to 72 hours.
As a precaution we have closed until 10 Jan and will advise if any change to this occurs.
Thai Coins
Hi guys, lunch trade will be (suspended) until further notice. Apologies for the inconvenience that we may have caused.
Hemingway’s Brewery FNQ
(Well) 2022 hasn’t exactly been the flying start everyone hoped for. We however are keeping a positive outlook, what else can we do?
Port Douglas will reopen on Friday after a three day closure. Our Cairns Wharf venue will reopened (on) Wednesday.
The Benson Hotel
Unfortunately due to a number of staff awaiting Covid-19 test results we have had to make the decision to close our restaurant and bar for lunch and dinner until Tuesday the January 11.
We will remain open for breakfast as per our normal hours. Please note there is no risk to our customers.
Howlin’ Jays
Due to unforeseen circumstances Howlin’ (Jays) will remain closed until further notice. We apologise to all our customers, specially to those who had made bookings to dine with us. Stay safe fam.
Vivo Palm Cove
As a result of the extreme staff shortage, we will now be open from 12.00pm six days, and closed on Sundays. We apologise for any inconvenience this causes. Your support, patience and understanding through this time is appreciated.
Three Wolves
It’s with a heavy heart but for the safety of our staff and patrons we will be closed for the next week. This is due to Covid and some close contact with staff. We thank you all for the support and will be back up and running ASAP!
Strait On The Beach
Strait on the Beach will be closed momentarily due to unforeseen circumstances. We are very sorry for any inconveniences, we will be back up and running as soon as we can.
Masons Cafe Cape Tribulation
We are sad to announce that we will now be closed Saturday and Sunday. No vaccinated staff to work.
Wild Thyme Restaurant
Hello valued clients, due to the crazy world we live in, our Friday Feels won’t be running this week, our musicians had to cancel as they are awaiting Covid test results.
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