Sum Yung Guys closure: 25 staff in isolation over Christmas

The isolation of 25 Sum Yung Guys staff which forced a seven-day closure during the restaurant’s busiest period left a sour taste for the owners and affected workers. Here is why.

The mass staff isolation that forced popular Noosa restaurant Sum Yung Guys into a seven-day closure during its busiest period resulted in not one positive Covid-19 case.

The popular Noosaville Asian restaurant – part owned by Master Chef runner up Matt Sinclair – closed on December 22 after one staff member tested positive to Covid-19 and 24 others had to get tested and isolate.

Part-owner Moe Rickard said none of the other employees tested positive in a cruel – but relieving – twist to the business closure.

The cost in lost revenue was huge – with cancellations for at least 300 customers per day – and more in perished foods.

Sum Young Guys part owner Moe Rickard who was forced to shut the doors on his Noosaville restaurant during the busiest week of the year due to the majority of his staff being labelled as close contacts of a Covid-19 case. Picture: Lachie Millard

“Not one person came out positive – all of them really could have been at work and could have had Christmas with their families,” Mr Rickard said.

Close contact rules recently changed to only include those who live in the same household as the person with Covid-19, or someone who has spent more than four hours in the household while the person was infectious.

It does not include workplaces or if you have come into contact with the Covid-19 case outside of the home.

A spread of dishes at Sum Yung Guys at Noosaville.

Some of the Sunshine Coast and Noosa Heads’ most popular restaurants, cafes and surf clubs closed or reduced hours this week due to staff in isolation or being diagnosed with the virus.

Official case numbers indicate the Sunshine Coast and Noosa regions have a total of 3100 cases, but the real number was expected to be much higher.

Mr Rickard said since reopening the restaurant had enjoyed an “amazing” amount of support.

He said the close contact rule change would help, but still held concerns for the growing case numbers.

“It definitely helps – when we closed it was 24 staff deemed close contacts, whereas now that’s not going to be the case,” he said.