Coronavirus NSW: Jasmins1 restaurant ordered to remain closed
Jasmins1 Restaurant in Liverpool has been ordered to remain closed by NSW Health for not correctly keeping records of its staff and patrons.
NSW Coronavirus News
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A Sydney restaurant at the centre of a possible COVID-19 cluster has been forced to close for not keeping records of staff and guests.
It is also accused of allowing one worker to return to work when they should have been self-isolating after the first case from the restaurant was revealed.
The health authority ordered the closure of Liverpool‘s Jasmins1 on Tuesday after it didn’t provide records of who had been at the restaurant, as required by the Public Health Act.
A guest and a worker of the restaurant have tested positive to coronavirus.
In a statement, NSW Health said investigations revealed the restaurant did not have a COVID Safety Plan and did not keep contact details of guests.
“NSW Health informed the restaurant on 28 October that cases of COVID-19 had attended the restaurant three days earlier,” the statement read.
Jasmins1 are now required provide a complete range of all records such as booking information and financial records relating to staff and patrons on the premises during dates and times of COVID-19 risk.
To re-open, the restaurant must demonstrate compliance with COVID-19 restrictions.
The announcement comes hours after the restaurant hit back at claims it didn’t properly record diners’ details after several COVID-19 cases were linked to the venue.
In a bizarre post on the restaurant’s Facebook page filled with spelling errors and bad grammar, administrators posted screenshots of CCTV showing government officials signing in to the venue, and took aim at reports of safety breaches.
“Oh dear, oh dear Jasmins is famous on the news, you all heard so I am going to show you please reply to these reporter’s (sic) they need a sock in there (sic) mouth,” it said.
“The health unit have stated we are not using the covid rule facility, the officer came in and sighned (sic). And the health unit officer wich (sic) his bosses accused Jasmins got his temperature take (sic) and signed (sic) in on entry.
“Blind is not the word can you give it a name for me.”
Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said on Monday the restaurant did not keep accurate customer records.
“Our priority now is to chase down everybody who was at that restaurant when that infectious person was there,” she said.
“There weren’t QR codes recorded (and) there weren’t individual sign-ins.
“So we are undertaking regulatory activity, we are reviewing their COVID safety plan, we will take that action.”
Anyone who worked at the restaurant or attended during the following times is considered a close contact and must get tested immediately:
Monday 26 October, 4pm – 9pm
Saturday 31 October, 3pm – 8pm
Sunday 1 November, 9am – 1.45pm
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said there is no excuse for venues not to have QR codes.
“We will throw the book at anybody who doesn’t have a COVID-safe plan, (and anyone) who not only doesn’t have a QR code system in place but doesn’t even have a sign-in system in place,” she said on Monday.
“You cannot rely on the one person who made a group booking – that’s not how it works.”
