Aquarius Backpackers in Byron Bay hit by Covid-19 contact
Police are keeping 84 guests, staff and visitors in isolation at a Byron Bay hostel after they were identified as close contacts of a positive Covid case.
Byron Shire
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Police are manning the entrance at a prominent Byron Bay backpacker hostel to keep 84 guests, staff and visitors in isolation in the wake of a positive Covid case.
A police spokeswoman said officers were assisting NSW Health to keep the 84 people, who had been deemed close contacts of the case, at the hostel pending Covid test results.
Ballina MP Tamara Smith, whose electorate covers Byron Bay, posted to social media saying she had been informed the Aquarius Backpackers was a venue of concern.
“I’m closely monitoring a situation in Byron Bay this evening where a positive Covid-19 case and 84 close contacts have been identified at Aquarius Backpackers,” Ms Smith wrote on Wednesday.
“NSW Health have locked down the venue and all 84 people are in a seven day lockdown in the premises and I’m told being supported with food, health and support.”
Ms Smith said police would be monitoring compliance over the next week.
“My thoughts are with everyone in that situation as it will be a tough time, and I will keep checking in to make sure that people are getting the support they need,” she said.
The local health district, NSW Health and Aquarius Backpackers have been approached for comment.
It is understood the cafe branch of Aquarius only recently reopened after a period of closure.
A worker at the popular backpackers refused to confirm whether or not the place had been closed.
The hostel was cordoned off by police on Wednesday night.
A police car was parked outside and two officers were checking who was coming in and out of the property.
Guests could be seen inside having dinner.
Northern NSW Local Health District on Wednesday confirmed two new cases of Covid-19 were reported for the region in the 24 hours until 8pm on Tuesday.
One of these cases was in the Byron shire and was a household contact of an existing case.
The other case was in the Ballina area and was under investigation.
New details have been released about the Byron backpacker Covid case.
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