COVID-19: Bay View Hotel, Woy Woy bans people from Sydney, Victoria
A Central Coast pub has locked out all Sydney and Victorian residents to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Central Coast
Don't miss out on the headlines from Central Coast. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Wamberal erosion: Many residents allowed home as emergency works continue
- Dwindling Mariners crowds leaves Central Coast Stadium haemorrhaging
A Woy Woy pub has taken bold measures to protect customers against COVID-19, banning all Sydney and Victorian residents from today – and they hope other local pubs will do the same.
The Bayview Hotel took to social media on Thursday night to announce the new rule that came into effect from 7am on Friday.
Hotel manager Chris Mills told the Express Advocate the decision to not allow Sydneysiders and Victorians was made after discussions with owners Gary and Kerry Narvo – a decision that “puts the community before pockets”.
“It’s for the protection of our customers,” he said.
“It’s our responsibility to look after the local community in the current climate. We need to take steps to stop an outbreak here, it’s happening all around us. We don’t want to end up with a situation like Melbourne where nobody is allowed out of their house come 8pm.”
Mr Mills said the rule would be policed via the COVID-19 marshall at the entrance of the premises who checked IDs and managed the digital sign in procedure.
“We get a lot of people from Sydney who come here, especially over the weekends,” he said.
“We certainly hope this doesn’t go on for too long. But most people get it and are acutely aware of what’s going on in Melbourne.”
He said hopefully other coast pubs will follow their lead and adopt similar rules to ensure the coast remained COVID-19 free.
The Facebook post from Gary and Kerry Narvo attracted more than 200 comments, with a lot of local support for the iconic pub.
“I have owned and operated the Bayview Hotel for over 18 years and like us all I have never seen nor lived through such a pandemic,” the post read.
“I take our responsibility whilst operating in these times very seriously and the safety of my customers and staff are the forefront of my concerns. We are a community hotel and must at this time do what I believe is best for our community.”
There were questions about people who commuted to Sydney, but the hotel made it clear that it was just people who reside in Sydney or Victoria.
Some people said it was a pointless move with so many coasties working in Sydney, while others suggested Newcastle residents also be banned following their latest outbreak.
Peninsula Chamber of Commerce president Matthew Wales said the chamber backed the Bayview Hotel.
“For the immediate future, we can absolutely understand the Bayview Hotel’s position in order to protect its local customer base and ensure that the business continues to operate COVID free and COVID compliant,” he said.
“The chamber believes that all businesses need to review their operations and risk management on a regular basis and adjust their operating procedures accordingly.
“The Peninsula has come through the pandemic in reasonable shape compared to other areas but that does not mean that we must be any less complacent about the health and safety of residents, customers and employees”.
The move comes as health authorities warn patrons of three pubs in Newcastle to self-isolate immediately after a man in his 20s tested positive to coronavirus.
At this stage, the coast remains COVID-19 free with no new cases in more than one month. Last week, a returned international traveller from the coast tested positive however was quarantining in a Sydney hotel where she will remain in self isolation.