Coronavirus: Auburn Gallipoli Mosque gathering has 400 people
The mayor of a western Sydney community where 400 Muslims were allowed to gather in a mosque after they were exempt from COVID-19 restrictions has slammed the government for failing to inform his council.
Parramatta
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Cumberland Mayor Steve Christou has slammed the State Government for granting Auburn Gallipoli Mosque a COVID-19 exemption that allowed 400 worshippers to gather for Eid al-Adha prayers on Friday, without informing the council of the controversial decision.
COVID-19 restrictions impose a limit of 100 people, or one person per four square metres, in places of worship but 400 worshippers reportedly descended on the mosque, prompting Cr Christou to lambaste the health breaches.
“This kind of behaviour from the state is inexcusable and I am absolutely livid that they would potentially jeopardise the health and wellbeing of our residents and the health of greater Sydney residents,’’ he said.
“We either have a pandemic, which we acknowledge and adhere to the relevant health directives for one and all, or we don’t.’’
Cr Christou attacked the government after the council only learned about the mosque’s exemption through media reports.
“Had I been informed about this, I would have strongly opposed it on the basis of health and safety of our residents,’’ he said.
“I don’t understand how NSW Health can pick and choose who is at risk and who warrants an exemption.
“NSW Health is not an island and if they want to act with transparency and respond to this pandemic effectively, it would be nice to know about these decisions so we can tell our residents and navigate COVID-19, as a community.’’
A NSW Health spokeswoman said local government was not usually involved in assessing an exemption to a healt order but police and the Western Sydney Local Health District were notified.
“The Auburn Gallipoli Mosque developed a comprehensive COVID-19 safety plan for
the Eid Ul Adha prayers and congregational prayers that addresses the wellbeing of
participants, their physical distancing, hygiene and cleaning, and record keeping,’’ the spokeswoman said.
Under the exemption, a maximum number of 100 people were allowed in the mosque and a maximum of 400 were permitted on the premises.
“Worshippers were required to sign in, wear a sticker identifying the area they were
assigned to, and they were not permitted to mix between areas,’’ she said.
“All attendees wore masks, and the mosque had to ensure adequate physical
distancing both inside and for those waiting to enter. A team of staff or volunteers
was required to work across the venue to ensure compliance.”
NSW Health observed the gathering to monitor compliance with the restrictions.
The council area has growing numbers of positive cases. At the weekend, Merrylands’ Advanced Early Learning Centre closed after two workers contracted the virus.
The first worker who tested positive worked at the Walker St centre on July 27, 28 and 29.
On July 19, Anytime Fitness Gym at Merrylands closed temporarily after a patron visited there while infectious on the night of July 14.
On July 24, Cerdon College at Merrylands fell victim to the state’s second surge when two students attended, after reportedly visiting Our Lady of Lebanon Co-Cathedral at Harris Park.
It was deep-cleaned on July 18 after Father Danny Nour’s son Michael was confirmed to have coronavirus after visiting the Thai Rock restaurant at Stockland Mall, Wetherill Park, where a cluster formed.
It was shortly before Parramatta burger joint Milky Lane was forced to shut temporarily after a customer tested positive to coronavirus on July 11 when they visited between 2pm and 3pm.
Last week, St Patrick’s Cathedral at Parramatta, and Bayanami Public School next door also recorded positive cases.