Lambton Park Hotel, Wallsend Diggers and Hotel Jesmond shut after infected coronavirus visitor
A man in his 20s, a confirmed COVID-19 case from Sydney, has forced the shutdown of Three Newcastle venues after they visited Lambton Park Hotel, Wallsend Diggers and Hotel Jesmond during the week. All have had deep cleans.
Newcastle
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A third venue has closed for cleaning after a Sydney man in his 20s, infected with COVID-19, visited the Lambton Park Hotel on Thursday, July 30, between 7-9pm.
The hotel announced on social media that it would be closed for cleaning to reopen on Wednesday.
“We ask that patrons that were in the hotel on Thursday during these times please visit your nearest health clinic and get a test for COVID-19 and follow all self isolation protocols,” a statement on the venue’s Facebook page said.
“We are working with NSW Health to ensure the safety of our local community and will be closed for the next 48 hours to undergo contact tracing and a deep clean of our premises as our patrons health & safety is our number one priority.
“We will be reopening on Wednesday 5th August from 12pm and look forward to welcoming all back from then.”
It follows the closure of a pub and club in Newcastle on Sunday which were shut for deep cleaning, after the same man from Sydney had also visited both venues.
Wallsend Diggers shut its doors on Sunday afternoon after NSW Health advised the man had entered the club on Thursday, July 30, between 7pm and 9pm.
The Diggers immediately identified all those who were on the premises during those times and NSW Health contacted all affected.
A deep clean Sunday night and a fogging 48 hours prior to the infected person visiting the premises, meant the club has re-opened today.
On the Wallsend Diggers Facebook page they wrote a message telling customers about the sudden closure, saying the club had done everything within NSW Health guidelines.
“NSW Health has advised us that the Covid Safe Plan that we have in place is excellent as we were able to provide information immediately,” the statement wrote.
“Please note that the club has not been breached in any capacity.
“As per the guidelines, if you feel unwell then please seek medical advice or get Covid tested.
“We are in very challenging times and the only way we will get through this is to work together and help each other.”
In light of the health alert, the Wallsend Library has also been temporarily closed as a precaution.
Hotel Jesmond was also shut over COVID-19 fears after the same man had been a visitor. The venue did shut for deep cleaning.
Those who visited the pub on Wednesday night, July 29, between 7.30pm and 9.30pm are being urged to get tested and isolate.
Hunter New England Local Health is urging anyone who visited either venue to strictly isolate at home for 14 days and be on the lookout for COVID-19 symptoms.
They’re urging people to get tested regardless of symptoms and also asking people to remain in isolation for the full 14 days even if the initial test is negative.
Those who develop COVID-19 symptoms, should be retested.
Dr David Durrheim, Public Health Controller for Hunter New England Health also advised that anyone attended any of these venues after the times indicated, there is a low risk, but isolating is not necessary.
“Please look out for symptoms and get tested immediately if you develop any, even if mild. These venues have now been thoroughly cleaned and so there is no ongoing risk,” Dr. Durrheim said.
It was also announced on Sunday a second Sydney visitor who attended Toronto Court House on July 27, between 7am and 2pm was a positive case
“The gentleman stayed at a private residence and all of his close contacts have been identified and are in isolation, so there is no ongoing risk to the community,” Dr Durrheim said.
“As a precaution, anyone who attended the Toronto Court House at those times should be alert for any symptoms and should even the mildest symptoms develop, they must self-isolate and seek urgent testing for COVID-19.”