Mindil Beach Casino Resort closed until safe after being declared a public exposure site

The Top End’s Covid caseload hit one of the Territory’s favourite venues at the weekend, after more public exposure sites were added.

THE Top End’s Covid caseload has hit one of the Territory’s favourite venues, with Mindil Beach Casino Resort closed at the weekend.

And the hospitality sector has urged the government to end the mask mandate when lockout is lifted.

Guests were forced to leave the casino on Saturday after health orders were revised and the venue remained closed on Sunday.

It follows identification of the casino as a public exposure and casual contact site after an exposure period on Friday, October 29.

Mindil Beach Casino Resort general manager Avril Baynes said the decision was taken when it was clear Covid security had been breached between 7.30pm and 9.20pm on October 29.

“As soon as we became aware that Mindil Beach Casino Resort was a public exposure casual contact site, we immediately took steps to close the property and support our guests, employees and the broader community who have been impacted,” Ms Baynes said.

The casino was closed on Sunday and will remain so until it is safe for guests, employees and the community to access it again.

Meanwhile, Hospitality NT CEO Alex Bruce said businesses bore the brunt of the Cairns Covid breach.

“Some businesses are closed as a result of being exposure sites, others are impacted from staff shortages from workers isolating from being at those exposure sites,” he said.

“Bars and suburban pubs and clubs are reporting 50 per cent loss of trade and late night venues and nightclubs fared worse if they remained open.”