Sick Newcastle partygoers caught up in nightclub superspreader event vent on TikTok

NSW partygoers caught up in a superspreader event at a Newcastle nightclub have shared their frustrations in TikTok videos.

Newcastle partygoers caught up in an Omicron superspreader event at a nightclub have taken to TikTok to vent their frustrations and chart their Covid-positive experiences.

More than 200 cases have been linked to an outbreak at the Argyle House nightclub on December 8, with hundreds more confirmed as close contacts.

Emily Keogh, who tested positive to Covid-19 after celebrating her birthday at the Argyle Hotel nightclub, charted her Covid-positive journey in a series of TikTok videos.

@keohno

How I celebrated my 23rd birthday with covid in isolation #covid19#argylehouse#newcastle @samkeogh

♬ original sound - Emily Keogh

Health authorities suspect one person failed to isolate after attending a cluster event on a Sydney Harbour party boat, instead heading out clubbing that night.

As a result, the Newcastle nightclub was forced to close its doors until after Christmas.

Partygoers who attended the venue on the night in question have since vented their frustrations on Tiktok, racking up thousands of views.

Emily Keogh, who was at the nightclub celebrating her birthday, charted how her “fun Wednesday night out” turned into “feeling horrifically sick” days later.

In multiple videos she revealed the emotional highs and lows of her positive result while in isolation.

“Bad start to the 23rd year of life: sore throat and crying on the phone for hours,” she said in one of her later videos.

“But mum bought me a cup of tea and some mint balls. Got my presents, Covid-safe of course.”

Health authorities suspect a Covid-positive person attended the Argyle House nightclub (pictured) in Newcastle, ignoring orders to self-isolate after attending a party on Sydney Harbour days before.

In other videos Ms Keogh attempts to make the most of her quarantine by sunbaking, enjoying a Covid-safe birthday cake and watching DVDs.

One user wrote: “Catching Covid three days before your birthday and now not being able to travel home for Christmas or celebrate with your friends.

“Whoever gave it to me, know I hate you.”

One woman published a video telling viewers she was infected three days before her birthday and as a result could not return home.

Many other Newcastle partygoers have expressed frustration at missing out on Christmas due to their infections.

Another user who was infected revealed how she was trying to read a book every day while making multiple calls on her phone to potential close contacts.

The Newcastle outbreak has caused NSW cases to spike, with Health Minister Brad Hazzard not ruling out further potential lockdowns.

In a statement, Argyle House said it would be shutting its doors until after Christmas due to the outbreak.

“We are devastated that just as things were looking to return to a ‘new normal’, we have unknowingly been one of the transmission sites for this current wave of Covid infections,” the statement reads.

“We love Newcastle, and we love our patrons. We are Newcastle people who love this city. We’re heartbroken to see the effect this has had on so many individuals and businesses in Newcastle.”

Originally published as Sick Newcastle partygoers caught up in nightclub superspreader event vent on TikTok