NSW Health says it is ramping up contact tracing in south-west Sydney after a woman, who attended five church and funeral services in four days, tested positive for coronavirus.
Authorities are urging anyone who attended the following services to get tested as soon as possible, regardless of whether or not they have developed any COVID-19 symptoms:
- 16 July at 6:30pm: St Brendan's Catholic Church, Bankstown
- 17 July between 1pm and 8pm: Ausia Funeral Services, Fairfield East
- 18 July at 10am: funeral service at St Brendan's Catholic Church, Bankstown
- 18 July at 11:30am: burial service at St John of God Law, Rookwood
- 19 July at 7:30am: Our Lady of Mt Carmel, Mt Pritchard
NSW Health said people who attend those services will need to self-isolate for 14 days, even if their test returns a negative result.
It comes as the state government announced it would boost the number of public health inspectors in a bid to crackdown on businesses and venues not following COVID-19 guidelines.
A team of more than 250 inspectors will monitor pubs, casinos, clubs, bars, cafes and restaurants, with non-compliant businesses facing fines and even possible closures.
“Businesses must be part of the solution if they want to stay open and look after their communities,” Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said.
“Right now, if they haven’t downloaded a COVID-19 safety plan and registered as a COVID-safe business, they are contravening the public health orders and could face a $5000 fine and then closure.”
The NSW Government said the inspectors could be either uniformed or "undercover".
Businesses can face a $5000 fine for a first offence, a week-long forced closure for a second offence, and a one-month shut down for a third offence.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said the state's police force would also be monitoring venues throughout the crackdown.
"NSW is at a tipping point. Businesses and individuals alike need to step up to ensure we don't face a second wave that could put countless lives in jeopardy," he said.
"If you deliberately flout a ministerial direction or go about your day in a way that is not COVID-safe, you are putting the entire community at risk, and be assured the authorities will be there to hold you accountable."
As of Friday, all NSW hospitality venues including pubs, clubs, restaurants and cafes can only accept bookings of 10 people and can only serve alcohol to seated customers.
At least 56 COVID-19 cases have been linked to the Crossroads Hotel in Casula. Source: AAP
A maximum of 300 people or one person per four square metres are allowed in venues at once - whichever number is lesser.
All customers have to sign in on arrival with their name and phone number in case contact tracing is later required.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits.
If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, stay home and arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
