03 November 2020

NSW Health has today directed the Jasmins1 Lebanese Restaurant in Liverpool to remain closed until further notice after they failed to provide records relating to staffing and patronage in a timely manner to support public health action.

The order has been made under section 11 of the Public Health Act 2010 to protect public health after the restaurant failed to implement COVID-19 safety measures.

Investigations have revealed Jasmins1 Liverpool did not have a COVID Safety Plan and did not keep contact details of patrons as required under the Public Health (COVID-19 Restrictions on Gathering and Movement) Order (No 5) 2020.

The restaurant will remain closed until NSW Health considers the restaurant is no longer a risk to public health.

NSW Health informed the restaurant on 28 October that cases of COVID-19 had attended the restaurant three days earlier.

After being notified that people with COVID-19 had attended the restaurant while infectious and advised that any staff who worked at that time are close contacts and required to isolate up to and including 8 November, at least one staff member continued to work at the restaurant.

NSW Health has now directed Jasmins1 Liverpool to provide a complete range of all records such as booking information and financial records relating to staff and patrons on the premises during dates and times of COVID-19 risk.

To re-open, the restaurant must demonstrate compliance with COVID-19 restrictions on gathering and movement, including the development of a COVID Safety Plan and measures to record contact details of patrons that are approved by NSW Health.

It is an offence to not comply with an order under s11, with a maximum penalty of $11,000 and/or six months imprisonment for an individual or $55,000 for a corporation. Continuing offences also apply for each day the order is not complied with.

The Order will be published in the NSW Government Gazette.