Great Ocean Foods deliveries force entire households into COVID-19 isolation

Authorities are so concerned about a COVID-19 outbreak at a seafood wholesaler in western Sydney that they are ordering entire households that have received deliveries to self-isolate and get tested.

It was established in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic that the likelihood of transmission of the virus via takeout containers was very low.

However, a combination of the highly infectious Delta strain and unrecorded movements of staff and visitors prompted Kerry Chant, NSW’s chief health officer, to issue an unprecedented health directive.

“What we want people to do is anyone who has received a shipment from Great Ocean Foods of [June 21 to June 25] this person and members of their household should immediately self-isolate and get tested, ”said Dr Chant.

The seafood vending machine sits in an industrial section of Marrickville – outside of Sydney’s four locked-out local government areas – amid mechanics, craft breweries and art framing stores.

All staff and customers who have visited the company between Monday and Friday of this week, as well as their family contacts, are considered close contacts.

They were instructed to get tested and isolated for 14 days, regardless of the outcome.

The close contact notice also extends to anyone who “has directly received a shipment from Great Ocean Foods” during the same period.

“Every day we understand that about five people go directly to buy food from Great Ocean Foods,” Dr. Chant said.

“Our concern for these people is that we have QR codes for a small number of people, but we think there are probably people who did not check in using the QR code that was available at these premises.”

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Dr Chant said delivery drivers associated with the company had contracted the virus.

“The reason we are asking household members to get tested and isolate is again to get ahead of the [virus]”, added Dr Chant.

“We know that if you were exposed on… Monday, you may have been able to transmit to your household during that time so we want to lock in and prevent further spread.”

Epidemiologist Mary Louise-McLaws has previously described ways people could protect themselves from COVID on surfaces.

“In terms of packaging, while the coronavirus has been identified to live on surfaces like plastic and cardboard, if you’re worried you can wipe it down with alcohol wipes and then practice hygiene. hands to be safe, ”she said.

Great Ocean Foods has been contacted for comment.

A voicemail message for the business said the business was closed due to coronavirus but that operations would resume on Monday.

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