There have now been changes to the Public Health Order that will now require any business that sells food and drink for human consumption to have a Coronavirus (COVID-19) Safety Plan prepared, registered with the NSW Health and kept on premises. On request of the Minister for Local Government, Council officers have recently visited the cafes and restaurants informing them of their requirements to comply with the Public Health Order in regards to COVID-19.
Manager Environmental Compliance at Dubbo Regional Council (DRC) Michael Jarman says Council staff have been going around to local businesses to help them understand their requirements, and now the Department of Primary Industries and Environment (DPIE) staff will be visiting premises to follow up.
DPIE is the authorised regulatory authority to enforce the Public Health COVID-19 Order and their officers have started visiting premises in the Dubbo region and they can issue fines for non-compliance.
“The new Public Health Order applies to take away food outlets, service stations, supermarkets, convenience stores and mobile food vendors. Emphasis has been placed on social distancing and the need for a COVID-19 Safe Hygiene Marshal. What this means is that all food outlets need to appoint a staff member as the COVID-19 Safe Hygiene Marshal to control the flow of customers through the premises and ensure they comply with the Safety Plan,” said Mr Jarman.
This Marshal will need to be identifiable in either wearing a bright coloured garment or badge. The requirement stipulates that large venues with the capacity of more than 250 people must have a COVID-19 Safe Hygiene Marshal on duty whenever the venue is open.
“Smaller venues must also have a COVID-19 Safe Hygiene Marshal during peak periods, and at least during lunch from 12pm to 3pm and from 5pm to 9pm,” said Mr Jarman.
DRC’S COVID-19 spokesperson, Manager Corporate Image and Communications Andrew Parsons, said Council has an ongoing commitment to ensure the community remains safe.
“It is critical that Council works alongside local businesses, residents and health authorities to help people understand this pandemic and what their responsibilities are. Council encourages residents and business owners to contact NSW Health with any questions they might have about these follow-up inspections and COVID-19 safety plan compliance,” said Mr Parsons.
Further information can be found on https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/industry-guidelines and the plans relevant to the food industry “Restaurant and Cafes” and “Retail and Grocery”. ServiceNSW can also be contacted on 13 77 88.
Source: DRC