The surfaces that are most likely to give you COVID-19: Medical officer issues warning as restrictions are eased
- Surfaces normally touched by lots of people could allow the virus to spread
- Dr Kerry Chant said extra cleaning is required to protect customers
- Lift buttons, restaurant tables, ATMs and stair rails need to be cleaned
- Here’s how to help people impacted by Covid-19
Lift buttons, restaurant tables, stair rails and ATMs are among the surfaces most likely to spread coronavirus, the New South Wales Chief Health Officer said today.
Surfaces that are touched by lots of people could allow the virus to spread as economic activity increases due to the easing of lockdown restrictions.
In a message to businesses, Dr Kerry Chant said extra cleaning is required to protect customers.
Businesses need to thoroughly clean lift buttons, restaurant tables, ATMs and stair rails to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the New South Wales Chief Health Officer said today
Surfaces that are normally touched by lots of people could allow the virus to spread as economic activity increases due to the easing of lockdown restrictions
‘People need to be conscious of surfaces. We say make sure cleaning is increased in high-touch points,’ she said.
‘What we mean by that is maybe ATM machines, lifts stair rails, surfaces where people are going to be sitting down at.
‘All businesses need to re-think the way they provide services and usual cleaning has to be turned around to consider what are the risks to my patrons in a COVID environment.
The NSW premier has flagged there could be an increase in people allowed to dine in restaurants and cafes in the coming weeks as the government works to boost the economy after its battering by the COVID-19 lockdown.
Gladys Berejiklian on Thursday said her government has been working with the industry on increasing patronage in restaurants and cafes in June and July.
‘The government will have more to say in the very near future about what restaurants and cafes will look like in June and July,’ she told reporters in Sydney on Thursday.
Currently, dining venues can allow up to 10 patrons if they maintain social distancing, including alcohol table service with a meal at NSW pubs and clubs.
Increasing patronage in June would align with the easing of regional travel restrictions across the state and the opening of museums, galleries and libraries from June 1.
In a message to businesses, Dr Kerry Chant said extra cleaning is required to protect customers
The premier has also flagged plans to allow international students back into NSW, potentially through the hotel quarantine system in place for Australians returning home.
This would help support regional towns and universities relying on the sector for economic activity and employment, she added.
‘We have demonstrated our capacity to process people in quarantine,’ Ms Berejiklian said.
‘It’s opportune for us to consider when we can safely welcome back foreign students.’
‘People need to be conscious of surfaces. We say make sure cleaning is increased in high-touch points,’ said Dr Kerry Chant
The premier noted this wouldn’t be happening until after July and discussions are still underway with the federal government.
On Thursday the state reported two new COVID-19 cases from more than 9700 tests,
Three people are in intensive care.
One of the new cases was a student from Saint Ignatius’ College in Riverview and another person who acquired the infection in Victoria.
The premier on Thursday also defended her calls for other states to re-open their borders, insisting it’s in the best interests for Australia.
‘This isn’t personal. This is about doing what we believe is in the best interest of our citizens,’ she said.