Rick Stein’s exclusive seafood restaurant among new COVID cases

A NSW RSL restaurant has been linked to two coronavirus cases, as the state reports nine new infections.

NSW Health announced that two staff members at an RSL in Western Sydney have been confirmed as COVID-19 positive.

Anyone who dined at the Chopstix Asian Cuisine restaurant  at the Smithfield RSL between Friday, 31 July and Saturday 9 August, has been warned by the health authorities to monitor for any symptoms. 

According to NSW health, one staff member tested positive from an unknown source of infection and the second staff member was probably a secondary infection related to the first worker.

The RSL is not far from Wetherill Park, where Thai Rock restaurant is located. Thai Rock was recently linked to an outbreak that resulted in a 116 case cluster.

The RSL is just one of several venues connected to the recent outbreaks in NSW.

The Mounties Club at Mount Pritchard has also seen a number of cases. Staff and patrons have been asked to self isolate and get tested for COVID-19. Anyone who dined there from 7pm Thursday 23 July through to 3am Sunday 26 July is asked to monitor for symptoms.

Also affected is Rick Stein’s exclusive seafood restaurant, Bannisters by the Sea, located at Mollymook on the south coast. One affected person dined there on Saturday, 1 August between 8:00pm and 10:30pm.  

Anyone who dined at the restaurant at that time has been advised to get tested immediately and self-isolate until midnight tonight or until they receive a negative result.

The restaurant was closed for weekend service, however management is working with NSW Health to further investigate the matter and will take the necessary precautions as they undergo contact tracing. 

All Bannister by the Sea staff who were in direct contact with the guest will be tested.

The restaurant has assured authorities it will adhere and follow all directions given to it by NSW Health. 

At this stage the decision has been made to close the pool bar and Rick Stein restaurant for the weekend until all Bannister by the Sea staff who were in direct contact with the guest get tested.