MidCoast Council is now required to conduct "educational inspections" of food businesses as part of the NSW Government's public health order, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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The inspections focus on a five point checklist which includes:
- a COVIDsafe plan, implemented in its entirety
- managing physical distancing and venue capacities
- adopting good hygiene practices
- excluding staff and patrons who are unwell or exhibiting symptoms
- keeping records of patrons, contractors and staff.
The council has urged restaurant and cafe operators to get in touch to ensure they are compliant with the public health order and are operating within the law as they reopen for business.
"We recognise it can be complex to ensure your business is compliant with the public health order, while you're also managing changes to normal operations as a result of the pandemic," council's manager of building and environmental health, Gary Mead said.
"We're here to support local businesses to ensure they are meeting the NSW Government requirements under the 'Public Health (COVID-19 Restrictions on Gathering and Movement) Order', which includes completing a COVIDsafe plan."
WHILE YOU'RE WITH US:
"We're already rolling out these free inspections, so if you'd prefer to make an appointment to minimise impact on your daily operations, please contact us. Otherwise, be expecting unannounced inspections to help you implement the five points above and comply with the public health order."
Mr Mead said there's plenty of help, including links to the public health order, templates and advice to help businesses get a start on ensuring they have a COVIDsafe plan and are compliant, on the ShopMidCoast business help hub at www.shopmidcoast.com.au.
To make an appointment for your educational inspection, call council's environmental health coordinator, Malcolm Hunter on 6591 7386.
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