COVID-19 and the Events and Catering Industry

Date Posted: 16/03/2020 11:47:52 AM
Posted By: Laissez-faire Catering

Laissez-faire-COVID-19 

 

Laissez-faire catering PTY LTD (LFC) is closely monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation.  LFC has put in precautionary measures as of 4 February 2020 to ensure our staff are safe following the announcement of the Corona Virus outbreak and with cases identified in Australia.

The safety and wellbeing of Laissez-faire’s clients, visitors and employees is of paramount importance and remains our top priority.

Laissez-faire Catering is closely monitoring the situation with Coronavirus (Covid-19) and advice provided by the Australian Government Department of Health. We are responding appropriately as the situation evolves and will provide further updates as necessary.

We have instructed our staff / contractors to adhere to guidelines around delivery of services, attendance at our Sydney and NSW locations and follow specific hygiene and etiquette when onsite. These guidelines (implemented since 4 February, 2020) are:

1. If a person has travelled to any High risk jurisdictions (and returned within the past four (4) weeks), they will not come to work for the first 14 days after their return.

2. People currently in any High risk jurisdictions should not come to work for the two (2) weeks after their return to ensure they are not carrying the virus. This is the current recommended timeframe from the relevant Australian Government health  authorities.

3. We have provided increased hand sanitiser and tissues in each location where food is produced and in public areas.

4. People should be very conscious of hygiene and etiquette if coughing or sneezing, increased hand washing etc. The CDC recommends washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and using an alcohol-based hand sanitiser as needed. Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands and always cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue which is then immediately put in the bin.

5. Consider other activities or events attended. If we determine that a staff have been in contact with anyone from any High risk jurisdictions, we request they work from home within the 14 day period after these events. Staff should raise any specific situations or arrangements with their supervising manager to agree a plan considering each circumstance.

6. As of 4th March, 2020, we have requested all staff limit hand to hand contact (handshakes) where possible and minimise kissing between clients and staff. This is following the Australian Government health authorities. 

High risk jurisdictions

The following jurisdictions are considered high risk. This list may be expanded at a future date depending on case numbers:

  • Mainland China;
  • Hong Kong;
  • Japan
  • South Korea;
  • Singapore;
  • Iran;
  • Italy;
  • Spain;
  • Indonesia;
  • France; and/or
  • Germany

Inside our Kitchen the health and safety of our staff and customers is always our top priority.

While the overall risk in Australia of contracting COVID-19 in the community remains low, we’re taking a number of steps to prepare and enhance everyone’s protection.

We have a team of senior managers meeting regularly to discuss our ongoing response and ensure we have the latest information from health authorities. It’s important that you are aware that we maintain the highest level of hygiene and cleaning practices in our facility in accordance with Australian Food Standards and HACCP requirements.

We’re closely following all advice received from Australian medical authorities, as well as the World Health Organisation (WHO), regarding precautions that are needed to minimise risks concerned with COVID-19.

We have increased training with food handling staff including practicing proper hand washing and sanitising procedures, cough etiquette and staying home if they are unwell or unsure.

Should you require any further information please contact Sara Flaksbard – info@laissez.com.au

This policy and our guidelines are being monitored daily as the situation evolves.

We thank you for your support and cooperation in this challenging matter.

Sara Flaksbard | General Manager
T 02 9209 4810 | M 0416 235 516 
E sara@laissez.com.au | W www.laissez.com.au  
30 Birmingham St Alexandria NSW 201

Further government recommendations below around food:

Can the virus be transmitted through food?

Previous experience with outbreaks of illness due to MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV and other respiratory viruses (e.g. avian influenza) suggest that novel coronavirus may have been transmitted from animals to humans.

Transmission through food is unlikely and there is no evidence of this occurring with novel coronavirus to date, however investigations to identify the source of the outbreak, the extent of spread of the infection, and mode(s) of transmission are continuing.

Reducing your risk

Everyone should practice good hygiene and other measures to protect against infections.

The World Health Organization (WHO) advises people to:

  • wash hands regularly
  • cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing
  • thoroughly cook meat and eggs
  • avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness, such as coughing and sneezing

Good hygiene and sanitation are important to avoid cross contamination.

FSANZ will continue to monitor developments and liaise with the Department of Health, the Department of Agriculture, state and territory health authorities and international counterparts to assess the possibility of food borne transmission of the virus.