Newcastle Pub First in the World to Trial Covid-19 Facial Scanning Technology

BY ISABEL EVERETT

A Newcastle pub will become the first in the world to trial a new face scanning technology, aimed at  reducing the spread of Covid-19 in licensed venues.

The Hotel Delaney, on Darby Street will trial the 'CoolGard' device this Saturday which has been developed by Hunter based technology company, Pulse.

The device will use AI facial recognition and infrared technology to automatically scan guest's temperature upon entry, rather than by staff using handheld temperature guns.

"It's more accurate than the hand held guns. We've heard stories of guys rubbing ice on their foreheads just so they'll be allowed in," the Delany Hotel’s licensee, Joshua Redman said.

The CoolGard device will capture identification and contact details electronically, and can be programed to ask guests certain questions as they arrive, such as if they've recently traveled to Victoria. 

The device will also keep track of patron numbers onsite at any time,with venue capacity limits now needing to be monitored.

Mr Redman believes this technology is the right step in the quest to get back to normality.

 “The system provides constant monitoring of our staff and patrons as they arrive onsite. We are continuing to look for anything that will ultimately help keep everyone safe and feeling comfortable in our venue."

Keeping the hospitality industry running throughout the pandemic continues to be a day-by-day process and Joshua believes CoolGard will help aid in this challenge.

 "I believe starting with the CoolGard system can help prevent the possible closure of The Del while the threat of COVID-19 remains out there in the community."

"The system will also facilitate the earliest possible intervention in any potential community transmissions involving the hotel, through more rapid and precise and contact tracing.”

Another Covid-19 Case Diagnosed in the Hunter, Health Alerts Now Issued for 7 Venues

BY ISABEL EVERETT

A second case of COVID-19 has been confirmed in Newcastle, a close contact of a teenager from St Pius X High School in Adamstown diagnosed on Wednesday.

The new case is a man in his 20s.

Health authorities are still trying to the determine the source on infection in the teenager, who visited Sydney on Saturday, for a Newcastle Jets Under 15's representative squad game.

Health authorities are urging anyone who attended the following venues at the specified times to immediately self-isolate and seek testing:

• Bennett Hotel, Hamilton –  Friday 31 July, from 5.30pm to 10.00pm 
•  Bar 88, Wests New Lambton – Sunday 2 August, from 5.00pm to 7.15pm 
• Sydney Junction Hotel, Hamilton – Saturday 1 August, from 11pm midnight to 1.15am Sunday 2 August.

Hunter New England Health also urges any patrons who visited the following venues at the times specified to be alert for symptoms, and if any develop to get tested and self-isolate immediately:

• Greenroof Bar and Restaurant, Hamilton –  Friday 31 July, from 10.30pm to 12.15 midnight 
• Sushi Revolution, Hamilton on Saturday 1 August, from 12noon to 12.45pm  
• Queens Wharf Hotel – Saturday 1 August from 9.30pm to 11.00pm 
• McDonald Jones Stadium – Sunday 2 August, 7:30pm to end of game, Newcastle Jets match  

Dr Kat Taylor, Public Health Controller for Hunter New England Health’s COVID-19 response said that Hunter New England Health is still working to identify any further contacts or venues visited by both individuals, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

 All close contacts will be notified and required to isolate for 14 days.

Hunter New England Health says casual contacts, are not required to self isolate, but are still encouraged to seek testing should they develop symptoms.

Casual contacts include instances where transmission is less likely, including where someone had less than 15 minutes face-to-face contact over the course of a week with a confirmed case, or was in the same closed space with them for less than two hours.

“It is vital people in the community continue to present for testing if experiencing symptoms to limit the spread of the virus.

“I encourage everyone to follow directions they receive about home isolation and quarantine, and maintain COVID-safe practices of physical distancing, coughing or sneezing into their elbow, and regularly washing their hands,” she said.

With the identification of additional cases in the Newcastle area, The District is expecting an increase in the demand for testing.

“To ensure we can best serve the community during this time, we have enhanced our local testing capability.

“In addition to expanding our call centre capacity and the number of phone lines available to improve booking wait times, we will extend hours and capacity at a number of local clinics.

“However, please be patient if visiting a clinic or calling for a booking. We have thousands of testing opportunities throughout the course of today and will see people as quickly as possible,” Dr Taylor said.

Police Operation Targeting Patrons and Operators at Hunter Pubs Launches Today

BY ISABEL EVERETT

A month long high visibility police operation ensuring social distancing and Public Health Order compliance at licensed venues across the Hunter is beginning on Monday.

From Monday June 1st, Operation Pariac will see a high police presence across regional areas in Northern, Southern and Western NSW, following the easing of restrictions in licensed premises.

Police will also be targeting alcohol-related crime, including assaults, anti-social behaviour and public order incidents.

Operation Pariac Commander, Assistant Commissioner Max Mitchell APM, said as restrictions continue to ease, venues and patrons need to be aware of their responsibilities to maintain a COVID-safe environment.

“From today, the movement of people across the state will start to increase dramatically, as thousands of people head to regional communities to inject much needed tourism dollars.

“Police will be conducting random checks and patrols of licensed venues throughout our regions, with the ability for resources to be shared amongst police districts where the demand is needed – particularly across the Queen’s Birthday long weekend."

“Operation Pariac, as part of a Vikings operation, will see officers working closely with industry and business owners to ensure they are able to operate safe environments for their customers, while making the public feel confident about returning to a COVID-safe venue.

“Whether you’re heading to a winery in the Hunter Valley, a bar at Byron Bay, a pub on the bushfire-hit South Coast, or an RSL in drought-impacted areas out west – licensees and patrons alike need to be aware of their surroundings and the strict rules which now apply,” Assistant Commissioner Mitchell said.

     Assistant Commissioner Max Mitchell APM 

Push For Tougher Lockout Laws For Newcastle City Pubs And Clubs

BY IAN CROUCH

Some Newcastle pubs and clubs could be subject to tougher liquor laws if Hunter New England Health gets its way.

The health authority has made a submission into a review of current legislation saying venues considered to be at high risk for late night assaults should be subject to tighter lockout laws.

Hunter New England Health says although there's been a 30 percent drop in the number of assaults across Newcastle pubs and clubs in the past 10 years, the rate of alcohol-fueled violence in the city is still higher then the state average.

Health Authorities Want Tougher Liquor Laws. Image: The Herald.