There’s Now 2,000 Close Contacts From IKEA Tempe After An Infected Person Was There For 11 Hrs

NSW Health has announced that there are now 2,000 close contacts to a case who went to an IKEA in Tempe for 11 hours. This news came alongside a worrying 44 new COVID-19 cases in NSW and a new list of exposure sites.

The new exposure sites, which may have created close contacts to individuals with COVID-19, include eateries in Burwood and Auburn, shopping centres and restaurants in Merrylands, a cafe in Smithfield and a Beds R Us in Wetherill Park.

The biggest point of concern however is the fact that IKEA Tempe, which was previously listed as a COVID-19 exposure site, now has 2,000 close contacts. Yes, you read that right, 2,000 people have been advised to get tested and stay home.

This is because the infected individual spent a total of 11 hours at the busy IKEA store. God, this all sucks. I’m not crying, you are. (We’re both probably crying.)

“One new case is linked to IKEA in Tempe on 6 July. Anyone who attended IKEA Tempe on 6 July from 10am – 9pm is a close contact and must immediately get tested and isolate for 14 days, regardless of the result,” NSW Health said.

Tighter lockdown restrictions will be hitting Greater Sydney from 5pm on Friday 9 July.

Some of the restrictions include outdoor gatherings being limited to two people, travel restrictions being limited to within 10km of your house (for exercise), no carpooling, no visitors from outside your household and funerals limited to 10 people from Sunday 11 July.

“Nobody is allowed into your house,” said NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian.

“Nobody outside your household is allowed into your house. The only exception is if you are receiving care by people, one person, dropping off essential goods or for health reasons or exceptional circumstances.”

Intimate partner exceptions are still allowed for the time being.

NSW Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant also announced that of the four people currently in the ICU on ventilation, one of these individuals is a young person in their 20s.

“This trend has to be turned around, and the only way we can do so is by seeing a decline in numbers,” said Dr Kerry Chant.

“Covid cannot affect people if you do not come into contact with them… that is the basis of the stay at home orders.”

Godspeed, NSW. You can check out the full list of exposure sites right here.

Stay safe!

Image: Abbie Westbury