As we ease the restrictions of the COVID lockdown, we cannot get complacent. It is good news that cafes and restaurants are reopening and we should all support them wholeheartedly. 

However, there poses a high risk (in my opinion) of COVID transfer, in this new normal. Given that COVID positive cases can be asymptomatic (without symptoms), there can be a situation when a kitchen staff/chef is a potential carrier, unbeknownst to anybody. That person is preparing/handling the food I eat, may cough, sneeze or talk during that process, spread the virus to the food (may even be a cold salad), which I then unwittingly consume, as a customer just a few minutes later. Can this potentially occur ? I believe the answer is ‘yes'. If so, is it a high risk that can be easily mitigated ? I believe the answer to that is also ‘yes’. 

By making it mandatory for all food handlers in commercial kitchens, to wear a mask and gloves at all times whilst at work. At least a mask. It costs practically nothing, but helps mitigate an enormous risk. But yet, it has not been included in a revised food safety and COVID safety standards. I have also raised this with Food Safety Authority Australia NZ (FSAANZ), who writes the food safety regulations. But I have not heard any reasonable reply from them and they said it would take lots of process and legislation to enable this !!! Crazy! All that drama, to ensure the use of a mask ??? In this unprecedented crisis of public safety ! 

So please join me in this petition to the Minister of Health NSW (Mr Hazzard), to make sure new regulations are put in place immediately, making the wearing of masks (and gloves) the 'new normal', for all people involved in the preparation and handling of food at cafes, restaurants, hotels, pubs. 

Thanks,

Kunal (Sydney)