The Indian restaurant in Wollongong had been helping overseas students, who had lost their jobs due to the coronavirus outbreak, by supplying them with free food.
However, the restaurant says it had to cease the service after students arrived in groups flouting the social distancing rules.
Highlights
- There have been 4,800 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Australia.
- States have introduced stringent fines for those who do not follow social distancing restrictions and self-quarantine rules.
- Australia has now limited gatherings to two people unless you are with your family or household.
“Students are arriving at our restaurant in a group, and they stand together. We requested them to maintain a 1.5 meters distance between each other as has been directed by the authorities," the restaurant posted on Facebook.
"To make it easier, we have put stickers on the floor to make sure they maintain the social distance. However, some of them have been continuously disregarding this message.”
Another restaurant in Wollongong, JJ’s Indian, says it has received a police warning after some students ignored the social distancing rules at their premises.
Restaurant owner Jasbir Jasrotia says he wants to help people "in this time of need but we cannot allow rules to be broken in and around our premises."
"We have marked the lines to ensure the specified social distance. However some people come in group and stay together. The police came in and warned us," he said.
Source: Supplied
"Many businesses have been fined as it is their responsibility that customers follow the rules."
Jasbir Jasrotia, who had come to Australia as a student, understands how difficult it can be for students to survive without a job.
Jasbir Jasrotia, Chef and owner, JJ's Indian restaurant, Wollongong. Source: Supplied
He says he will not stop helping people.
"We are planning deliver food to the students so that people in need get the timely help and no rules are broken."
Stay at home rules
Authorities around Australia are imploring people to practice social distancing.
People in New South Wales now face up to six months in jail and fines of up to $11,000 for breaching the rules aimed at curbing the spread of coronavirus.
Social distancing measures are in place across the country. Source: AAP
COVID-19 cases had passed 2,000 infections in New South Wales, which is the highest in Australia.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others and gatherings are limited to two people unless you are with your family or household.
If you believe you may have contracted the virus, call your doctor (don’t visit) or contact the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
If you are struggling to breathe or experiencing a medical emergency, call 000.
SBS is committed to informing Australia’s diverse communities about the latest COVID-19 developments. News and information is available in 63 languages at sbs.com.au/coronavirus
