Details of the trail of destruction left behind by three women who reportedly lied about travelling to Melbourne to get back to Queensland have been published.
After one of the women visited the venue despite waiting for the results of a COVID-19 test, the owner of a Brisbane bar announced that he had lost around $100,000 in revenue.
In June, when she should have been self-isolating after being screened for the virus, Olivia Muranga visited Cowch Bar in Southbank to have a drink.
It was later revealed that the 20-year-old was infected.
Arif Mendes, the owner of the bar, told A Current Affair Ms Muranga that the decision caused him to lose thousands of dollars in revenue.
“The month of August sales got affected about $100,000 dollars down. It was very very tough,” he told the program.
“We had customers calling and upset with us. There were people around us saying ‘Were you there Arif? Don’t come near us, don’t come to your local gym’.”
Ms. Muranga, Diana Lasu, 21, and Haja Timbo, 21, face up to five years behind bars and a fine of $13,000 after reportedly lying to authorities about being in Melbourne in order to reach Queensland without being subject to compulsory quarantine.
Fifteen other staff had to be tested and self-isolate for three days.
“That was pretty tough for all of them. Trying to support them through that period not only financially but with their mental health,” Mr Mendes said.
“These things unfortunately they happen and it’s a pandemic. But when there is a carelessness involved by a couple of people that’s un-Australian.”
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