Naomi Oakley, who runs U-Nome security and has been in the industry for more than 20 years, said requests for crowd control at 18th and 21st birthday celebrations had recently taken off.But while hosts were prepared to pay for security guards, bar managers, DJs and catering they baulked at spending money on Covid marshalls.Some also refused to check guests’ vaccination status and in one instance a Mornington Peninsula host already knew several guests were unvaccinated.Ms Oakley said she had been forced to turn down jobs in order to keep her staff safe and feared other operators would be prepared to “turn a blind eye” to the risks.“If the event was held at a commercial venue there would be density limits and no one 18 or over would get in without a green tick.“It’s reckless and selfish to expect people to work an event without any Covid protocols.”A recent party in Mentone led to Ms Oakley’s team being exposed to Covid with one member forced to miss Christmas because they were in isolation.Those attending the party provide vaccination status with one guest holding an exemption.Ms Oakley said her business wasn’t informed of the positive case until three days after it was diagnosed.According to the Department of Health there are no limits on crowd numbers at private gatherings and while it was recommended only vaccinated guests attend events it was not a requirement.However, an employer who allowed a worker onsite who did not meet vaccine requirements faced a $21,808 fine while a corporation would be hit with a $109,044 penalty.The Department of Health suggested people attending events on private property take a rapid antigen test before arriving.It also advised holding events outdoors for less than four hours to limit exposure.lucy.callander@news.com.au
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