The singer may have not been in attendance, but a gathering in honor of Taylor Swift has authorities in Australia scrambling. The Pop icon has a dedicated, global fanbase that often hosts events to celebrate her milestones. The singer has been slowly re-releasing her catalog amid her ongoing battle over owning her masters, and with each new project comes worldwide events that pay tribute to Swift.
In Sydney, Australia, over 600 fans came together to party the night away at the "On Repeat: Taylor Swift 'Red' Party" at the city's Metro Theatre on December 10, and according to the New South Wales Ministry of Health, 97 people tested positive following the event.
The Ministry of Health urged attendees to quarantine immediately following the super spreader event. Many guests checked in using a QR code, however, authorities are still trying to track down everyone, including those who attended and did not enter using the code.
Anyone who attended the “On Repeat: Taylor Swift Red Party” at Metro Theatre (624 George Street, Sydney) from 9pm onwards on Friday 10 December is a close contact and must immediately get tested and isolate for 7 days.
NSW Health is asking all household contacts of close contacts to get tested and self-isolate until a negative result is received by everyone in the household.
Some of those 97 confirmed COVID cases are reportedly the latest Omicron variant, however, health officials did not share a specific number. Authorities fear that dozens of households are affected, increasing the risks that this wave could spread rapidly throughout Australia and to other countries if left unchecked.
Swift nor her team have commented on the event.