The iconic Pier Diner is forced to close in Home and Away this week – leading to mass panic amongst Summer Bay locals.
Last week, Justin Morgan (James Stewart) and Theo Poulos (Matt Evans) were left confused by a number of odd items that washed up on the beach, including a container of chlorine and some surgical masks (remember when we had to wear those?!)
John Palmer (Shane Withington) became convinced that they must’ve been accidentally dropped from a boat and contacted the maritime safety authority, but there had been no reported incidents.
With the mystery still plaguing the residents, John teamed up with Dana Matheson (Ally Harris) to investigate, and were left even more concerned when two large sealed containers appeared.
In upcoming scenes, the two prize open the tanks and are immediately met with a pungent scent. With an inside label confirming that they contained nothing but potting mix, John heads to the diner for a spot of lunch, but on his return to replace the lock, suddenly falls ill.
After collapsing on the ground and falling unconscious, he’s rushed to hospital and paramedic Jo (Katie Horky) explains that his heart is beating abnormally.
Dana explains that John touched some of the compost, and as a result a full infectious protocol is implemented, with the patient placed into isolation and Dana forced to take a decontamination shower.
Later, Xander Delaney (Luke Van Os) is rushed in after Dana reveals she kissed him at the Salt Bar & Bistro.
With John stabilising, a biohazard team investigates the contents of the tanks whilst just metres away, at the diner, Marilyn Chambers (Emily Symons) feels light-headed. Another customer then throws up, and Roo Stewart (Georgie Parker) has to sit them both down.
She explains to Bree Cameron (Juliet Godwin) that Marilyn similarly fell unconscious, and the two are left wondering if the illness could be airborne as she came into contact with John on the day he fell unwell. Quickly, everyone begins to wear masks to protect themselves.
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As Dana is fine, John wonders if there’s another explanation, and soon the compost results come back as clear.
Then, as two more diner patrons are hospitalised, Bree explains to Roo and Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger) that the business could be the source of the issues.
As a precautionary measure, the restaurant is immediately closed on order of the health authority as a biohazard team conduct a thorough search.
What is going on, and will the business survive?
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