Covid outbreak creeps closer to the Clarence as man tests positive in Glen Innes

No positive cases in Clarence yet, but positive test in nearby region shows that vigilance, and more testing is required

As COVID-19 clusters expand across the country and the state, the Coffs Coast and Clarence Valley has so far remained free of the disease.

However, yesterday Hunter/New England Local Health District confirmed they had received a positive test of a man in the Glen Innes/Severn Council area.

- NEW COVID-19 CASE CONFIRMED -A new COVID-19 case has been confirmed in the Glen Innes Severn Local Government...

Posted by HNE Health on Saturday, June 26, 2021

The positive case is a man in his 30s, who was exposed to the virus at the Granites gold mine in the Northern Territory. Health authorities say he has remained in isolation since his return home and there is no current risk of infection to the local community. This case is not linked to the Bondi cluster.

Health authorities are tight lipped as to how the man returned home, with comments on the Facebook post pleading the health district to retrace his route back to Glen Innes, with the health district repeating that there was no risk of infection to the local community.

Newmont Tanami Operation – the Granites mill and processing plant, around 600 km northwest of Alice Springs.

It is the first case of a positive case in the Glen Innes area since August 5 last year. The Clarence has remained clear of Covid for a longer period, with the last confirmed case of a resident in the Clarence Valley testing positive on March 28 last year.

The Coffs Coast has had a resident test positive this April for Covid, however they were in Sydney hotel quarantine.

The man’s case is not related to the Bondi cluster, however the spread of the Sydney infection caused the government to create new restrictions across the state. These include a total lockdown of five areas in Sydney.

For regional areas, the new restrictions are:

• Visitors to households will be limited to 5 guests – including children;
• Masks will be compulsory in all indoor non-residential settings, including workplaces, and at organised outdoor events;
• Drinking while standing at indoor venues will not be allowed;
• Singing by audiences at indoor shows or by congregants at indoor places of worship will not be allowed;
• Dancing will not be allowed at indoor hospitality venues or nightclubs;
• Dancing will be allowed at weddings, but only for the wedding party (no more than 20 people);
• Dance and gym classes limited to 20 per class (masks must be worn);
• The one person per four square metre rule will be reintroduced for all indoor and outdoor settings, including weddings and funerals;
• Outdoor seated events will be limited to 50% seated capacity

Authorities are urging people with any symptoms to come forward and get tested, and to remain vigilant and follow all health directions.