COVID-19 outbreak: How do our test numbers stack up?

As the disease again spreads, authorities are urging people with even the mildest symptoms to get tested and isolate? Are the people across our region doing the right thing?

As COVID-19 infections continue to rise across the state, the Northern NSW Local Health district have praised locals for their response, and have urged them to continue.

In the week until June 26, the health district tested 3,611 residents both locally and elsewhere in the state, a rise from 2,584 the previous week.

On Sunday June 27, another 580 tests were conducted at the clinics in Tweed Heads, Lismore, Byron Bay and Grafton.

Acting CEO of the NNSW Local Health District Lyn Weir said that anyone experiencing even the mildest of cold-like symptoms should come

forward immediately for testing, then isolate until a negative result is received.

Ms Weir said that there had been some delaysat the Byron and Lismore testing clinics and additional staff were being brought in to reduce waiting times.

Ms Weir said there was other options for being tested across the area, and the full list was available at https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/clinics.aspx

BYRON BAY, AUSTRALIA – QML Pathology Medical staff drivers and passengers at the pop up Covid Testing site at Cavanbah Sports Ground, Ewingsdale Road Byron Bay in March.Picture: NCA NewsWire / Scott Powick

As a response to the outbreak throughout the state, the health district had implemented additional cautions in their facilities.

All visitors to Northern NSW hospitals must wear a mask before entering facilities and the following visitor restrictions are now in place:

• Patients can have two visitors twice a day for one hour. The visitors can be four different people.

• Visiting arrangements for Maternity patients are unchanged.

For outpatient appointments and community services, telehealth appointments are being used where possible.

Northern NSW Local Health District is expanding its capacity to provide COVID-19 vaccinations in the region, extending opening hours for the three clinics located at Tweed Mall, Lismore Square Shopping Centre, and Link Arcade Grafton.

The Tweed and Lismore clinics are now operating seven days a week, while the Grafton clinic will be open six days a week, Monday-Saturday.

“Our clinic schedulers are working hard to schedule appointments for local residents, and to return calls that are lodged through our call back system,” Ms Weir said.

“I would like to thank the community for their patience and assure people that everyone who wants to be vaccinated will be vaccinated in due course as the Commonwealth Government makes supplies available.”

Northern NSW residents and visitors are reminded that the following restrictions now apply to NSW regional areas:

• People who have been in the Greater Sydney, Blue Mountains, Central Coast and Wollongong on or after June 21 should follow the stay-at-home orders for a period of 14 days after they left Greater Sydney, Blue Mountains, Central Coast and Wollongong.

• Visitors to households will be limited to five 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 and choirs at indoor venues or by congregants at indoor places of worship will not be allowed;

Grafton Base Hospital COVID-19 clinic co-ordinator Troy Armstrong at the clinic.

• Dancing will not be allowed at indoor hospitality venues or nightclubs however, dancing is allowed at weddings for the wedding party only (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, ticketed events will be limited to 50 per cent seated capacity.