Byron Shire vaccination rate rises as Covid case detected in Grafton

Another Covid-19 case has been detected in the Clarence Valley as the Northern NSW’s largest cluster grows.

A new Covid case has been recorded in Clarence Valley overnight.

The case is in the Lower Clarence and the source of the infection is under investigation, according to Lynne Weir, Acting Chief Executive Northern NSW Local Health District.

“Initial investigations indicate this case was infectious in the community, and our public health team has already been in contact with a number of close contacts,” she said.

“Contact tracing is underway to determine any venues of concern, and further information will be provided as soon as possible.”

There have now been 100 total cases reported in Northern NSW health district since the Delta outbreak began in Sydney on 16 June.

The Clarence Valley cluster remains the biggest in Northern NSW having recorded 29 of the region’s 97 cases in the past four weeks.

A NSW Health breakdown of Covid cases in the past four weeks shows:

• Ballina: 10
• Byron Bay: 6
• Clarence Valley: 29 (+1)
• Coffs Harbour: 5
• Kyogle: 16
• Lismore: 14
• Richmond Valley: 18
• Tweed: 4

Meanwhile, Byron Shire has finally hit 80 per cent vaccination rate for first dose.

Data from the Federal Government’s Operation Covid Shield confirmed the Northern Rivers area hit the mark on Sunday at 80.4 per cent.

The town remains behind most NSW areas for double-dosed residents with just 55.3 per cent.

The shire has a population of 29,052 people aged 15 and above, according to the government’s data.

Other areas in Northern NSW have powered on in vaccination rates:

– Ballina: 93.7 per cent one dose and 71.4 per cent double-dosed.

– Clarence Valley: 91.3 per cent one dose and 66.5 per cent double-dosed.

– Coffs Harbour: 94.5 per cent one dose and 67.8 per cent double-dosed.

– Kyogle: 86.2 per cent one dose and 63.5 per cent double-dosed.

– Lismore: 88.6 per cent one dose and 61.8 per cent double-dosed.

– Richmond Valley: 88.1 per cent one dose and 62 per cent double-dosed.

– Tenterfield: 84.7 per cent one dose and 63 per cent double-dosed.

– Tweed: 86.1 per cent one dose and 65.9 per cent double-dosed.

Byron Shire has one of the lowest Covid vaccination rates in the state.

The only area with a vaccination rate lower than Byron Bay is the Edward River in the Riverina region with 55.1 per cent double-dosed.

Northern NSW health district acting chief executive Lynne Weir said Northern NSW reached 70,000 Covid-19 vaccinations as of Monday, October 18.

Ms Weir said it came after a record week of vaccine doses administered by Northern NSW Local Health District clinics, with 5800 doses being provided in the week ending Sunday, October 17.

A mobile vaccination clinic will visit the Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Centre in Kirkwood Road, South Tweed Heads on Tuesday, October 19, from 10am to 4pm.

The clinic will provide Pfizer vaccinations to anyone aged 12 and over, with no appointments required.

Aboriginal people are strongly encouraged to attend.

A Byron Bay vaccination clinic was opened at the Byron Bay Surf Life Saving Club on October 8. Picture: Liana Boss

Anyone with even the slightest symptoms should get tested as soon as they feel unwell.

There are more than 500 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW.

Find available bookings at the Commonwealth Government’s COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Finder or you can also call Health Direct on 1800 57 11 55 for assistance to book.