Covid-19 warning for Casino and for Muli Muli’s Aboriginal community cancelled

NSW Health was investigating whether there are any venues of concern in a Northern NSW border community after a positive Covid-19 visitor. Meanwhile the NSW Premier says bordering states can’t live in a “bubble forever”.  

Northern Rivers residents in Casino and Kyogle LGAs have been encouraged to get tested for Covid-19, even if showing mild symptoms. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard

The Covid warning for Casino and Muli Muli has been cancelled.

The Local Health District confirmed a traveller who visited the region in late August wasn’t infectious until they returned to Sydney.

NSW Health had confirmed on Tuesday evening a person who has tested positive to Covid-19 recently visited the Casino area.

Lismore MP Janelle Saffin criticised the fact that a person from Sydney travelled to the Northern Rivers “with permission” from the NSW Government.

In a statement, Acting Chief Executive of the Northern NSW Local Health District, Lynne Weir said authorities were investigating whether there were any potential venues of concern in Northern NSW, but none have been confirmed yet.

“This person is not a resident of Northern NSW Local Health District and is no longer in the area,” she said.

“At this stage, NSW Health can confirm the case was infectious in the community on Saturday August 21, and investigations are continuing.”

NSW Health said it will announce any close contact locations if and when they are determined.

Northern Rivers residents in Casino and Kyogle LGAs have been encouraged to get tested for Covid-19, even if showing mild symptoms. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard

Meanwhile, Premier Gladys Berejiklian told press at a Wednesday conference life could almost be back to normal during September if a 70 per cent adult double dose population is reached.

Her promise included restaurants reopening and public events returning but the Premier skirted around questions about indoor gatherings.

“Compared to what we’re going through now, life will be much better,” she said.

“Businesses should dust off their Covid safety plans and get ready to open your doors.”

She also hoped the goalpost would include interstate travel and said neighbouring premiers can’t live in a “bubble forever”.

She acknowledged she hadn’t had any updates from the Queensland Premier concerning the border.

“We’re all signed up to the national plan,” she said.

“They need to appreciate (even with) 80 per cent double dose, Delta will creep in but if your population is protected … that’s the way we have to live with Covid.

“As confronting as that is, that’s the reality.”

She said those freedoms and privileges wouldn’t extend to those unvaccinated but could also depend eventually on airlines and business leaders.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian provides an update on COVID-19. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Christian Gilles

It comes as Queensland will begin allowing residents back into the state from Saturday.

Fifty families will be offered places initially following a two-week halt on interstate arrivals.

A mobile testing clinic was also set up at Muli Muli Aboriginal community on Wednesday to combat concerns.

Muli Muli is a small community of about 200 people — most of them of Ghitabul descent — located near Woodenbong and Urbenville, in the Kyogle local government area.

Northern NSW Local Health District reminded residents there are several testing clinics located in Casino:

• Casino Respiratory Clinic, 107 Barker Street, Casino. Open Monday-Friday. Appointments required.
• Casino Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology, 166 Canterbury Street, RSM Centre, Casino. Open Monday – Friday. Appointments not required.
• Casino 4Cyte Pathology Drive Through clinic. Queen Elizabeth Park, Casino. Open Monday – Friday. Appointments not required.

A full list of testing clinics can be found here.