Increased number of Covid cases at Lismore Base Hospital

Eight new Covid-19 cases in Northern NSW are in hospital while one is being treated in intensive care.

More than 100 new cases of Covid-19 have been recorded in the Northern NSW Local Health District in the 24 hours to 8pm Friday.

215 new cases of Covid-19 were recorded in the Northern NSW Local Health District in the 24 hours to 8pm on Friday, December 24.

Eight of those cases are being treated in hospital, one of them in intensive care.

Spokesman for Northern NSW Local Health District, Gerald May has continued to urge people to get tested at the first sign of symptoms and solate until a negative result is received.

The cases are located in the following Local Government Areas:

 

Local Government Area	25 December	24 December	Increase of
Byron Bay	130	68	62
Ballina	21	12	9
Lismore	16	6	10
Tweed Heads	18	17	1
Clarence Valley	28	7	21
Kyogle	0	1	-1
Richmond Valley	2	1	1

“All Northern NSW testing clinics are operating under usual operating hours over the holiday period,” he said.

Residents can book their Covid vaccination, or booster if eligible, at any of the many GPs, pharmacies and NSW Health clinics in the region.

“It is now possible to book Pfizer vaccines for 5-11 year olds,” Mr May said.

Those aged 18 and over are eligible for a booster five months after their second dose.

NSW Health advises that they are working hard to meet testing demand and are increasing capacity where possible.

Some clinics are directing residents to neighbouring clinics if the expected wait time extends beyond a clinic‘s closing time.

Testing for domestic travel

As holiday makers swarm to their destinations, regional testing clinics are experiencing higher demand and wait times for test results.

Periods of up to 72 hours are common with health authorities requesting those planning on travelling to get tested at home before they leave.

“While NSW Health does not require people without symptoms to self-isolate after a test for the purposes of travel, people are advised to carefully check and follow the requirements of the jurisdictions they are entering,” a NSW Health spokesman said.

Testing for international travel

Health authorities said Covid testing for international travel departures are conducted at private pathology clinics only and charges will apply for this service.

Those who receive a negative result will be issued with a testing clearance certificate which will be required proof before boarding a flight or vessel.

International arrivals will be required to complete a PCR nose and throat swab test as rapid antigen tests and self-administered Covid tests taken at home will not be accepted.