‘More information, not less, is required’: Concerns about lack of detail into Lismore Covid scare

Two workers have been identified as close contacts of a Covid exposure site in Coffs Harbour, while another 77 workers and staff have been identified as secondary close contacts and are self-isolating.

Update 3.40pm: Lismore MP Janelle Saffin has called for a ramped up Covid response from NSW Health after Lismore Base Hospital was listed as a possible exposure site on Wednesday night.

Ms Saffin confirmed she had requested a full briefing on the Lismore Base Hospital situation from NSW Minister for Health Brad Hazzard.

“In times like these where there is community apprehension about COVID-19, particularly the Delta strain, more publicly-available information, not less, is required,” Ms Saffin said.

“Our community feels it is getting less information than Greater Sydney.

“Regarding contact tracing, I would like to see more detailed, not general information released, without infringing on people’s privacy.

“And maybe it is time to ramp up rapid testing in our region.”

Update 12.30pm: Lismore mayor Vanessa Ekins has urged residents to remain vigilant and to get tested if they exhibit any Covid symptoms, after construction workers at Lismore Base Hospital were confirmed as contacts of a Covid exposure site. “The identification of two close contact cases at Lismore Base Hospital is a reminder to all of us about the importance of following the State Government’s COVID-19 guidelines,” Cr Ekins said.

“I encourage everyone to remain vigilant. This means wearing a face mask when inside a building, maintaining social distancing at all times, and following all guidelines including limiting the number of people who come to your house.

“By following these simple guidelines you will be keeping your family and friends safe, as well as our community,” she said.

“I also encourage anyone feeling unwell – even with the mildest of symptoms such as a runny nose, scratchy or sore throat, cough, fever, shortness of breath, headache, tiredness, loss of taste or smell, nausea, diarrhoea or muscle aches – to immediately get tested and self-isolate

until they receive a negative result, so that any potential cases in the community are identified as quickly as possible, Cr Ekins said.

Original story: Construction of Lismore Base Hospital’s Stage 3C redevelopment was temporarily paused late on Tuesday after two workers were identified as close contacts of a Covid-19 exposure site.

Northern NSW Local Health District acting chief executive, Lynne Weir, said the decision to stop work was a precautionary measure to allow investigations to take place.

The hospital itself is still operating as normal and people should still present for medical care.

She said the two construction workers were identified as close contacts of a Covid exposure site in Coffs Harbour.

This latest Covid scare in the health district comes as an inquiry was launched after Covid tracers reportedly told North Coast students not to tell their schools they were close contacts of the Chinderah site.

“The two (hospital construction site) contractors have tested negative and will continue to self-isolate for 14 days, as required under the current public health orders,” Ms Weir said.

“A further 77 construction workers and project staff were identified as secondary close contacts and are self-isolating while they await test results.

“There are currently no confirmed Covid-19 cases among residents of Northern NSW Local Health District, nor any confirmed cases isolating here.”

However after a Covid-positive truck driver stopped at the Ampol Chinderah service centre last week, more than 40 people were identified as close contacts and told to self-isolate.

The health district yesterday revealed that accommodation “arrangements” had been made for some of those people, with the help of NSW Police and the Public Health Unit.

It it not known when work will restart on the hospital’s Stage 3C redevelopment.

Ms Weir said the principal contractor of the hospital redevelopment, Hansen Yuncken was responsible for procuring and engaging any sub-contractors as well as suppliers for the project.

The construction site has workplace policies and procedures in place for managing Covid in accordance with NSW Government advice.

“The project is working with the Northern NSW Local Health District to ensure health and safety requirements are strictly adhered to,” Ms Weir said.

“We ask the community to remain vigilant and continue to practise Covid-safe measures at all times.

“Anyone feeling unwell – even with the mildest of symptoms such as a runny nose, scratchy or sore throat, cough, fever, shortness of breath, headache, tiredness, loss of taste or smell, nausea, diarrhoea or muscle aches – should immediately get tested and self-isolate until they receive a negative result, so that any potential cases in the community are identified as quickly as possible.

“I would like to thank these construction staff and our community for their ongoing adherence to these public health measures.

“Thank you to everyone who has come forward for testing so far. The safety and well-being of our local community is our priority.”

Free confidential mental health support for residents

A new mental health service has been announced for North Coast residents.

Healthy North Coast CEO, Julie Sturgess, said that access to free support services for people living with mild mental illness on the North Coast is a priority.

“For people needing support with managing stress or worry, it’s so important that we have services available to provide help when and where needed, so that support can be accessed early,” she said.

Remedy Healthcare is launching the MindStepR and Healing Minds telephone and online services.

Both are free, easily accessible, and do not require a referral by a GP or healthcare professional.

Delivered by trained mental health coaches, the confidential services use evidence-based techniques that improve mental health and wellbeing.

Healing Minds is a culturally sensitive adaptation of MindStep specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over 16.

If you or someone you care for needs immediate support, please call 000 or:

• Lifeline 13 11 14
• Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
• NSW Mental Health Line 1800 011 511
• Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800
• 1800 Respect 1800 737 732
• MensLine 1300 789 978
• Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636