Unvaccinated Ballina man dies of Covid-19

An unvaccinated man in his 70s has died overnight as his aged care facility closes doors to prevent further infection. Another four Northern NSW patients remain in hospital ICUs.

The North Coast is mourning the loss of a man in his 70s who lost a battle with Covid-19 overnight.

The man died at the Bupa Aged Care Facility in Ballina.

He was not vaccinated.

It is understood the man was living in palliative care and had chosen to be not vaccinated against Covid-19.

A Northern NSW Local Health District spokesman expressed condolences to the man’s family and loved ones.

The spokesman confirmed it was the region’s first Covid-19 fatality.

A Bupa Ballina spokesman said the facility’s thoughts were with the man’s family during this difficult time.

“To date six team members and one other resident have tested positive in the home,” he said.

“ All are currently experiencing mild symptoms.

“The health and safety of our residents and team members is of highest priority to us and we have taken the following measures to minimise the risk of further infections.”

These include:

– Closing the home to all visitors

– Immediate RAT testing all exposed residents and team members

– Co-ordinated round of PCR testing for residents and currently awaiting those results

– Team members are working in full PPE including gowns, gloves, masks and face shields

– Residents are remaining within their own communities within the home to minimise movement in the building with team members dedicated to each community so they don’t work in other areas

– Twice-daily clinical observations of all residents to detect any health changes as early as possible (before symptoms appear)

– A deep cleaning of the home

Overnight there were 576 new cases of Covid-19 confirmed in the Northern NSW Local Health District to 8pm.

There are 26 Covid-19 positive patients in hospital in Northern NSW, with 4 of these in intensive care.

New cases by LGA:

• Tweed Heads – 240
• Ballina – 102
• Byron Shire – 96
• Clarence Valley – 67
• Lismore – 43
• Richmond Valley – 25
• Kyogle – 3

Anyone who has Covid-19 symptoms is encouraged to have a test and self-isolate until they receive a negative result.

Rapid Antigen Tests are scarce but available at these places on the North Coast.

Residents can also get tested at any hospital testing clinics seven days a week. Other clinics may have reduced hours, so please check before attending.