Covid-19: Lismore back in Queensland border bubble

Positive sewage fragments have been found in a North Coast region as one new case is confirmed and Queensland Health eases border restrictions for Lismore residents.

Grafton residents are urged to get tested if they have any Covid-19 symptoms.

A new case of Covid-19 on the Tweed has been recorded in the 24 hours to 8pm on September 22.

Northern NSW Local Health District Acting Chief Executive Lynne Weir said the case was linked to a known cause in the ACT, where they were infected.

“The case has been in isolation throughout their time in Northern NSW,” she said.

“A small number of close contacts have been contacted directly by NSW Health, but there are no identified public venues of concern associated with this case.”

Further sewage surveillance has detected fragments of the virus in the Wardell sewage treatment plant on September 21, the third detection in 10 days.

Northern NSW Local Health District is also investigating a number of new venues of concern associated with a confirmed case of Covid-19 who was in the Ballina LGA.

Surveillance testing has continued on Thursday at Cabbage Tree Island.

The Grafton Base Hospital Covid-19 clinic.

The North Coast is still on Covid alert with new sewage results detected as Lismore celebrates its first day of lifted lockdown.

NSW deputy chief health officer Dr Marianne Gale on Thursday said Covid fragments had been detected in Grafton sewage.

“We’re not currently aware of any cases living in that catchment area,” she said.

She urged residents with any Covid-19 symptoms to go out and get tested.

It comes as Lismore enjoys its first day of lockdown.

Queensland Health lifted restrictions for Lismore residents entering the state as the seven-day lockdown ended for the area.

Stay at home orders were lifted for the local government area at 12am on Thursday with some restrictions still in place. 

However Tweed and Byron shires remain in lockdown after a crew member of I’m a Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Heretested positive to Covid-19 after travelling to the region from Sydney.

Queensland Health reinstated the non-restricted border zone rules for Lismore residents from 1am on Thursday.

Tweed and Byron remain in lockdown after a Covid-19 scare.

This will mean the City of Lismore residents and Queenslanders travelling to the these areas will be able to cross the border for more reasons.

For a list of permitted reasons, visit the Queensland Health website.

The border pass system is being updated and people will receive a text message when they can reapply for a pass.

In the meantime, people are asked to bring proof of residency in those local government areas to the border.

During the Thursday press conference, it was announced Glen Innes will also exit lockdown as of midnight Thursday.