Political leaders slam government for not releasing more information on Chinderah truck drivers

Political leaders have criticised the state government for not releasing further information on where the Covid positive truck driver travelled after stopping in Chinderah.

Ampol Service Centre at Chinderah (formerly Caltex Starmart) has been added to the NSW Covid contact list after positive cases stayed overnight on Tuesday 13th July till Wednesday 14th July Picture Supplied

Richmond MP Justine Elliot and Shadow Minister for the North Coast Walt Secord have urged the state government to release a comprehensive update on the two COVID-19 cases who attended a petrol station at Chinderah near Murwillumbah on the North Coast.

The calls come after reports of growing frustration in the community about the lack of information on the incident.

“The community has been patient, but we have a right to know what is happening on the North Coast. There should be regular and timely updates,” Ms Elliot said.

The most recent information indicates there were more than 40 close contacts now isolating after the cases attended the Ampol Service Station at Chinderah overnight on July 13-14.

The close contacts were asked to get tested on days one, seven and 12 of the isolation period, and to complete the full 14 days’ self-isolation even if the test results are negative.

“I will continue to keep our community updated when new information is provided, but we need the Berejiklian government to remember our community and release this important information in a timely manner,” Ms Elliot said.

Ampol Service Centre at Chinderah (formerly Caltex Starmart) has been added to the NSW Covid contact list.

On Monday a NSW Health spokesperson said any potential breaches of the Public Health Order were a matter for NSW Police.

“NSW Health does not comment on individual cases due to privacy,” the person said.

“NSW Health does not disclose details about venues unless there is a public health reason.

“When a confirmed COVID-19 case attends a venue while possibly infectious, NSW Health carries out a risk assessment on that venue to determine whether other people may have been exposed and whether there is a public health risk.

“If the risk assessment suggests that there is a public health risk, NSW Health issues a public health alert and places details of the venue on the website of exposure venues.

“NSW Health takes proactive steps to contact all close contacts of the case, to give advice on isolation, testing, symptoms to be aware of and their level of risk.”

A NSW Police spokesperson said queries regarding the two people’s whereabouts should be directed to NSW Health.