Sydney Covid-19 case in Northern NSW investigated by police

Queensland has slammed the borders shut to the two local government areas and the list of reasons people can cross tightened.

Byron and Tweed has been removed from the Queensland border bubble. Pics Adam Head

The border bubble with Tweed and Byron has burst as the two local government areas snap into lockdown.

Byron and Tweed will become part of the restricted NSW border zone from 1am on Wednesday.

The two areas join Lismore which was added to the restricted list last week.
Border zone residents who have been to Byron and Tweed area will only be allowed into Queensland for limited essential purposes.
Queensland residents may only return to Queensland if they have entered a restricted area for limited essential purposes.
Those entering Queensland from a non-restricted local government area, who must transit through a restricted area, can do so if they transit, without stopping, using private transport for no more than two hours.

To enter Queensland from an area within the border zone you must:

• complete a Queensland entry pass
• get tested if you develop any Covid-19 symptoms after arriving in Queensland
• monitor the list of interstate exposure venues daily from the time you complete a declaration and for 14 days after arriving in Queensland
• comply with face mask requirements.

Seven-day lockdown

NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard has confirmed more of the Northern Rivers will be plunged into lockdown.

Tweed Shire, Byron Shire and the Kempsey region will enter a seven-day lockdown as of September 21, 5pm.

Mr Hazzard confirmed the news at a press conference on Tuesday , saying he had spoken to local government officials already.

“There is a general understanding for the need for these lockdowns,” he said.

“So far these areas have been kept relatively safe.”

The lockdown will also apply to those who have been in Byron and Tweed local government areas from September 18, and Kempsey local government areas from September 14.

NSW Chief Deputy Health Officer Dr Marianne Gale also said Ballina and Wardell regions had detected positive Covid-19 sewage fragments overnight, with no cases known to be in the area.

Positive case authorised to travel for work

Mr Hazzard said the positive Covid-19 Sydney traveller who arrived in Ballina over the weekend was authorised to travel for work and was tested upon arrival.

An initial rapid antigen test was false while a later PCR test revealed the traveller’s positive status.

He said it wasn’t “pertinent” why the Sydney resident had travelled for work.

“The person did what was needed,” he said.

The NSW Government is yet to discuss the current state of the border bubble, with Mr Hazzard hoping the Queensland Government would continue to be “flexible and reasonable”.

When asked if the North Coast’s low vaccination rate could signal further trouble, the Health Minister did concede North Coast vaccine availability was “not what it could have been”.

He said investigations were continuing to look into more availability.

Northern NSW Local Health District released a statement on Monday afternoon, detailing the new case who was infectious in the Byron, Ballina and Tweed areas between Saturday, September 18 and Monday, September 20.