Covid-19 cases confirmed in Byron, Kyogle

New cases of Covid-19 have been detected and confirmed in the final hours of Byron Shire’s week-long lockdown and just hours before the “non-restricted border zone rules” introduced by Queensland Health came into effect.

Two cases of covid have been confirmed in Byron Bay and Kyogle.

Two new cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed in Byron Bay and Kyogle.

Northern NSW Local Health District acting chief executive Lynne Weir said both cases had been infectious within the community and contact tracing and investigations were under way.

“We will provide more information as soon as it is available, including any exposure venues of public concern,” she said.

The news came on the night Byron Bay was due to exit lockdown.

Byron was one of several northern NSW localities declared hot spots after a Covid-infected crew member from “I’m a Celebrity get me out of here” being filmed at Byron Bay roamed across the region earlier this month.

But following the decision to end the lockdown at midnight on Tuesday, Queensland Health also revised its outlook, with an easing of restrictions for those crossing state lines between the two border communities.

In a statement, a Queensland Health spokeswoman said “non-restricted border zone rules” would be reintroduced from 1am Wednesday.

Locals in the Byron shire are being urged to come forward for testing at the first sign of any Covid-19 symptoms,.

“We know that Covid-19 is a serious illness and getting tested quickly will give you the earliest opportunity to come into the care of our health teams who can support you” Ms Weir said.

She said Covid-19 was easily spread and could take communities by surprise.

“Regardless of whether there are any exposure sites near you, or sewage detections, if you feel unwell, please come and get tested as quickly as you can, and then isolate while you wait for your results,” she said.

Symptoms of Covid-19 can include a runny nose, scratchy or sore throat, cough, fever, shortness of breath, headache, tiredness, loss of taste or smell, nausea, diarrhoea or muscle aches.

There are more than 500 Covid-19 testing locations across NSW, many of which are open seven days a week. Click here to find your nearest clinic.