Central Coast coronavirus: No live cases in 23 days as Erina testing clinic is extended
The Central Coast has been free from COVID-19 for more than three weeks, however with a second wave hitting Sydney authorities warn now is not the time to slacken off.
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While the Central Coast has remained clear of COVID-19 cases for 23 days, we find ourselves almost surrounded.
Cases are growing across Sydney, including the northern areas, while up north a case has been reported in Port Stephens along with two cases in Charlestown.
Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) has confirmed the coast has not had a live case of the virus for just over three weeks.
However CCLHD chief executive Dr Andrew Montague said it was important for people to continue to follow health advice to stop the spread.
“We have come a long way since the start of the pandemic and we can continue to make progress if we remain vigilant. It is up to all of us to protect each other and to ensure the safety of our community,” he said.
It comes as the Central Coast Respiratory Clinic in Erina has confirmed that testing will continue over the coming months due to the second wave.
The federally-funded COVID-19 clinic, run by Central Coast Primary Care, was originally approved for a three-month period until mid July. However the green light has been given to run until the end of September.
Central Coast Primary Care chief executive officer Michelle Bradbury also reiterated that the coast needed to remain vigilant.
“With the situation in Victoria heating up over the past few weeks, we need to remain vigilant and continue to test people with mild symptoms in our local community,” she said.
Since the clinic opened back in May, more than 14,000 people have been tested with no positive results recorded for the virus.
Dr Montague said maintaining a physical distance of 1.5m between people, including people from different households at family gatherings, and washing hands thoroughly remained the critical advice.
“It is also vital that people get tested and stay home if they’re unwell, even if your symptoms are mild,” he said.
“Like other diseases, you can be infectious just before you get symptoms so it is very important to monitor your health and get checked as soon as you notice COVID-19 symptoms.”
Venues across the coast are well and truly adhering to COVID-19 regulations, with pubs and clubs not exceeding maximum numbers and restaurants/cafes spacing out tables.
Central Coast Parliamentary Secretary Adam Crouch said the latest data revealed 590 coast businesses had received the State Government’s COVID-safe tick of approval.
“The NSW Government has put industry-specific information under the one roof, including downloadable badges for businesses with COVID-safe plans to display in their premises, so customers know they have the tick of approval,” he said.
“Every single business must do the three steps – complete a COVID-19 Safety Plan, register as a COVID-safe business, and download and display COVID-safe materials.”
Mr Crouch said non-compliant businesses could face significant penalties.
“Following the COVID-19 safe requirements is not optional. We need to safeguard the health and safety of our community while also ensuring local businesses can remain operational.”
The Public Health Orders allow for fines of up to $55,000 and a further $27,500 penalty for each day an offence continues.