Coronavirus NSW: Man allegedly punched healthcare worker at Dundas
An unmasked man who allegedly punched an essential healthcare worker at a northwest Sydney testing clinic has been charged. Follow our rolling coverage.
Parramatta
Don't miss out on the headlines from Parramatta . Followed categories will be added to My News.
Police have charged a man who allegedly punched a 31-year-old healthcare worker, tore off her mask and verbally abused her at a Dundas testing clinic on Monday.
The woman was working at a Kissing Point Rd site about 4pm when the unmasked man allegedly started filming her on his mobile phone before verbally abusing her about vaccinations, dislodged her mask and punched her head.
Several witnesses awaiting tests left their cars and helped the woman.
The woman was treated at the scene and did not require hospitalisation.
Following inquiries, Cumberland police arrested a 50-year-old man at a home on Shortland St, Telopea, just after 10.30am on Wednesday.
He was taken to Granville police station, where he was charged with common assault, two counts of possessing a prohibited drug and breach of the public health orders.
The man was granted conditional bail to attend Parramatta Local Court on Tuesday September 28.
Wednesday, August 11
NSW recorded two deaths and 344 cases in NSW overnight, with 65 infectious in the community and a rising number of cases in Cumberland.
A man in his 30s with underlying conditions died at Northern Beaches Hospital and a man in his 90s from southwest Sydney died at Concord Hospital.
NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said of the 57 patients in intensive care, there was a high number of young people — three in their 20s, seven in their 30s, six in their 40s, 14 in their 50s, 13 in their 60s, 16 in their 70s and three in their 80s.
She said the cases had decreased in Fairfield and Canterbury-Bankstown but were increasing in Cumberland, Bayside, Inner West and Strathfield local government areas.
Casual contacts
NSW Health advises anyone who attended the following venues that they area a casual contact and must get tested and self-isolate until they receive a negative result. If your date of exposure at this venue occurred in the past four days, you must get another test on day five from the date of exposure.
● Ermington Woolworths Ermington
30 Betty Cuthbert Ave 6:45pm to 7:05pm on Wednesday 4 August 2021
● Parramatta Pharmacy Junction
Shop 5020, Westfield Parramatta, 159-175 Church Street 3:05pm to 3:20pm on Thursday 29 July 2021
● South Granville Abu Raby Supermarket
342 Blaxcell Street 11:45am to 12:15pm on Monday 2 August 2021
Tuesday, August 10
Covid cases have soared by 73 in NSW overnight with 356 new cases and four deaths, including one linked to the growing Liverpool Hospital outbreak.
A man in his 80s died at Liverpool Hospital, taking the number of deaths linked to the major southwest Sydney hospital to six.
NSW Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant said seven staff, one student nurse and 29 patients are linked with the outbreak at the hospital, which is one of the busiest in the state.
“A situation like this is tragic for everyone,’’ she said.
“The exposures occurred on a geriatric and neurology ward, and these patients are receiving the best possible care but sadly many are older and have health conditions which leave them very vulnerable to the harmful effects of Covid.’’
The other deaths involved a woman in her 80s from southwest Sydney who died at Liveprool Hospital but her infection was unrelated to the outbreak.
A western Sydney man in his 70s died at Nepean Hospital after testing positive on July 7 while a man in his 80s from northern NSW died at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital after acquiring the infection overseas on July 7 in a separate outbreak.
None of the people who died were vaccinated.
The climbing case numbers has prompted more questions about curfews or harder lockdown targeting the Canterbury-Bankstown community.
Dr Chant said despite noncompliance seven weeks into the lockdown, curfews were unlikely.
“I think the evidence about curfews is not strong but I think what I’m concerned about is the crowding in shopping centres and places where we have seen transmission events in small shops so I’ve asked police to particularly to focus on adherence to those density restrictions,’’ she said.
“I appreciate those communities have been heavily impacted but there’s also the disease burden in those communities and so I think we need to further work with those communities to really ensure compliance.’’
Casual contacts
Anyone who attended the following venues is a casual contact and must get tested and self-isolate until they receive a negative result.
If your date of exposure at this venue occurred in the past four days, you must get another test on day five from the date of exposure.
Wear a mask around others and limit your movements until you get another negative result. You should continue to monitor for symptoms and if any symptoms occur, get tested again.
● Woolworths Granville
6 Louis Street 2:20pm to 2:50pm on Wednesday 4 August 2021
6am to 6:10am on Tuesday 3 August 2021
1pm to 1:10pm on Monday 2 August 2021
4:45pm to 5:10pm on Friday 30 July 2021
3:05pm to 3:20pm on Friday 30 July 2021
11:35am to 12:10pm on Thursday 29 July 2021
● Excel Pharmacy Guildford
2/178 Excelsior Road2:05pm to 2:10pm on Wednesday 4 August 2021
● Costco Lidcombe
17-21 Parramatta Road2:15pm to 12am on Sunday 1 August 2021
5:15pm to 5:40pm on Tuesday 27 July 2021
11:30am to 12:55pm on Saturday 24 July 2021
● Lidcombe Pharmacy
16 John Street3:50pm to 4pm on Tuesday 3 August 2021
10:15am to 10:40am on Monday 2 August 2021
● Coles Merrylands
4 McFarlane Street7:55pm to 8:15pm on Tuesday 3 August 2021
6:30pm to 7:30pm on Thursday 29 July 2021
● Woolworths Merrylands
Stockland Merrylands, 209 Pitt Street8am to 9am on Wednesday 4 August 2021
11:30am to 11:50am on Tuesday 3 August 2021
4pm to 6pm on Thursday 29 July 2021
● Anjappar Chettinad Indian Restaurant
106/108 Church Street10:55pm to 11:30pm on Friday 30 July 2021
8:30pm to 10:05pm on Thursday 29 July 2021
7:20pm to 10:15pm on Wednesday 28 July 2021
● Pendle Hill Family Medical Centre
129-131 Pendle Way9am to 1:15pm on Friday 6 August 2021
9:20am to 2:10pm on Thursday 5 August 2021
9am to 1:10pm on Wednesday 4 August 2021
9:35am to 1:45pm on Tuesday 3 August 2021
● McDonald’s Wentworthville drive-through
441 Great Western Highway9am to 9:30am on Friday
● Officeworks Wentworthville
323 Great Western Highway5:35pm to 6:35pm on Monday 2 August 2021
1:50pm to 2:30pm on Wednesday 28 July 2021
3:10pm to 3:35pm on Friday 23 July 2021
Vaccinated tradies could save NSW losing $52M a day
Construction workers across Parramatta and Sydney are being pushed even harder to roll up their sleeves to get vaccinated after the government has allowed tradies back on the job if they’re inoculated against Covid-19.
On Saturday NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro announced that workers in the Parramatta, Cumberland, Fairfield, Canterbury-Bankstown, Liverpool, Blacktown, Georges River and Campbelltown local government areas can return to work if they have been inoculated.
Penrith was added to the council areas of concern on Sunday.
Tradies must provide evidence if they have received two shots of a Covid vaccine. If workers receive one dose of a vaccine, it should be at least three weeks before returning to work.
However, if it has been less than three weeks since that vaccine was administered, the worker must undergo a negative COVID-19 test or negative rapid antigen test in the previous 72 hours.
Business Western Sydney backed the calls after calling for a plan to restart the construction industry in west and southwest Sydney.
“Getting Western Sydney construction workers back on the tools is exactly what Sydney needs
right now,” Business Western Sydney executive director David Borger said.
“Having western and southwestern Sydney construction workers sitting at home instead of in
the outdoors working has been costing the economy $52 million a day and putting 80,000 jobs
at risk.
“Being excluded from being able to work outdoors while the rest of Sydney’s tradies can has defied logic.
“It just makes sense to have workers onsite and outdoors working on major projects. CBDs
across our city are ghost towns at the moment. With so few people around there’s no better
time than now to get on with major construction projects like the Western Sydney Airport,
Parramatta Light Rail, and the Sydney Southwest Metro.’’
Monday, August 9
NSW recorded a Covid death overnight, when 283 Covid cases were recorded with 64 infectious in the community. There are 349 Covid patients in hospital with 67 in intensive care and 27 who are ventilated.
Canterbury-Bankstown remains the epicentre of the current outbreak.
Qudos Bank Arena has also become a vaccination hub for HSC students.
Help a neighbour
Some relief for lonely residents is on its way thanks to Parramatta Council’s Help a Neighbour project to assist the community in lockdown.
Adapted from a similar Red Cross program, people will now be able to check in on their neighbours by leaving a calling card in their letterbox and offer assistance.
The calling cards can be downloaded from the council’s website and printed out, or copied by hand, and left in the mailbox or under a door.
Parramatta Lord Mayor Bob Dwyer said the offer could involve the offer to carry out tasks they may be unable to do such as collecting groceries and medical supplies, or watering the garden.
“For some, even just a friendly chat over the phone will make a world of difference,’’ he said.
“While the lockdown is necessary to help contain the spread of Covid-19, it means many in our community are isolated from their usual support systems – and this can have a serious impact on their physical and mental health.’’
The initiative follows the council’s $2.9 million support package to assist local households and businesses impacted by the current COVID-19 lockdown.
Under the package, residents and businesses are eligible for parking concessions, rates and rent relief, and an outdoor dining fee waiver.
● To download the Help a Neighbour card or for more information, visit cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/help-a-neighbour
Pfizer priority
Cumberland councillor Michael Zaiter has called on the government to prioritise Pfizer vaccines for seniors after he said many in the Covid-hit community were still reluctant to receive the AstraZeneca.
Cr Zaiter proposed the idea this week after fielding several phone calls from residents and their children to push for extra Pfizer shots for people aged over 60.
“A lot of people above the age of 60 are wary of taking that particular vaccine,’’ he said during Wednesday’s council meeting.
“I spoke to one particular person who advised me that her parents were elderly pensioners who really want to take the vaccine but are too scared to take the AstraZeneca vaccine, but would only be willing to take the Pfizer, but that’s not available to them at the present time.’’
He said the states would have the power to reallocate Pfizer vaccines just as they did when 40,000 doses were taken out of regional areas for HSC students.
“Whilst it may possibly be a federal decision, the states also have the ability to make available those Pfizer shots if they choose,’’ Cr Zaiter said.
Councillor Glenn Elmore backed up the shortfall in vaccines after saying a recent trip to his GP for the AstraZeneca shot revealed he had a fridge-full of the dose.
On Wednesday, a 34-year-old woman died of blood clots after receiving AstraZeneca, making her the sixth person to die after receiving the dose.
However, the government and Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant has implored the public to receive the AstraZeneca, saying its benefits outweighed the risks and that she, her husband and mother-in-law were inoculated with it.
On Friday, she said most patients in the intensive care unit were not fully vaccinated.
“Out of the 50 in ICU, 44 people are not vaccinated, four people received their first dose of AstraZeneca and two people have received their first dose of Pfizer,’’ she said, adding that two doses provides greater protection.
Cumberland Council agreed to write to the state and federal governments seeking for Pfizer provision.
It will also request NSW Health to open a walk-in Covid-19 vaccination clinic on the northern side of Great Western Highway.
“We don’t have any Covid-19 walk-in vaccination clinics in the Wentworthville ward,’’ Cr Suman Saha said.
“The closest one we have is in the Ted Burge Hall in Merrylands. It will be great to have something in Wentworthville, Pendle Hill or Girraween.’’
One death, cases edge closer to 300
Covid-19 has claimed the life of a woman who contracted the Delta strain in a major hospital. The death comes as the number of NSW is nearing the 300 mark.
Covid-19 has claimed the life of a woman who contracted the Delta strain in a major hospital. The death comes as the number of NSW is nearing the 300 mark.
Covid-19 has claimed the life of a woman who contracted the Delta strain in Liverpool Hospital after she was exposed by an employee who worked across two wards, including the aged care unit.
The unvaccinated woman was the second to die from the hospital outbreak after becoming infected on July 29, taking the death toll from the recent outbreak to 22.
The hospital worker contracted the virus in the community.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said there were 291 Covid cases were recorded in NSW on Friday.
“I want to foreshadow, given this high number of cases, we’re likely to see this trend continue for the next few days,’’ Ms Berejiklian said.
“I’m expecting higher case numbers in the next few days.’’
Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said the virus was flattening in Fairfield but rising in Canterbury-Bankstown.
There are 304 Covid patients in hospital, with 22 in ventilation and 50 in the intensive care unit.
On Wednesday, 84,000 people across the state were vaccinated.
Salary sacrifice
A community leader in one of the worst-hit Covid communities has suggested half of councillors’ weekly income be donated to charities to help residents struggling through the pandemic.
Covid has ravaged Cumberland so hard that a councillor has suggested he and his cohorts donate half of their local government income towards local chairites.
Joe Rahme said hearing accounts of residents’ hardship had shown how desperately the community needed assistance and, at a meeting on Wednesday, put forward an emergency motion that would see 50 per cent of their salaries directed to the struggling residents, which is one of the most socially disadvantaged in NSW.
“Many of us are in a fortunate position where we’re still able to generate an income and have other line of work, and we’re not as bad off as many families in our LGA,’’ Cr Rahme said.
“I think families are doing it tough. This is a way we’re thinking of them and helping them in every single way. This is the right thing to do for our residents and show leadership.’’
Councillor Glenn Elmore agreed with the spirit of the suggestion but said the donations should not be low-key.
“I make lots of donations and I choose not to publicise donations,’’ he said.
Councillors are paid $28,000 annually, meaning the weekly donations would be $300.
Subject to approval, the donations would be made between August and the local government elections on December 4.
Council officers will report determining whether the donations by councillors or possibly by donating portions of the mayoral fund.
Friday, August 6
NSW Health has issued a warning that Family Medical Centre Auburn is now on the exposure site and anyone who visited the venue on Saturday July 31 from 8.45am to 2.15pm is considered a close contact.
Anyone who attended the centre at 22/1 Civic Rd at those times must get tested and isolate for 14 days, regardless of the result.
NSW Health will send a text message to people who have checked in at close contact venues with further information.
Staff will make a follow-up calls to close contacts to discuss isolation and testing requirements. If you have not received a text message, please call 1800 943 553.
Thursday, August 5
NSW recorded five deaths and 262 fresh Covid cases, when 43 were infectious in the community.
A man in his 60s from Sydney’s southwest died at Campbelltown Hospital. A man in his 70s from Sydney’s inner west died at Concord General Repatriation Hospital. A man in his 60s from Sydney’s southwest died at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. A woman in her 80s from Sydney’s southwest died at Liverpool Hospital. A man in his 60s from western Sydney died at Westmead Hospital.
The fatalities brings the death toll from the most recent Covid outbreak with the Delta strain to 21.
There are 290 Covid patients in hospital, with 51 people in intensive care, 24 of whom require ventilation.
There were 106,954 tests reported to 8pm last night, compared with the previous day’s total of 105,578.
August 4
A 27-year-old Liverpool man was one of two people who died of Covid-19 on Tuesday, a ‘traumatic’ death showing how lethal the Delta strain is on all age groups.
Forklift driver Aude Alaskar has become one of NSW’s youngest Covid victims.
“It demonstrates again how this disease is lethal, how it affects people of all ages,’’ NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said.
“Unfortunately the gentleman wasn’t vaccinated, hadn’t had any dose of the vaccine and as we understand that this happened quite suddenly.’’
NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant described the death as a tragedy and said man was in isolation at home and was being treated by NSW Health staff.
“It’s a tragic time,’’ Dr Chant said.
“He was with another person and you can imagine the trauma for that other person who is now being hospitalised.
“That person also had Covid and that person has been hospitalised and offered more care. You can imagine how traumatic such an event was.”
A woman in her 80s from the inner west died at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital on Tuesday.
NSW recorded 233 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night.
Of these locally acquired cases, 103 are linked to a known case or cluster – 79 are household contacts and 24 are close contacts – and the source of infection for 130 cases is under investigation.
Ninety-two cases were in isolation throughout their infectious period and 21 were in isolation for part of their infectious period. Forty-seven cases were infectious in the community, and the isolation status of 73 cases remains under investigation.
One new case was acquired overseas in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. Two previously reported cases have been excluded following further investigations, bringing the total number of cases in NSW since the beginning of the pandemic to 9604.
Sadly, NSW Health has been notified of the deaths of two people who were confirmed COVID-19 cases.
‘We need to live with this virus’
Cumberland Mayor Steve Christou called on the State Government to dump the goal of zero cases, saying we must live with the virus.
“The static number of infections is a prime indicator that we need to start living with this virus, rather than pursuing an elimination strategy,’’ he said on Wednesday when 233 locally-acquired cases were recorded in NSW.
“We must dispatch with this ideology of reaching zero cases and the sooner our leaders accept that, the better off we’ll be.
“Our state leaders need to abandon the pipe dream of zero cases. There’s no road map. “Instead, we’re on a road to nowhere.”
Cr Christou said it has been left to the council to approach Health Minister Brad Hazzard about communicating with the multicultural community, which was vital for its Arms Out in August campaign.
“We want to be the first local government area to reach 80 per cent vaccinated,’’ he said.
“It’s the safest and fasted way out of this dire situation.
“Our vulnerable western Sydney community cannot withstand ongoing lockdowns that are suffocating our residents and businesses.’’
At nearby Parramatta, the community has one of the lowest vaccination rates in NSW, with 35.10 per cent of people aged 15 and over with one dose and vaccinated 17.70 per cent fully inoculated with two doses.
CASUAL CONTACTS
Across Cumberland and Parramatta, a raft of sites have been added to the venues of concern and are regarded as casual contacts.
Anyone who attended this venue is a casual contact and must get tested and self-isolate until they receive a negative result. If your date of exposure at this venue occurred in the past four days, you must get another test on day 5 from the date of exposure.
Wear a mask around others and limit your movements until you get another negative result. You should continue to monitor for symptoms and if any symptoms occur, get tested again.
● Chemist Warehouse Granville, 58 South St, Monday July 26, 10.20am to 10.25am and Wednesday July 21, 6pm to 6.30pm
● Commonwealth Bank Granville, 27A South St, Monday July 26, 10am to 10.15am
● Australia Post Greystanes, Shop 1d/665-669 Merrylands Rd, Thursday July 29 3.25pm to 3.40pm
● Woolworths Greystanes, Greystanes Shopping Centre, 656 Merrylands Rd, 11.45am to 12.45pm on Wednesday July 28, noon to 12.30pm on Thursday July 22, 1pm to 2pm on Sunday July 18 from 11.25am to 12.25pm on Saturday July 17
● 7-Eleven Guildford, 272-278 Woodville Rd, Tuesday July 27 on 4.15pm to 4.30pm
● Aldi Guildford, 280/290 Woodville Rd, 11am to 11.20am on Monday July 26 and 1.30pm to 2pm on Saturday July 24
● Westpac Guildford, 301 Guildford Rd, Tuesday July 27 from 1.55pm to 2.10pm
● Chatkazz Harris Park, Shop 4-6/14-20 Station Street East, 2.15pm to 2.30pm on Tuesday July 27
● Cincotta Discount Chemist Harris Park, 82 Wigram St, Tuesday July 27 from 2.10pm to 2.25pm
● Sai Grocery Mart, 3/2-6 Kendall St, Tuesday July 27 from 1.25pm to 1.30pm and Monday July 26 from 1.50pm to 2.05pm
● Trims Fresh Merrylands, 102/102 McFarlane St, Friday July 23 from 10am to noon
● 7-Eleven North Rocks, 340 North Rocks Rd, Wednesday July 28 from 1.25pm to 1.45pm
● Coles North Rocks North Rocks Shopping Centre, 328-336 North Rocks Rd, Friday July 30, 3.15pm to 4pm
● Bunnings Northmead, 1c Redbank Rd, Wednesday July 28, 3.45pm to 4pm
● Bourke Street Bakery Parramatta, 186/1, 190 Church St, 8am to 8.10am on Tuesday July 27, and 9.05am to 9.10am on Monday July 26
● Centrelink Parramatta, 2-12 Macquarie St, 11.45am to noon on Wednesday July 28, 12.35pm to 1.30pm on Tuesday July 27, 12.30pm to 1.10pm on July 27 and 12.10pm to 12.45pm on Tuesday July 20
● Coles Westfield Parramatta, Monday July 26, 1.55pm to 2.35pm and Sunday July 25 from
3.50pm to 4.30pm
● Commonwealth Bank Parramatta, 235 Church St, 2.05pm to 3.15pm on Wednesday July 28 and 3.15pm to 3.30pm on Tuesday July 27
● Service NSW Parramatta, 27-31 Argyle St, Tuesday July 27, 1.40pm to 3.25pm
● Stellamoon Cafe, Shop10/180 George St, Parramatta, 8.25am to 8.35am on Tuesday July 27
● Woolworths Rosehill, 28-30 Oak St, Friday July 23, 9.30am to 9.45am
● KFC South Wentworthville, 49 Old Prospect Rd, Friday July 30, 9pm to 9.05pm
● Pharmacy Nutrition Warehouse, 56 Aurelia St, 12.45pm to 1.30pm on Wednesday July 28
● 7-Eleven Pendle Hill
217 Wentworth Ave (Corner Bungaree Road)
Monday 26 July 2021
5am to 5:05am
Sunday 25 July 2021
2:50pm to 3pm
Friday 23 July 2021
11:10am to 11:20am
Friday 23 July 2021
5am to 5:05am
Wednesday 14 July 2021
6:15pm to 6:45pm
● CTC Pendle Hill
135 Pendle Way
Monday 26 July 2021
3pm to 3:05pm
● Metro Petroleum Pendle Hill
229 Wentworth Ave
Friday 23 July 2021
7:45pm to 8pm
● Pendle Hill Fish Market
121 Pendle Way
Tuesday 27 July 2021
12:15pm to 12:30pm
Sunday 25 July 2021
1pm to 1:30pm
● Pendle Hill Halal Meat
123 Pendle Way
Sunday 25 July 2021
10:30am to 10:40am
● Pendle Hill Mediadvice Pharmacy
137 Pendle Way
Sunday 25 July 2021
9:20am to 9:25am
Friday 23 July 2021
9:30am to 9:40am
● Pendle Inn Hotel
223 Wentworth Ave
Wednesday 28 July 2021
1:40pm to 1:50pm
Sunday 25 July 2021
11:20am to 11:55am
Saturday 24 July 2021
6:20pm to 6:30pm
Saturday 24 July 2021
2:20pm to 2:30pm
Friday 23 July 2021
6:15pm to 6:25pm
● Rajah Supermarket
115 Pendle Way
Sunday 25 July 2021
1pm to 1:30pm
● Pendle Hill Meat Market
142 Bungaree Road
Saturday July 24, 2021
1pm to 1.30pm
On August 4, the meat market issued a statement stating that an infected customer visited the shop on Wednesday July 28 between 11.53am and 12.03pm.
“Two staff members have been classified as close Contacts and are now required to undertake self isolation for the next 14 days.
“All other staff and customers are considered casual contacts. To date all staff, including the two close contacts have provided negative Covid19 tests.
“NSW Health will publish this information on their website later today or tomorrow.
“Pendle Hill Meat Market has already met the requirements as Stated by NSW Health for cleaning of the premises and have been given approval to remain open and trading.’’
Customers at the shop between 11.50am and 12.10pm are advised to be tested immediately and self isolate until a negative result is received.
If your date of exposure at this venue occurred in the past four days, you must get another test on day 5 from the date of exposure.
● Woolworths Metro Pendle Hill
109 Pendle Way
Monday 26 July 2021
12:05pm to 12:15pm
Monday 26 July 2021
2:50pm to 3pm
Sunday 25 July 2021
10:35am to 10:40am
Friday 23 July 2021
3pm to 3:25pm
● Chemsave Wentworthville
89-96 Station Street
Monday 26 July 2021
8:10pm to 8:20pm
● Officeworks Wentworthville
323 Great Western Highway
Wednesday 28 July 2021
1:50pm to 2:30pm
Friday 23 July 2021
3:10pm to 3:35pm
● Udaya Supermart
64-70 Station Street
Wednesday 28 July 2021
7:55pm to 8:05pm
● Woolworths Wentworthville
326/336 Great Western Highway
Thursday 29 July 2021
11:35am to 12:05pm
Sunday 25 July 2021
12:30pm to 1:15pm
APPEAL FOR PACIFIC ISLANDER COMMUNITY TO GET THE JAB
A Tongan church leader has appealed for more of his cohorts to combat vaccine hesitancy among Sydney’s Pacific Islander community — many who are in the hardest hit communities.
Uniting Church minister Alimoni Taumoepeau, who is from Tonga, warned that Pacific Islander communities were less likely to heed government-sponsored campaigns to promote Covid-19 vaccinations and instead were being swayed by conspiracy theories.
“Church leaders can play a really powerful role in promoting the importance of vaccination, they are able to breakthrough to a community that is often in the thrall of conspiracy theories,” Rev Taumoepeau said.
“Pacific Islanders are broadly more conservative in their religious beliefs and they are listening to conspiracy theories that link anti Covid-19-initiatives to biblical references to end times in which government seeks to increase control over people.
““Yet there is no biblical argument against the COVID-19 vaccine or the government-imposed lockdowns.”
When Rev. Taumoepeau received his second AstraZeneca jab two weeks ago, he posted a message in Tongan on social media based on John 10:10.
“This verse talks about the thief that comes steal and kill and destroy … this pandemic is stealing and killing and destroying and the vaccine is a key to our freedom from it,” he said.
“Hearing this message from church leaders can play a powerful role in overcoming misinformation and vaccine hesitancy in culturally and linguistically diverse communities.”
Tuesday August 3
A Westmead Hospital employee who tested positive to Covid-19 worked three days while infectious, prompting almost 40 staff to isolate.
Western Sydney Local Health District spokesman said the Westmead Hospital employee, who was fully vaccinated, tested positive to Covid-19 last week.
“The staff member worked for three days while infectious last week,’’ he said.
“Thirty-six staff members have been identified as close contacts and are isolating. Patient care has not been affected.’’
The spokesman said investigations into the source of the infection showed it was acquired in the community.’’
“The affected areas have been deep cleaned and there has been no further transmission associated with this case to date,’’ the spokesman said.
“Our highest priority is always the safety of patients and our staff.”
NSW Health Chief Officer Dr Kerry Chant told reporters on Tuesday that the intensive care unit was operating.
“Whenever we have a case, we identify close contacts and then there’s an operational response so my understanding is the ICU is operational but obviously there takes a time for us to get new and additional staff to roster in,’’ she said.
“It’s a usual process we have when we have close contacts identified.’’
NSW recorded 199 new locally acquired cases on Tuesday with 50 cases infectious in the community.
Of these locally acquired cases, 88 are linked to a known case or cluster – 67 are household contacts and 21 are close contacts – and the source of infection for 111 cases is under investigation.
There are 3832 locally acquired cases reported since the current outbreak started on June 16.
Low vaccination rates in west, southwest Sydney
A report has shown that despite being the hardest hit by Covid, west and southwestern Sydney have low vaccination rates.
In Parramatta, 17 per cent of the population aged 15 and over are fully vaccinated and those in the same age group with at least one dose is 35.10 per cent.
The State Government target is 6 million jabs by the end of August. It is 3.9 million as of Tuesday.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said she was keen to explore incentives for vaccinations.
Dr Chant said the greatest risk was in west and southwest Sydney.
Cumberland Mayor Steve Christou has backed the call and started the Arms out in August.
“I want to see our local government area have the highest vaccination rate in the state,’’ he said.
“I want us to be the first area in NSW to reach the 80 per cent of the population vaccinated so we can regain our freedoms.
“For this to happen I again urge the State Government to take us up on our offer and come utilise our community centres as part of our Community Campaign Drive (Arms out in August). Call your GP, pharmacist or fill in the online form to book into a vaccination hub.’’
Vaccinations began rolling out at council-run facilities at Merrylands, Guildford and Pemulwuy last week but Cr Christou deemed the 1500 jabs administered inadequate.
“We have many facilities that are suitable for vaccination centres, yet we’ve only received 1500 doses in those centres,’’ he said.
“We’re still waiting for the state government to accept our offer of vaccination clinics in our facilities to speed the roll out of the vaccine.’’
Calls for mental health support
Cumberland Mayor Steve Christou has called for the State Government to provide pop-up mental health assistance for people struggling through lockdowns.
“People’s wellbeing is very vital, especially during this lockdown. People need to be supported, especially our teenagers,’’ he said.
“People are focused on adults and the loss of income but teenagers are at a vital stage of their lives.
“If we put people in lockdown we have to extend the services to them.
“It’s going to be another weight or pressure on the service but it needs to happen.”
Cr Christou said he would raise the suggestion of walk-in services with council officers this week before raising it with NSW Health.
Last week, NSW Health rolled out walk-in vaccination hubs across Cumberland Council facilities at Merrylands, Pemulwuy and Guildford.
On Monday, a man from southwest Sydney in his 90s died at Liverpool Hospital.
NSW Chief Heatlh Officer Dr Kerry Chant said the man had received one dose of AstraZeneca and was linked to the Liverpool Hospital outbreak.
NSW recorded 207 locally-acquired cases of Covid-19 on Monday, with two overseas-attained cases with 51 infectious in the community.
Of the locally acquired cases, 105 are linked to a known case or cluster – 92 are household contacts and 13 are close contacts – and the source of infection for 102 cases is under investigation.
There were 117,009 tests carried out.
Close contacts
Anyone who attended the following venues at the times listed is a close contact and must get tested and isolate for 14 days, regardless of the result.
NSW Health will send a text message to people who have checked in at close contact venues with further information. It will also make a follow-up call to close contacts to discuss the isolation and testing requirements.
If you have not received a text message, please call 1800 943 553.
● Fully Tabooly Kebab Shop, Pemulwuy Marketplace, 70 Butu Wargun Drive
Friday, July 30, 9am to 9.30am, Saturday July 31, 9am to 9.30am
● Bus 705 from Joyce St opposite Pendle Hill train station to Mandoon Rd at Girraween,
Thursday July 22, 6.20pm to 6.25pm
● Bus 601 from Parramatta train station, Stand A4 to Victoria Ave before Gladstone Rd, Saturday July 24, 9.26am to 9.47am
● Bus 601 from Victoria Ave after Carrington Rd to Parramatta train station, Stand B3, Saturday July 24, 8.47pm to 9.07pm
Friday, July 30
Seeing Australian Defence Force personnel patrol Covid hot spots such as Cumberland could trigger bad memories for western Sydney’s migrant communities who fled their homelands to escape such scenes, Granville state Labor MP Julie Finn says.
Ms Finn, whose electorate takes in the diverse Cumberland and Parramatta councils, said many constituents were upset about the deployment, which is to involve 300 ADF personnel and begin mainly across eight local government areas of Cumberland, Parramatta, Fairfield, Liverpool, Canterbury-Bankstown, Campbelltown, Blacktown and Georges River on Monday.
“They’re certainly upset and it brings back bad memories,’’ she said.
“Some of them are naturally distrusting people who grew up in the Lebanese civil war, people who grew up in Afghanistan, Tamils from Sri Lanka.
“They came to Australia and they’re used to not seeing the army on the streets anymore.’’
Ms Finn understood the desperate measure the government took after infections hit 239 on Thursday but suggested the army could assist with the inoculation rollout.
“I would prefer to see the army assembling tents in ovals for mass vaccination centres,’’ she said.
“If we’re going to use the army, they should be used supporting that rollout rather than knocking on doors checking if someone’s visiting their mum.’’
On Friday, NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller acknowledged there could be concerns in communities about troops in their neighbourhoods.
“We’ll be working with Multicultural NSW, our multicultural liaison officers will be talking to communities,’’ he said.
“Can I just say they will be focusing on contact tracing across greater metro Sydney so you can expect to see them in the Shire, or in the Northern Beaches, or in the eastern suburbs.’’
NSW recorded 170 locally acquired cases on Friday with 40 people in the community.
Two were overseas-acquired cases.
There are 187 people in hospital with 58 in intensive care and 24 requiring ventilation.
Saturday, July 31
Casual contacts
● Azrum Market, 61 Rawson Street, Saturday July 24, 9.50am – 10am
● Coles, 3M01, 5 Footbridge Blvd, Saturday July 24, 9.15am-10.05am
● Priceline Pharmacy, Lidcombe Shopping Centre, 37/92 Parramatta Rd, Saturday 24 July, 3.55pm – 4.05pm
● Familymart, Shop 1-124b, 92 Parramatta Rd, Lidcombe, Saturday July 24, 5.10pm-5.15pm
● Country Growers, Parramatta Westfield, 159-175 Church St, Saturday July 24, 6pm – 6.15pm
● Auburn Central Shopping Centre, Harrow Rd and Queen St, Sunday July 25, 1.50pm-3.25pm
NSW recorded 210 new locally acquired cases on Saturday and two were acquired overseas.
A total of 21 cases were infectious in the community.
There have been 3190 cases in the current outbreak.
There are 203 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 53 people in intensive care, 27 of whom require ventilation.
NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard said six people in their 20s were in ICU.
This week, NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant implored people to get the jab, particularly the elderly.
“Even one dose of the vaccine can reduce your risk of hospitalisation and death,’’ Dr Chant said.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said over 3.6 million people been inoculated in NSW but the target was for 10 million jabs to achieve “a sense of real freedom”.
From August 9, Qudos Bank Arena at Sydney Olympic will become a vaccination hub for Year 12 students in the eight hardest-hit local government areas.
GRANVILLE MAN INFECTIOUS IN COMMUNITY
Police are continuing investigations after a Granville man attempting to attend Saturday’s protest breached public health orders.
Police Transport Command officers spoke to the 35-year-old man at Central train station on July 24 and it was determined he was in breach of the stay-at-home orders. He was issued with a $1000 PIN and directed to return home.
The following morning, the man tested positive to Covid-19 and was directed by NSW Health to self-isolate.
On Friday morning, police attended the man’s home at Granville to conduct a compliance check, where they were initially told the man was at a work site in Parramatta.
Subsequent inquiries revealed the man was not at work but was located at a home at Constitution Hill. Investigations continue.
Casual contacts
A casual contact must immediately get tested and isolate until a negative result is received. Please get tested even if you have had a test in recent days. If your date of exposure at this venue occurred in the past four days, you must get another test on day five from the date of exposure. Wear a mask around others and limit your movements until you get another negative result. You should continue to monitor for symptoms and if any symptoms occur, get tested again:
● Woolworths Wentworthville, 326/336 Great Western Highway, Sunday July 25, 12.30pm to 1.15pm
● Westfield Parramatta – top level, 159-175 Church St, Sunday July 25, 1.40pm to 2pm
● Ermington Woolworths, 30 Betty Cuthbert Ave, Saturday July 24, 12.35pm to 1.30pm
UPDATED: July 29
As vaccination hubs in Cumberland get off to a sluggish start, a nurse has implored people to get immunised.
A nurse administering vaccines in one of the worst-affected Covid hot spots in NSW — Cumberland — has backed health authorities’ pleas for more people to get the jab.
“Just do it,’’ veteran nurse Caroline Scott said.
“We can open up our minds, we can get back to normal.’’
Mrs Scott vaccinates people aged over 40 with AstraZeneca across walk-in hubs across Cumberland Council facilities after the rollout started this week.
Despite limited numbers of a 100-cap per day, just 22 people filed through the Holroyd Centre at Merrylands on Monday and 68 at Greystanes Community Centre on Tuesday.
Mrs Scott said many realised the Pfizer vaccine won’t be delivered soon.
“A lot of the people I’m seeing, they’re quite worried that they may be in an at-risk job or it’s going to take them too long to actually get protected,’’ she said.
“We’ve had a few essential workers come through and they’re concerned they’re putting themselves and their families at risk and they’d just like to turn the tide around and protect themselves.’’
She is also happy to ease anxieties about side effects such as blood clots.
“What I say to them is, if you could imagine the Olympic stadium filled to capacity, the risk to you is maybe one person in that stadium might get a clotting disorder and they go ‘Oh when you put it like that, it’s going to be rare’.
“I say it’s a very rare problem but look at the benefits there’s going to be for you.
On Thursday, NSW chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant urged the public, particularly elderly people, to get vaccinated.
“The vaccine does not work immediately in providing protection but even one vaccine can reduce your risk of hospitalisation and death and it can also prevent onward transmission,’’ she said.
“Vaccines will save lives and Covid will kill.’’
Tougher measures
As Covid numbers reach record numbers of 239 and the death toll climbs, tough measures mean Cumberland and Parramatta residents can only travel 5km from home.
Police will also be able to exercise new powers to shut down businesses, construction sites and public premises where there is a risk to public health.
The penalties for not wearing a mask will leap from $200 to $500.
From 12.01am on Friday, Parramatta, Cumberland, Blacktown, Campbelltown, Canterbury-Bankstown, Fairfield, Georges River and Liverpool will only be allowed to exercise, undertake outdoor recreation and singles bubble visits 5km of their home.
They must only go shopping 5km from home unless the goods or services are not readily available in that radius.
Masks must be worn at all times outside the home regardless of how close they are to people.
“The NSW Government and the NSW Police detest the fact that we’ve had to increase these penalties and provide extra power to the police force,” Police Minister David Elliott said.
“These health orders, these restrictions are something that the government cannot get rid of quick enough but it’s quite clear from the overwhelming number of people that are doing the number of people doing the right thing, that same overwhelming number of people have had a gutful of their fellow residents doing the wrong thing.’’
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said people were using the excuse of exercising within 10km to breach health orders.
“By reducing the radius of 5km within those areas of concern, gives police greater ability to do their job,’’ she said.
“The numbers will keep going up until we change things. These are the harshest measures any place in Australia has ever faced.’’
The tougher restrictions come as 239 locally acquired cases were recorded in NSW on Thursday, and one overseas-attained case.
Seventy people were infectious in the community.
There were two deaths — a woman in her 90s died at Liverpool Hospital after she contracted the Delta strain from a household contact and a southwest Sydney man in his 80s also died at Royal North Shore Hospital.
There are 182 people in hospital, with 54 in intensive care and 22 who are ventilated.
Two are in their teens, eight are in their 20s, four in their 30s and three are in their 40s.
MORE NEWS
More Coverage
South Granville: Dr Ashraf Alfy Badie Sakla guilty of unethical conduct
Future Olympians! Try-fectas, close calls in Next Gen 7s battles
There were blowouts, close calls, a hot boot and multiple try-fectas in the opening round of the Next Gen Sevens rugby series in Sydney. Stars, great photos and Rd 1 result wrap.
Read more
‘It’s a special thing’: Australia’s rare rugby result in New Zealand
Rugby’s U18s rising stars have done something few other Aussie teams have managed in recent times - completing a shock and awe mission across the ditch for two wins. Stars, result wrap
Read more