Another NSW region back in lockdown due to Covid-19 concerns

Another local government area in regional NSW has been pushed into a seven-day lockdown due to concerns about Covid-19.

Oberon in the Central Tablelands is the latest local government area in regional NSW to be thrown back into lockdown.

Residents will be under stay-at-home orders from 6pm on Wednesday night for seven days because of what authorities say is an increased Covid-19 public health risk.

The restrictions will also apply to anyone who has been in the LGA since September 20.

Two new cases of the virus were reported on Wednesday in Oberon, located south of Bathurst and west of the Blue Mountains.

There have been a total of three infections recorded in Oberon this week, according to NSW Health figures.

Everyone in the LGA must stay at home unless it is for an essential reason, which includes shopping for food, medical care, getting vaccinated, compassionate needs, exercise and work or tertiary education if they can’t work or study at home.

NSW Health announced the snap lockdown on Wednesday afternoon, about an hour-and-a-half before the restrictions come into effect.

⚠️STAY-AT-HOME ORDERS INTRODUCED FOR OBERON⚠️

Stay-at-home orders for the Oberon Local Government Area (LGA) will be introduced from 6pm today for seven days due to an increased COVID-19 public health risk. pic.twitter.com/VxfyPWITNB

— NSW Health (@NSWHealth) September 29, 2021

Oberon Mayor Kathy Sajowitz said the active cases had been moving around in the community unaware they had contracted the virus.

She said the town’s medical centre and the Foodworks had both been listed as exposure sites.

“I understand the level of anxiety in the community is high, I also know there is some misinformation circulating,” she said in a statement.

“The best way we can manage this situation is to be patient and tolerant, support each other, respect the privacy of those who are unwell, listen to the current health directives and undergo regular testing. Consider vaccination.”

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has said regional travel will resume in mid-October. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

Health officials are urging Oberon residents to come forward for testing.

“A strong response to testing will be a key factor in determining if these stay-at-home orders are extended beyond one week,” NSW Health said in a statement.

“High vaccination rates are also essential to reduce the risk of transmission and protect the health and safety of the community.”

Residents of Port Macquarie on the mid-North Coast, and Muswellbrook in the Upper Hunter region, spent their first day back in lockdown on Wednesday.

Originally published as Another NSW region back in lockdown due to Covid-19 concerns