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Byron Shire
June 5, 2026

COVID testing encouraged in the NNSWLHD

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Minimum requirements were never meant to be aspirations

The Echo’s recent report (2 May) on Cr Elia Hauge’s proposal for a community assessment panel for the old Mullumbimby Hospital site contained a sentence that deserves more than a passing read.

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On Easter Sunday afternoon the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) has thanked the community for coming forward in large numbers for COVID-19 testing, with more than 10,000 tests conducted in the region in the past week.

NNSWLHD Chief Executive Wayne Jones said the Northern NSW community has really got behind the call to get tested. ‘Over the past week there has been a significant increase in testing, and I want to thank the residents and visitors who have come forward.

‘High rates of testing help us to detect any cases in the community as early as possible.’

Since Monday March 29, more than 10,000 people have been tested at NNSWLHD clinics, drive-through clinics operated by QML Pathology and the walk-in clinic at Byron Bay High School.

There have been no positive cases in Northern NSW since the locally acquired case announced on Wednesday 31 March 2021.

Mr Jones encouraged people to remain vigilant for COVID-19 symptoms and to get tested for even the mildest of symptoms. Symptoms can include fever, cough, breathing difficulties, sore throat, loss of smell or taste, runny nose, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and fatigue.

‘We don’t want people to dismiss their symptoms as a cold, we want them to get tested to confirm it’s not coronavirus.’

To find your nearest testing clinic visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/how-toprotect- yourself-and-others/clinics or contact your GP.

Temporary restrictions remain in place in the local government areas of Tweed Shire Council, Ballina Shire Council, Byron Shire Council and Lismore City Council until 11.59pm tomorrow – Monday 5 April.

• masks must be worn on public transport, in retail stores, and in all public indoor settings

• the one person per 4 square metre rule applies at all public indoor settings including hospitality venues

• the number of household visitors is capped at 30, including at holiday rental properties

• dancing, singing, eating or drinking other than when seated is not allowed in non-residential indoor areas.

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Wardell Knit n’ Knat Group – 22 years of knitting and giving

Since 2011, 15 years, Dawn and Robert Sword have been entrusted by the Wardell Knit n’ Knat Group with the privilege of distributing the beautiful handcrafted rugs, scarves, beanies and other knitted and crocheted items they have made to people in need throughout the Ballina Shire.

Murwillumbah biz networking breakfast tomorrow

Join the Murwillumbah business community for their June Business Murwillumbah Networking Breakfast, to be held at at Crystal Creek Estate.

Update on Mullumbimby house fire which destroyed locals’ home

Long-term residents of Mullumbimby, Jeff and Alma Jackson lost their home to fire last week.

Local family-owned Byron businesses asking for your support

Long-term, local Byron businesses are calling on the community for support as they struggle to remain afloat as the drainage works in Byron Bay continue.