State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin says that it’s clear that the Northern Rivers region needs to go into a short, sharp lockdown, and the sooner the better, to get on top of a confirmed COVID-19 case notified overnight in the Byron area.
Ms Saffin said that with any lockdown, we expect the NSW Government to immediately put in place the essential supports for the communities and businesses in all affected local government areas.
‘I know that lockdowns hurt, but administrative delays hurt more.
‘We need more timely advice and more detailed information from the NSW Government and agencies like NSW Health, NSW Treasury and Services NSW. All local MPs and Mayors need to be contacted and kept informed.’
Investigations are underway into the source of a Sydney man’s infection with COVID-19 and local venues which he may have visited in the region.
‘This person, aged in his fifties, has been active in the community since July 30 and possibly infectious for several days.’
As a precaution everybody who is in the following local government areas should immediately isolate and have a COVID-19 test if they have even the mildest of symptoms: Byron Shire, Tweed Shire, Ballina, Lismore City, Richmond Valley and Kyogle.
‘Considering that Tamworth is now in lockdown with no known cases, it follows that a similar lockdown here in the Northern Rivers is looming.
‘I encourage our community to remain vigilant, follow the COVID-19 rules and get tested even with the mildest of symptoms.’
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