BREAKING: Byron and Tweed shires go into week-long lockdown

Paul Bibby

Stay-at-home orders will be introduced for the Byron Shire, Tweed and Kempsey Local Government Areas (LGAs) from 5pm today for seven days due to an increased COVID-19 public health risk.

These stay-at-home orders, introduced by the State Government, also apply to anyone who has been in an affected LGA since the following dates:

• Kempsey LGA – 14 September
• Byron LGA – 18 September
• Tweed LGA – 18 September

Everyone in the affected LGAs 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 you can’t work or study at home.

People who are fully vaccinated can attend an outdoor gathering of up to five people for exercise or outdoor recreation, as long as all of those aged 16 or older are fully vaccinated.

To determine the extent of the risk and detect any further potential COVID-19 cases in these areas, NSW Health is calling on the communities to come forward for testing in large numbers.

‘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.

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

‘COVID-19 vaccination is available through NSW Health clinics, GPs, pharmacies and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS).’

Use the COVID-19 vaccine eligibility checker to find the nearest vaccination clinic, or visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/health-and-wellbeing/covid-19-vaccination-nsw/get-your-covid-19-vaccination-nsw

A list of regional and rural NSW Health vaccination clinics is available on the NSW Government website: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/health-and-wellbeing/covid-19-vaccination-nsw/vaccination-clinics-regional-and-rural