Acting Chief Executive Northern NSW Local Health District, Lynne Weir says that one new case of COVID-19 has been confirmed in a resident of the Northern NSW Local Health District.
‘The positive result in the Lismore area was confirmed yesterday, Saturday, 18 September, and will be included in NSW Health’s official reporting today.
‘Initial investigations indicate that this person has been infectious while in the community, with further contact tracing currently underway.
We will provide more information as soon as it is available, including any exposure venues of public concern.’
Sewage detection in Ballina
Northern NSW Local Health District is also urging people in the Ballina area to get tested for COVID-19, after fragments were detected in samples from the Ballina sewage treatment plant.
The Ballina sample was collected on 16 September. The Ballina treatment plant serves about 31,100 people.
‘This detection is very concerning as it follows detections at the Wardell, South Lismore, East Lismore and Byron Bay treatment plants,’ said Ms Weir. ‘Detections could indicate there are positive cases in the community who have not been tested. Detections can also be due to shedding of the virus by someone who may have previously had the illness and may no longer be infectious.
‘The detection could be due to someone in the area or someone who has since left the area, but we need everyone to remain vigilant and get tested at the first sign of even mild symptoms.
Ms Weir said NSW Local Health District authorities are urging people to come forward for testing at the first sign of any COVID-19 symptoms and get tested as quickly as possible, and self-isolate while they await their test results.
COVID-19 Testing clinics operating on Sunday 19 September in the Ballina, Byron Bay, Lismore and Wardell areas are located at:
Ballina 4Cyte Pathology Drive-through Clinic, 319 River Street, 2480, Ballina opening 8am to 2pm
Lismore Base Hospital, Uralba Street, Lismore opening at 9am
Lismore 4Cyte Pathology Drive-through Clinic, 47-49 Dawson Street, 2478, Lismore opening 8am to 2pm
Goonellabah QML Pathology Drive-through and Walk in Clinic, 50 Oliver Avenue, Goonellabah Sports and Aquatic Centre (GSAC), Goonellabah opening at 8am – 3pm
Byron Central Hospital Fever Clinic, Ewingsdale Road, Byron Bay opening at 9am
Cavanbah Centre, 249 Ewingsdale Road, Byron Bay opening 9am – 2pm.
Cabbage Tree Island Health Post opening 10am – 3pm
Wardell, QML Pathology Drive-through, Wardell tennis courts, opening 10am – 2pm.
You can find testing clinics and their opening hours on the NSW government website at: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/health-and-wellbeing/clinics or, you can also contact your GP.
Recent stories, information and updates regarding COVID-19
Let’s not forget that Covid-19 is still a big issue in our community with 31,935 cases reported across Australia in the last week – an average of 4,562 cases per day. The Global Carbon Budget is about to be refreshed, giving the world a critical insight into how efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are (or are not) progressing. Masks will no longer be mandatory on public transport from tomorrow, Wednesday 21 September. SW Police are urging festival-goers at this weekend’s music festival to celebrate in a safe and responsible manner, whilst also being aware of COVID-Safety measures. The Northern NSW Local Health District reports that to 4pm yesterday, Sunday May 22, there were 40 COVID-19 positive patients in hospital in Northern NSW, with one of these in ICU. The AEC says that voters who have recently tested positive for COVID-19 will be able to phone in their vote in the federal election. The Northern NSW Local Health District says that to 4pm yesterday, 15 May, 384 new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in the District, including 82 positive PCR tests and 302 positive rapid antigen tests. Volunteering Australia says volleys are the backbone of the country in times of crisis and emergency. Today there are 41 COVID-19 positive patients in hospital in Northern NSW, with none of these in ICU. The Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) reports that there are 37 COVID-19 positive patients in hospital in Northern NSW, with one of these in ICU.
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