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March 18, 2024

COVID update December 3: One new case and advice for international travellers

Latest News

State of destruction

Tasmanians go to the polls next weekend, in an early election brought on by Liberal Premier Jeremy Rockcliff, whose party has fractured during its ten years in office but is currently warning voters not to elect a Labor minority government, which he's been calling a 'Coalition of Chaos'.

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Editorial – Giving it a tick and flick

The rezoning of high-value agricultural land for future housing – some on floodplains – is likely to be rushed through at Thursday’s Council meeting with last-minute tinkering – see page 1.

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Big family Kaleido fun day May 5  

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Time for change

National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) and Byron Shire Council (BSC) have agreed to close Tyagarah clothing-optional area on...

One new case of COVID-19 was reported for Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) in the 24 hours to 8pm 2 December.

Northern NSW Local Health District, Chief Executive, Wayne Jones, said the case is located in the Lismore Local Government Area and is linked to an existing case.

‘Northern NSW Local Health District can also confirm that two additional cases have been confirmed in travellers to the region visiting Byron Bay. These cases are not included in NNSWLHD’s case tally, and contact tracing is underway.

‘We know that COVID-19 travels easily, and people can contract the virus without showing any symptoms.

‘Even while our vaccination rates are increasing daily, it’s important for people to continue to practise COVID-safe measures to minimise their own risk of catching COVID-19 or transmitting it to others who may be more vulnerable to the serious health effects of the virus.’

These are simple measures such as:

• Keeping up with hand hygiene – using sanitiser or washing your hands regularly
• Wearing a mask indoors where appropriate – including at hospitality venues when not eating or drinking, in retail environments and on public transport
• Checking in wherever you go, so that you can be notified if an exposure occurs at a venue you have visited.
You can visit
www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/create-covid-19-check-card to obtain a Check-in Card if you do not use a smartphone.
• Not going out when unwell, but isolating and getting tested as soon as you have any symptoms.
• Attending venues or gatherings at premises that have good COVID-safe measures in place, such as COVID marshals and clear check-in requirements.

Even if you are fully vaccinated, you should get tested and isolate immediately if you have symptoms such as a runny nose, a scratchy or sore throat or are generally feeling unwell.

There are more than 450 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW. Find a clinic on the NSW Government website or contact your GP.

The vaccination van

On Tuesday December 7 the mobile vaccination van, a partnership with Social Futures, will be visiting Ballina on its final stop.

The van will be located at Porter Park, 17 Daydream Avenue, West Ballina, open from 9.30am – 2.30pm, providing Pfizer vaccinations. You can attend for a first, second or booster dose if you are eligible now. No appointment needed.

Walk-in and booked vaccination clinics are operating throughout Northern NSW. You can find your closest clinic at the Australian Government’s COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Finder.

Advice for international travellers

New rules for returning travellers regarding the Omicron B.1.1.529 variant of concern are now in place.

In line with Commonwealth measures, all travellers arriving in NSW who have been in South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, Eswatini and Malawi during the 14-day period before their arrival in NSW must enter hotel quarantine for 14 days, irrespective of their vaccination status.

All fully vaccinated travellers who have been in any other overseas country during the 14-day period before their arrival in NSW must travel directly to their place of residence or accommodation and isolate for 72 hours. They will only be able to exit isolation at the end of the 72 hour period if they have received a negative result.

These people must also complete a PCR test on day six after arrival.

Anyone who has already arrived in NSW who has been in any of the eight African countries within the previous 14 days must immediately get tested and isolate for 14 days, and call NSW Health on 1800 943 553.


Recent stories, information and updates regarding COVID-19

COVID-19 pandemic has cut life expectancy globally

COVID-19 reversed earlier trends toward longer life expectancies. During the pandemic, life expectancies globally dropped by 1.6 years according to a new study published in the Lancet medical journal.

1

COVID-19 update for New South Wales

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.

9

Five graphs you need to see before the Global Carbon Budget...

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.

2

Public transport mask mandate to end

Masks will no longer be mandatory on public transport from tomorrow, Wednesday 21 September.

1

NSW Police: be COVID-vigilant at Splendour in the Grass

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.

2

COVID-19 update for the NNSWLHD – May 23

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.

0

AEC says COVID voters can phone from home

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.

3

COVID-19 update: May 16

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.

0

It’s National Volunteer Week

Volunteering Australia says volleys are the backbone of the country in times of crisis and emergency.

1

COVID-19 update: May 9

Today there are 41 COVID-19 positive patients in hospital in Northern NSW, with none of these in ICU.

0


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