From our first kiss to his last breath.
It is with the heaviest of tender hearts we let you know that last night Craig left his body peacefully at home in Roberto’s arms.
We have lost the most divine human that gave so much to our communities, the creativity, the inspiration, the pure love and plenty of dance.
Byron Council has issued a media release about the latest COVID stats and the lack of testing in the shire.
The release says that the latest information released by the Northern NSW Local Health District today (5 January) showed there were 576 new COVID cases to 8pm last night with 96 in the Byron Shire.
Vale Craig Ruddy
There are 26 people in hospital and 4 in intensive care and tragically, we have learned today that Craig Ruddy, well-known locally based artist and Archibald Prize winner, has died as a result of complications from COVID-19. Our thoughts are with his partner and family.
With the number of COVID cases in the Byron Shire and across the Northern Rivers steadily increasing, Byron Shire Mayor, Michael Lyon, has questioned the handling of testing by the NSW and Australian Governments.
Long queues at testing facilities in Byron
There have been long queues at testing facilities in Byron Bay for several weeks and in the absence of PCR tests there are also very few rapid antigen tests (RAT) available.
Mr Lyon said there is no doubt that from a planning perspective NSW has been found wanting in our preparation for the re-opening last month. ‘It’s a very stressful and emotional time for people who are not only frustrated by the lack of access to tests but they are concerned for their health and that of loved ones and friends.
‘Even if the RAT tests were available, they are expensive and beyond the reach of many people in our community.
‘Added to which the rules about testing and isolation are confusing and keep changing and this needs to be addressed quickly in terms of simplifying and clarifying the rules so that everyone is on the same page.
‘We all need to be able to get access to testing when required regardless of means or location.
Fortunate high vaccination rates
‘Fortunately, we have high vaccination rates in the Byron Shire and even higher across the region and we will get through this as individuals and as a community,’ said Mayor Lyon.
‘I encourage people who have been vaccinated to book in for their booster shot.
‘To all the people in our health system who have been working so hard – thank you.
Mr Lyon said COVID is a part of our lives and there is no changing that so we need to be prepared because it is likely to get worse before it gets better. ‘The very harsh reality is that some of us will lose loved ones so now, more than ever, it’s time to support each other, look out for each other and be kind to each other.’
Recent stories, information and updates regarding COVID-19
New data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics Life shows life expectancy in Australia has decreased slightly for the second year in a row. An international team of researchers has found more evidence that COVID-19 came from animals in a Wuhan food market. The lab-leak theory that Covid-19 came from the Wuhan Institute of Virology – instead of a nearby wet market – was thrashed about in public recently, with the US Senate Homeland Security Committee holding a hearing into Covid-19. Eighteen schools in the Northern Rivers division of Richmond have received $25,000 each as part of the federal government’s School Upgrade Fund, Labor Member for Richmond Justine Elliot said last week. 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. 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.
COVID-19 reduces Australian life expectancy
Wuhan market increasingly likely origin point for COVID-19
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COVID-19 pandemic has cut life expectancy globally
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