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October 20, 2026

Two deaths and four in ICU in Northern NSW

Latest News

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One person in their 90s and on in their 70s died in the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) in the 24-hours to 4pm 9 February.

‘Sadly, today Northern NSW is reporting the death of two people from COVID-19. One person in their 90s from the Richmond Valley area. One person in their 70s from the Tweed area,’ said a spokesperson for the NNSWLHD. 

‘We express our sincere condolences to their loved ones.’

Twenty-three people remain in hospital in the region with four in ICU. 

During this period there were 370 new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in Northern NSW Local Health District, including 107 positive PCR tests and 263 positive rapid antigen tests (RAT).

Confirmed tests by LGA (local government area) PCR and RAT included:

  • Ballina 54
  • Byron 42
  • Clarence Valley 81
  • Kyogle 8
  • Lismore 36
  • Richmond Valley 38
  • Tweed Heads 111

Get tested

The Northern NSW Local Health District is urging people to get tested for COVID-19 at the first sign of symptoms and isolate until a negative result is received.

‘Anyone who tests positive using a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) is required to register their result with Service NSW. Registering your RAT result enables NSW Health to provide advice on self-isolation and managing COVID-19 symptoms at home and connect high risk people to clinical care services.,’ they said.

‘Everyone who is eligible for a booster is encouraged to book without delay through the COVID-19 vaccine clinic finder.

‘Booster doses of COVID-19 vaccine are now available for people aged 16 and over who had their second dose at least three months ago. We urge people to get their booster dose as soon as they are eligible, to best protect themselves, their loved ones and the community from the ongoing transmission of COVID-19.

‘We also strongly recommend that people aged 12 years and over who are severely immunocompromised have a third primary dose of vaccine from two months after their second dose.’


Recent stories, information and updates regarding COVID-19

COVID-19 reduces Australian life expectancy

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When Sonja (Olivia Hargroder) loses her mother without warning, the only steady presence left in her life is her grandmother, Doris. But Doris’s idea of stability means dismantling everything Sonja has built. For Sonja, who lives with Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) and has spent her life fighting to be underestimated by no one, Doris’ plan feels less like protection and more like erasure. Directed by Genevieve Clay-Smith, Boss Cat is a vibrant, big-hearted Australian dramedy about independence, family and self-determination, anchored by a fearless lead performance.

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