NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet again opened his COVID update with condolences to families who have lost loved ones, and thanks to the  ‘inspirational work of our health workers'.

The total number of cases in the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWHD) since 16 June remains at 122.

Vaccines do have side effects, but there are some social-media users peddling myths that COVID-19 vaccines cause male infertility and sexual dysfunction.

The North Coast has seen a significant rise in vaccination however, spokesperson for the Cross Border Task Force and Tweed Shire Mayor Chris Cherry has told The Echo that there are significant concerns over the impacts as people start arriving from Sydney.

As the COVID lockdowns draw to a close, there are still people who profess themselves unwilling to vaccinate under any circumstances, and who object to bearing any consequences that may arise.

Confused and anxious when it comes to ambiguous and complex COVID-19 laws? You are not alone.

Local MP Tamara Smith (Greens) is urging those unvaccinated to get their shots, warning that while the region has ‘managed to dodge bullets, the most dangerous time will be leading up, to and after, all lockdowns end on October 11’.

A local teacher, who cannot be named owing to onerous laws that prevent NSW government workers from speaking publicly, has raised their concerns over the looming November 8 deadline by the NSW government requiring all education and care workers to be vaccinated.

Public buildings such as the Mullumbimby Civic Hall could become mass COVID-19 vaccination centres, under a proposal put forward by Byron Council last week.

With the NSW government now openly threatening that the public will not be able to participate in social activities, work in the public sector or travel interstate unless they are vaccinated for COVID-19, The Echo asked local NSW MP Tamara Smith (Greens) what her party is doing about protecting civic rights and freedoms.