NORTHERN NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) Chief Executive Wayne Jones is urging residents to be cautious as restrictions begin to ease from today (May 15) after two new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in the past 36 hours.
One of the COVID-19 cases is under investigation in Ballina and the second case is believed to be an overseas traveller who remains in Sydney but has an address in Northern NSW.
The Tweed Shire has reported no new cases of COVID-19 in the past three weeks.
Mr Jones said 51 of the total 57 cases in the NNSWLHD have now recovered with no patients currently in hospital across the Health District from Grafton to Tweed Heads.
“The new cases include one resident who acquired the illness overseas and one resident whose case is still being investigated with regards to the source,” Mr Jones said.
Mr Jones is urging caution as relaxed gathering restrictions are rolled out today (May 15) urging residents to take care and continue social distancing.
“As we move to easing some restrictions on public gatherings, dining and outdoor activities, I want to remind our community to take their personal responsibilities seriously,” he said.
Understandably, due to covid restrictions people cannot go outside to enjoy rain or sunny weather, but if someone wants to enjoy some fresh air, they can sit outdoors on their lawn beneath a canopy (check out multiple pergola cover options here).
This is due to the fact that being cramped continually can make one anxious and stressed out. However, you may certainly spend some time in your backyard or on your lawn if you have one. But before using any of the furniture outside, make sure to thoroughly sanitize it. Adhering to COVID restrictions might be beneficial not only for them but their families also.
“It’s good news that we’ll be able to move about more freely and catch up with our friends and family, but we still have an obligation to practice social distancing measures to prevent transmission of this virus.
“As we’ve seen in recent days, the numbers of new cases can vary from day to day, we have certainly not overcome this pandemic.
“Please do your best to keep your 1.5 metre distance from others, keep up frequent hand washing and avoid touching your face or public surfaces where possible.
“I also encourage everyone to download the COVIDsafe app, to help with contact tracing as we become more mobile.”
Mr Jones said it was imperative that anyone who is showing flu-like symptoms, however mild, comes forward for testing and stays home while they are unwell.
“Our testing clinics are open seven days a week, and we encourage people to be tested again if they are experiencing flu-like symptoms, even if they have had a negative test previously,” he said.
Tweed Shire Council update
Tweed Shire Council Mayor Katie Milne is also urging caution as playgrounds, outdoor exercise equipment and public barbecues begin to open across the Tweed from today (Friday, May 15), in line with NSW Government announcements that COVID-19 restrictions are beginning to ease.
Council said in a media statement that outdoor gatherings of up to 10 people are allowed from today under the NSW restrictions, which means public playgrounds and outdoor exercise equipment in the Tweed can only be used by up to 10 people at a time.
Bookings for weddings in Council parks and beaches will resume for gatherings of up to 10 guests (plus the celebrant and the couple).
The changes follow the reopening of beach car parks on Council-managed land last week.
Mayor Milne asked residents to be patient, as opening the park facilities, reconnecting power to barbecues and installing new signage could take the full week to roll out across the Shire.
“The new signs reflect the need for everyone to take personal responsibility for their own health,” Cr Milne said.
“There’s only 10 people allowed to use these facilities at any time so if there are too many people, wait or come back later.
“We all need to remember to stay 1.5 metres away from each other, wash/sanitise hands frequently, cough or sneeze into your elbow, stay home if you are sick and get tested if you have symptoms,” Cr Milne said.
“Vulnerable people should continue to stay home where possible.”
From Friday, funeral services at Tweed Valley Cemetery at Eviron will now allow up to 20 mourners in The Chapel and outdoor funerals with up to 30 people.
The Tweed Regional Aquatic Centres (TRAC) at Murwillumbah, Kingscliff and Tweed Heads will remain closed for the time being, as will skate parks and community centres.
“We need time to make assessments on the best way to reopen these particular facilities for the safety and benefit of our customers,” Mayor Milne said.
Skate parks will remain closed until more information has been received from the NSW Government on whether they are included in the stage one restriction roll-back.
Anyone wishing to report COVID-19 offences under the NSW Public Health Act at community assets should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 (open 24 hours). Tweed Shire Council is not the authority on public health issues.
For more information about Council’s services and support in response to COVID-19 and to connect to government information about the pandemic visit https://emergency.tweed.nsw.gov.au/coronavirus
