COVID-19 Northern Rivers News
Northern Rivers Covid cases surge
Northern Rivers Covid cases surge
MARGARET DEKKER AND TONIA DYNAN
In the week from December 28 to this Monday, 1890 positive Covid cases have bee reported on the Northern Rivers.
Of those, 807 cases are in the Byron Shire, 447 cases on the Tweed, 266 cases in Ballina, 181 cases in Lismore, 135 cases on the Clarence Valley, 23 in Kyogle and 31 across the Richmond Valley.
As of 8pm on Sunday, there were 19 Covid patients in hospital, four of them in ICU.
Wayne Jones, Chief Executive Officer Northern NSW Local Health District, urged locals and visitors to be vigilant.
“If you have any Covid-19 symptoms, it is still important that you have a test and self-isolate until you receive a negative test result,” he said.
Byron Mayor Michael Lyon said the numbers are concerning but not unexpected.
“Covid is now embedded in our community, and it seems we all know people who have had it or have it,” Cr Lyon said.
“People obviously want to avoid catching the virus, but what is concerning for many is that they may inadvertently pass it on to their elderly grandparents, relatives or people who are battling serious illnesses.
“Sadly, this is now the reality of our lives as Covid spreads through our shire and the Northern Rivers region, but it is important that we all continue to take all the precautions we can to avoid catching it.
“People are asked to abide by all NSW Health rules and sign in or use a QR code when visiting shops and venues and to wear a mask.
“Wearing a mask is a simple and effective way to lessen exposure to Covid-19 and it seems the great majority of people have masks on and are taking personal responsibility which is great to see.
“The queues for testing remain long and this is frustrating for people waiting but we need to spare a thought for the staff who are doing the testing because they are really being pushed to the limit.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the staff at the Northern NSW Local Health District who are working so hard to look after the people who are sick both in hospital and in the community.”
Contact tracers are also working overtime, with Covid-19 Case Alerts now rife on people’s phones about places across the Northern Rivers where positive cases have been.
Information about Covid-19 including symptoms, local testing centres and/or vaccination clinics can be found on local council websites or by visiting www.health.nsw.gov.au or contact a GP.
