Glen Innes will enter a seven-day snap lockdown from 6pm tonight, following concerns over a COVID-19 case who was in the community for three days while infectious.
New South Wales’ Chief Health Officer convened an independent panel of medical experts today to review the Glen Innes case, which strongly recommended the lockdown to prevent further spread of the virus.
Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall confirmed the news on Friday afternoon.
“I am very sorry and realise this was not the news many of you were wanting to hear, especially small business owners, and I fully appreciate the stress and strain this will place on you,” he said.
Residents must stay at home unless it’s for an essential reason, which includes shopping for food, medical care, getting vaccinated, compassionate needs, exercise and work or tertiary education if you can’t work or study at home.
People who are fully vaccinated can attend an outdoor gathering of up to five people for exercise or outdoor recreation as long as all of those aged 16 or older are fully vaccinated.
NSW Health says a strong response to testing will be a key factor in determining if these stay-at-home orders are extended beyond one week.
“To determine the extent of the risk and detect any further potential COVID-19 cases in these areas we are calling on the communities to come forward for testing in large numbers,” said a NSW Health spokesperson.
“High vaccination rates are also essential to reduce the risk of transmission and protect the health and safety of the community.”
It comes as Young and the Hilltops LGA is also thrust into a seven-day lockdown from tonight, after a household tested positive.
These stay-at-home orders also apply to anyone who has been in the Hilltops LGA since 3 September, and the Glen Innes LGA since 13 September.
