One new case of COVID-19 has been confirmed in a resident of the Northern NSW Local Health District.
The positive result in the Lismore area was confirmed today Saturday, 18 September, and will be included in NSW Health’s official reporting tomorrow.
Initial investigations indicate that this person has been infectious while in the community, with further contract tracing currently under way.
We will provide more information as soon as it is available, including any exposure venues of public concern.
Sewage detection in Ballina
Northern NSW Local Health District is also urging people in the Ballina area to get tested for COVID-19, after fragments were detected in samples from the Ballina sewage treatment plant.
The Ballina sample was collected on 16 September. The Ballina treatment plant serves about 31,100 people.
This detection is very concerning as it follows detections at the Wardell, South Lismore, East Lismore and Byron Bay treatment plants.
Detections could indicate there are positive cases in the community who have not been tested. Detections can also be due to shedding of the virus by someone who may have previously had the illness and may no longer be infectious.
The detection could be due to someone in the area or someone who has since left the area, but we need everyone to remain vigilant and get tested at the first sign of even mild symptoms.
Don’t delay getting tested
We urge people to come forward for testing at the first sign of any COVID-19 symptoms and get tested as quickly as possible, and self-isolate while they await their test results.
COVID-19 Testing clinics operating on Sunday 19 September in the Ballina, Byron Bay, Lismore and Wardell areas are located at:
- Ballina 4Cyte Pathology Drive-through Clinic, 319 River Street, 2480, Ballina opening 8.00am to 2.00pm
- Lismore Base Hospital, Uralba Street, Lismore opening at 9.00am
- Lismore 4Cyte Pathology Drive-through Clinic, 47-49 Dawson Street, 2478, Lismore opening 8.00am to 2.00pm
- Goonellabah QML Pathology Drive-through and Walk in Clinic, 50 Oliver Avenue, Goonellabah Sports and Aquatic Centre (GSAC), Goonellabah opening from 8.00am – 3.00pm
- Byron Central Hospital, Ewingsdale Road, Byron Bay opening at 9.00am
- Cavanbah Centre, 249 Ewingsdale Road, Byron Bay opening 9.00am – 2.00pm.
- Cabbage Tree Island Health Post opening 10am – 3pm
- Wardell, QML Pathology Drive-through, Wardell tennis courts, opening 10am – 2pm.
You can find testing clinics and their opening hours on the NSW government website at: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/health-and-wellbeing/clinics or, you can also contact your GP.