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EMERGENCY

In an emergency, always call triple zero (000) for an ambulance. Ambulances are the safest way to be assessed, treated and transported to the right hospital for the care you need.

Triple zero (000) is a free call from any phone, mobile or phone box.

For less severe but still urgent situations, go to an Emergency Department.

There are 12 public hospital Emergency Departments in Northern NSW Local Health District and they are all available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Emergency departments are located at:

COVID-19 Update: 15 October 2021
Published: 15 Oct 2021

Northern NSW Local Health District is urging people to continue coming forward for testing and vaccination after two further COVID-19 cases were reported in the 24 hours to 8pm 14 October.

One case is in the Kyogle Local Government Area (LGA) and is linked to an existing cluster. One case is in the Ballina LGA, and is under investigation.

There have now been 94 total cases reported in NNSWLHD since the Delta outbreak began in Sydney on 16 June.

Fragments of the COVID-19 virus were detected in samples from the Byron Bay sewage treatment plant on 12 October and 7 October which serves approximately 9,000 people in the Broken Head, Suffolk Park, Byron Bay, Wategos, and Sunrise areas.

While there have been a small number of cases in the Byron Shire in recent weeks, these detection could indicate there are other are positive cases active in the community who have not been tested.

"While our health teams are working hard to trace any new cases and care for people diagnosed with COVID-19, vaccination is a critical tool to help protect against the virus," Lynne Weir, Acting Chief Executive Northern NSW Local Health District, said.

"We urge anyone still to be vaccinated to come forward as soon as possible to protect yourself, your loved ones and our community from COVID-19."

 

Testing clinics

Thank you to the Northern NSW community for coming out in large numbers this week to get tested.

For the seven days from 8 - 14 October, 10,303 tests were performed.

"This is an outstanding achievement and shows a willingness of our community members to do their part in helping keep themselves and each other safe," Ms Weir said.

Testing clinics available in Grafton this weekend:

  • Laverty Pathology Drive through Clinic, Hawthorne Park, Minden Street, South Grafton. Open today 9am – 3pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am – 2pm, Monday 9am – 3pm.
  • Grafton Base Hospital, 184 Arthur Street, Grafton, open seven days. Open today 7am – 7pm.
  • Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology Grafton South, Coles Complex, Shop 9, 4 Bent Street, South Grafton. Open today 7am – 4pm. Closed Saturday and Sunday, back open Monday.
  • Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology, 19-21 King Street, Grafton. Open Saturday 16 October 7am – 12pm.

The 4Cyte Pathology Drive through testing clinics will also be open throughout this weekend at their existing locations in Ballina, Lismore, Murwillumbah and South Tweed. Please visit the COVID-19 testing clinics website for opening times.

Anyone with even the slightest symptoms should get tested as soon as they feel unwell. There are more than 500 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW. Find a clinic at COVID-19 testing clinics or contact your GP.

 

Vaccination Super Sundays in Grafton

Over the next two Sundays, 17 and 25 October, the Grafton COVID-19 vaccination clinic will be open from 8am to 3pm.

We encourage anyone who has not yet booked a COVID-19 vaccination to come along to the clinic in the Linkway, Grafton Shopping World, Prince Street.

"No appointment is needed, although if you prefer to book there will be some scheduled spots available," Ms Weir said

You do not need a Medicare card to receive this free vaccination, but please bring one if you have it.  Anyone over 12 can access a Pfizer vaccine.

To book a vaccination at this clinic, or any others throughout Northern NSW, visit the COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Finder (previously eligibility checker), or you can also call Health Direct on 1800 571 155 for assistance to book.