NSW Health was notified overnight of a new locally acquired case of COVID-19 in northern NSW and enhanced COVID-safe measures will apply to the local government areas of Tweed Shire Council, Ballina Shire Council, Byron Shire Council and Lismore City Council from 5pm today (Wednesday).
The case is a man in his 20s who was at the Byron Beach Hotel on the evening of Friday 26 March, at the same time as the infectious travellers from Queensland. The case was notified after 8pm last night and will be included in tomorrow's numbers.
The new locally acquired case was informed on Monday that he had attended a venue of concern, the Byron Beach Hotel, on Friday night. He immediately presented for testing and self-isolated.
Prior to being tested, the man attended two venues in Ballina while unknowingly infectious, on Sunday 28 March.
Patrons who attended the venues at the same time have been contacted by NSW Health and asked to isolate immediately and be tested. NSW Health will provide further information to these people when the risk of transmission has been assessed.
Anyone who has been to the following venues must immediately get tested and self-isolate and remain in isolation until further advice is provided by NSW Health:
| Suburb | Venue | Address | Date and time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ballina | Henry Rous Tavern | 117 River Street, Ballina, NSW 2478 | Sunday 28 March 1:20pm - 2:20pm |
| East Ballina | Ballina Golf and Sports Club (Pro Shop) | Jameson Avenue, East Ballina, NSW 2478 | Sunday 28 March 2:25pm - 2:35pm |
A complete list of venues of concern is available at latest COVID-19 news and updates.
Please check it regularly, as advice is being updated as information becomes available.
While urgent investigations and contact tracing are ongoing, NSW Health is adopting a cautious approach to minimise the risk of further transmission.
As of 5pm today, Wednesday 31 March, the following rules will apply to the local government areas of Tweed Shire Council, Ballina Shire Council, Byron Shire Council and Lismore City Council:
- Mask wearing will become compulsory on public transport, in retail stores, and in all public indoor settings
- the one person per 4 square metre rule will apply at all public indoor settings including hospitality venues
- the number of household visitors will be capped at 30 including holiday rental properties.
These restrictions will remain in place until 11:59pm on Monday 5 April, when the community will be updated.
NSW Health urges everyone in NSW, especially in the Tweed, Ballina, Byron and Lismore areas, with even the mildest symptoms, such as headache, fatigue, cough, sore throat or runny nose, to come forward immediately for testing, then isolate until they receive a negative result.
Testing clinics are available at the following Northern NSW locations:
- Byron Bay QML Pathology Drive-Through, Cavanbah Sports Ground, 249 Ewingsdale Rd, Byron Bay. Open from 8am to 8pm Monday - Sunday. No referral required.
- Byron Bay Walk-in Pop-Up Clinic; Byron Bay surf club, Bay St, Byron Bay. Open from 9am - 5pm. No appointment required.
- Lennox Head QML Pathology Drive-through clinic, Lennox Community Centre, Cnr Park Lane and Mackney Lane, 8am - 8pm Monday - Sunday. No GP referral required.
- Tweed Heads QML Pathology Drive-through clinic, Cnr Wharf and Florence Street, Tweed Heads, 8am - 8pm Monday -Sunday. No GP referral required.
- Lismore QML Pathology Drive - through clinic, 354 Keen Street, Lismore. Open from 8am - 7pm, Monday - Sunday.
There are more than 350 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW, many of which are open seven days a week.
To find your nearest clinic visit COVID-19 testing clinics or contact your GP.
