FORTY-NINE thousand tests on the Mid North Coast, 150 days and Port Macquarie-Hastings remains COVID-free.
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Across NSW, it has been the second consecutive day without any community transmission of the virus.
And we'd like to keep it that way.
Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD) has urged residents and visitors to the area over the school holiday period to remain vigilant and continue to practice good hand hygiene and social distancing.
Port Macquarie-Hastings businesses will be the frontline defence in ensuring COVID compliance, but the responsibility lies with every person wanting to enjoy the best our region has to offer.
MNCLHD is teaming up with NSW Police and Port Macquarie-Hastings Council to keep the region safe.
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MNCLHD chief executive Stewart Dowrick said the regional approach in keeping COVID out of the community has been well-managed.
"We will continue to encourage people to get tested no matter how minor the symptoms," Mr Dowrick said.
"We are much better prepared than we were since late January and we have learned a lot in that time.
"We are in constant contact with our (health) colleagues across Australia and we have learned from experience now in how to respond."
The reality is this virus is going to be with us for some time.
- Director North Coast Public Health Unit, Paul Corben
Director of North Coast Public Health Unit Paul Corben said these school holidays will be the real test of just how effective the simple safety rules can be if everyone complies.
"We are not asking anyone to do anything different than they've been asked to do at home. Practice good hand hygiene and keep your physical distance when in open spaces," Mr Corben said.
"When you are on holidays, choose businesses that are COVID-safe. A lot of work has been done here with business and the local Chamber to help keep staff and customers safe.
"Here is a fantastic opportunity for people to come to the North Coast and enjoy a holiday here. If we all do the right thing, we can all enjoy the well-deserved break we've been looking forward to."
Mr Corben said the Mid North Coast has been in a privileged position to remain COVID-free for more 150 days.
"But the reality is this virus is going to be with us for some time," he said.
"A positive case will be disappointing, but not unexpected, and if there is one, it means that person has been tested and we can respond."
Mid North Coast Police District Commander Supt Shane Cribb welcomes tourists over the holidays but will have a team out and about to enforce Public Health Orders where necessary.
"We've done very well to prevent COVID coming to our area," Supt Cribb said.
Mayor Peta Pinson echoed his message.
"This is an exciting but very nervous time for all of us. Across the Port Macquarie-Hastings region we are opening our doors very wide to the unknown," Cr Pinson said.
"But what we do know that for close to five months we have had zero cases of the coronavirus. That's a testament to all of us doing the right thing.
"It is everyone's responsibility to ensure that we stay well. We are not immune from the virus, we are just a very low to no transmission state."
Lifeguards will be patrolling beaches to ensure social distancing compliance is achieved.
MNCLHD will also be commencing trials of sewage testing in Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour to detect possible traces of COVID in the wastewater network.
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