THE Mid North Coast will join the rest of the regions across New South Wales and remain in lockdown and under stay-at-home orders until Friday, September 10.
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The lockdown extension was announced on Thursday (August 26) by NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian who reinforced that growing vaccination rates will be the key to ensuring life can take a closer step toward pre-lockdown freedoms.
NSW reported 1029 locally acquired cases of COVID overnight to 8pm. The age range of those in hospital are from 20s through to their 70s. There were three more deaths.
In 24 hours, more than 136,000 people came forward to get vaccinated.
The Premier said at current rates, the 70 per cent double dose target could be reached by mid-October.
The lockdown extension across regional NSW did come with the easing of one restriction - but with a caveat.
From 12.01am, Monday, 13 September, outdoor gatherings of up to five people (including children) will be allowed within a person's LGA or within 5km of home into another LGA. But all adults must be vaccinated.
All other stay at home rules in regional areas remain in place.
The reasons you may leave your home
- Shopping for food or other essential goods and services.
- Medical care or compassionate needs (people can leave home to have a COVID-19 vaccination unless you have been identified as a close contact).
- To get vaccinated.
- Exercise or recreation outdoors in groups of five or fewer (unless members of the same household) - all adults over 18 must be vaccinated from September 13.
- Every employer across NSW must require their employees to work from home unless it is not reasonably practicable.
- Masks must be worn indoors (not including the home) and in outdoor settings (except for exercise). Anyone who leaves their home must carry a mask with them at all times.
- You move within your local government area for essential purposes only, or outside your local government but only within five kilometres of your home.
Unpacking COVID rules: Exercise and outdoor recreation in Port Macquarie-Hastings
"People coming together is what people miss the most," the Premier said.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the regions remain on a "knife's edge".
He said Tamworth, Merimubula, Cooma and Brewarrina where the sewage has tested positive will require those communities to ramp up the testing rates.
"It's a tinder box ready to explode. Now is the time to stay united and work to these restrictions," he said.
There were 35 cases in western NSW overnight, 25 of those in Dubbo.
There were five more cases in Wilcannia, two on the Central Coast and none in Hunter-New England.
There remain just two cases on the Mid North Coast, both of those are in isolation in Kempsey.
As part of the state's roadmap when the following NSW targets are hit, freedoms will be as follows:
- 70 per cent full vaccination: a range of family, industry, community and economic restrictions to be lifted for those who are vaccinated.
- 80 per cent full vaccination: further easing of restrictions on industry, community and the economy.
The government is also investigating trials of certain industries in coming months, as a proof-of-concept measure to prepare the businesses to open up and operate in a COVID-safe way.
Get tested
Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD) has advised that the drive through COVID-19 testing clinic at Port Macquarie Regional Stadium on Boundary Street is now open extended hours from 8am to 6pm daily.
There is also a drive through testing site at Kempsey's Riverside Park reserve at the Austral Street boat ramp open to 8am-6pm weekdays and 8am-4pm on weekends.
MNCLHD urges anyone feeling unwell with even with the mildest of symptoms to come forward for testing.
To find a testing clinic near you, visit the NSW Government website www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/health-and-wellbeing/clinics
Get vaccinated
The Mid North Coast Local Health District is vaccinating its staff and eligible members of the community when appointments become available.
The local health district has moved its COVID-19 vaccination clinic from Port Macquarie Base Hospital to 35 Grant Street.
Go to the online COVID-19 vaccine eligibility checker to find out when and where you can receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
You can also speak with your local participating pharmacist or GP about the vaccine that is right for you.
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Tracey Fairhurst
The Port News has been at the heart of its community for more than 135 years. Your stories matter to us and so does local journalism. If you have a story to share, email tracey.fairhurst@austcommunitymedia.com.au
The Port News has been at the heart of its community for more than 135 years. Your stories matter to us and so does local journalism. If you have a story to share, email tracey.fairhurst@austcommunitymedia.com.au
