After another day of '0' locally acquired cases of COVID-19, Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) has thanked the community for coming forward in large numbers for COVID-19 testing, with more than 10,000 tests conducted in the region in the past week.  

“The Northern NSW community has really got behind our call to get tested,” said NNSWLHD Chief Executive Wayne Jones.  

"Over the past week there has been a significant increase in testing, and I want to thank the residents and visitors who have come forward.  

“High rates of testing help us to detect any cases in the community as early as possible.” 

Since Monday 29 March, more than 10,000 people have been tested at NNSWLHD clinics, drive-through clinics operated by QML Pathology and the walk-in clinic at Byron Bay High School. 

There have been no positive cases in Northern NSW since the locally acquired case announced on Wednesday 31 March 2021.  

Mr Jones encouraged people to remain vigilant for COVID-19 symptoms and to get tested for even the mildest of symptoms. Symptoms can include fever, cough, breathing difficulties, sore throat, loss of smell or taste, runny nose, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and fatigue. 

"We don't want people to dismiss their symptoms as a cold, we want them to get tested to confirm it's not coronavirus," Mr Jones said.  

To find your nearest testing clinic visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/how-to-protect-yourself-and-others/clinics or contact your GP.

Temporary restrictions remain in place in the local government areas of Tweed Shire Council, Ballina Shire Council, Byron Shire Council and Lismore City Council until 11.59pm tomorrow (Monday 5 April): 

 masks must be worn on public transport, in retail stores, and in all public indoor settings

 the one person per 4 square metre rule applies at all public indoor settings including hospitality venues

 the number of household visitors is capped at 30, including at holiday rental properties

 dancing, singing, eating or drinking other than when seated is not allowed in non-residential indoor areas.