Yesterday afternoon we heard that the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) confirmed coronavirus cases more than doubled from 7 to 17. The numbers alone were a surprising jump and raised more questions than answers.

One of those questions was where is our local information on confirmed cases?

When you visit the Australian Government Health and the NSW Health websites you can get information on the age, sex and where a person had contracted coronavirus such as overseas, person to person or still under investigation.

The press release from NNSWLHD said “10 new cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed within the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) since our last update, bringing the District’s total to 17 cases. The Public Health Unit is in the process of contacting close contacts, and investigations are underway to determine the sources of these cases“.

No further information or details was forthcoming.

The NNSWLHD covers an area from Grafton to Tweed Heads, a large area.

So where are these 17 cases exactly? Grafton? Lismore? Ballina? Nimbin? Tweed Heads?

Chief Executive of NNSWLHD, Wayne Jones told the Lismore App that this was done as a deliberate strategy because the numbers were so low.

"This wasn't about hiding the facts, I didn't want people to get complacent with good hygiene practices because there were no cases in their neighbourhood", Mr Jones said. "It is imperative that people operate with the mindset that there is a case close by", he went on to say.

As the case numbers are now increasing the amount of information will be more forthcoming according to Mr Jones. "I can tell you that the cases are in the Clarence Shire, the Byron Shire, The Tweed Shire and the Richmond Shire", he said, "I am expecting a steady increase in numbers in the coming days", he added.

The NNSW Health District will be working with other agencies such as Police and Ambulance providing them with information so they can monitor the self isolation of those involved as well as monitor people that may have come into contact with those infected people.

This morning the Premier of NSW Gladys Berejiklian asked all people in NSW to help monitor the stricter public gathering regulations that were mentioned by the Prime Minister, Scott Morrison last night. This involves using the Crime Stoppers number 1800 333 000 or this link on the Crime Stoppers website https://www1.police.nsw.gov.au/cs.aspx.

An example of a circumstance to make a report would be a gathering of over 10 people such as a party.

For residents in the 2480 postcode it is now about balancing our need to support our local businesses as well as following the guidelines set-out by the Prime Minister on staying home as much as you can. We need to continue to be aware of social distancing and the practice of good and regular hygiene.

The Lismore App wants to remind you to support local businesses at this time. Your patronage keeps the doors open and protects the livelihoods of people in our community.