As the weather warms up and visitors begin arriving, Northern NSW residents are reminded to be COVID-safe while enjoying the holidays. 

"Particularly with the expected influx of tens-of-thousands of visitors, maintaining our COVID vigilance during the school holidays is vital to support the great position we currently are in,” Mr Jones said.

“Testing numbers have declined in recent weeks and we are appealing to the community to come forward for testing right away if you have a runny nose or scratchy throat, cough, fever or other symptoms that could be COVID-19. 

“If people don’t come forward and get tested, we can’t keep the pandemic at bay.” 

In the past seven days only 1,345 people came forward for testing, but we would hope to be seeing about 3500 a week in the lead up to the holidays  

“With extra visitors coming to our region, and more of us catching up with friends and getting out and about, it is more important than ever to get a COVID test,” Mr Jones said. 

We are encouraging all residents and visitors to: 

• If you are unwell, get tested and isolate right away – don’t delay. 

• Wash your hands regularly. Take hand sanitiser with you when you go out.

• Keep your distance. Leave 1.5 metres between yourself and others. 

• Wear a mask on public transport, ride share, taxis, shopping, places of worship and other places where you can’t physically distance. 

COVID-19 testing clinics can be found here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/how-to-protect yourself-and-others/clinics or call your GP.