With school holidays about to start in NSW, local health authorities are sending out a message for us to avoid travelling parts of Victoria that have seen recent increases in Covid-19 activity. 

Instead, consider travelling to national parks, ovals, or local pubs and restaurants. 

Read more news: Businesses urged to get Covid-19 ready for the holidays

Northern NSW Local Health District Chief Executive, Wayne Jones, said it was imperative that North Coast residents keep up the good work in avoiding the spread of coronavirus.

“The local community has done an amazing job maintaining physical distancing and hand hygiene over the last few months,” Mr Jones said. 

“But we certainly don’t want to have what’s happening in parts of Victoria being repeated here. 

“With the extra freedom of travel and the likelihood of seeing more friends and family, it is more important than ever to remain vigilant. 

“I encourage anyone, local or visiting tourists, if you have even mild symptoms, please go get a free test at your local testing clinic and stay in until you get the result.

Mr Jones said these Covid-19 increase areas in Victoria are being closely monitored, and interventions to prevent further transmissions from these areas are being implemented by the Victorian Government. 

Non-essential travel between Melbourne and New South Wales is strongly discouraged. 

In addition, restrictions on workers and visitors who have been in Melbourne in the previous 14 days to high risk settings have been implemented. 

Further restrictions may be implemented as the situation evolves. 

“If you are visiting family or friends in Victoria, I would urge you to reconsider the need to travel,” Mr Jones said. 

“If travel is essential, for compassionate or other reasons, please do the right thing and self-isolate for two weeks when you return and get a test if you’re feeling even a little bit unwell.”

More information is available at: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/response-outbreaks-covid-19. 

A full list of COVID-19 testing clinics is available here: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/clinics.aspx