While Covid testing rates have dropped in the last day or two in the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD), 2,600 tests have already been conducted locally over the Christmas period.

NNSWLHD chief executive Wayne Jones said the recent drop in testing numbers was in line with the NSW trend, but he was pleased to see high numbers of people using the testing clinics.

“We have now reached more than 90,000 tests conducted across the District, an outstanding milestone,” he said.

It has now been 158 days since we have had no new confirmed cases of locally acquired Covid-19 reported in NNSWLHD residents. The last reported case was July 25.

Mr Jones said one new case has been recorded in a Tweed Shire resident on December 26, who acquired their infection overseas. 

“This person is currently in hotel quarantine in Sydney, and will be released from isolation once health staff confirm that it is safe to do so,” he said. 

“Anyone with even the mildest symptoms, such as headache, fatigue, cough, sore throat or runny nose, is asked to come forward immediately for testing, then isolate until they receive a negative result.”

In the NNSWLHD, the 68 Covid cases to date, by likely source of infection are: 

• 58 who acquired it overseas or interstate.
• 4 locally acquired through contact of a confirmed case or in a known cluster
• 1 locally acquired – source not identified 

To help stop the spread of COVID-19:  

• If you are unwell, get tested and isolate right away – don’t delay. Remain isolated until you receive your test result.  
• 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 when using public transport, rideshares and taxis, and in shops, places of worship and other places where you can’t physically distance.
• When taking taxis or rideshares, commuters should sit in the back.