Yesterday, the Lismore App reported on how Covid was detected in a local high school and today, a local gallery closes after a visit from a Covid positive person

So it's no probably surprise that the local health authorities are reporting 4 new cases of Covid in Lismore Local Government Area (LGA) over the past 24 hours.

In total, 26 new cases were reported across the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD).

The breakdown of Covid cases across other LGAs in the district is: 21 in Byron, 4 in Tweed, 1 in Clarence Valley.

There are five COVID-positive patients in hospital in Northern NSW.

Testing numbers increase

Across the District, 16,952 COVID-19 tests were reported in the seven days to Friday 17 December. This is a significant increase compared to the previous seven-day totals of 9,381 tests.

After yesterday's line-up at the drive through Covid testing clinic on Dawson Street extended all the way down the road to the Uralba Street lookout, it's likely we will expect to see testing numbers statistics rise significantly in future too. Read more about the incident: Parents told to test after Covid reported in local high school

Get tested

Health authorities are urging people to get tested for COVID-19 at the first sign of symptoms and isolate until a negative result is received.

Venues of concern in Northern NSW can be found at: https://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/venues-of-concern/

Authorities are also urging people to book a COVID-19 vaccination, or booster if you are eligible, at any of the many GPs, Pharmacies and NSW Health clinics in the region.

You can find your closest clinic at the Australian Government’s COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Finder.

Anyone aged 18 and over is eligible for their booster five months after their second dose. Bookings are recommended to ensure you secure your preferred timeslot.

We urge anyone in Northern NSW who develops symptoms such as a runny nose, a scratchy or sore throat, or is generally feeling unwell, to get tested and isolate immediately, even if you are fully vaccinated.

There are more than 450 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW. Find a clinic on the NSW Government website or contact your GP.