With restrictions ramped up in the Northern Beaches of Sydney and now Greater Sydney plus the Central Coast and Wollongong, the Northern Rivers is not immune from a potential new case of COVID-19 as many have arrived in the Northern Rivers already for the Christmas holidays.

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Wayne Jones, Chief Executive, Northern NSW Local Health District has urged local residents and visitors to take strict COVID-safe precautions and keep up to date with the changing public health directions in response to the current outbreak.

"Anyone in NSW 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," Mr Jones said.

"For anyone visiting our region, don’t skip getting tested for COVID-19 this festive season, just because you may be away from home. If you feel unwell, get tested immediately."

"Our health services are continuing to monitor the situation, and are involved in daily planning discussions around staffing levels over the Christmas period. This also includes staffing requirements to screen incoming travellers at the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport, which has started today."

Testing rates

Across the Northern NSW Local Health District there has been a sharp rise in the number of people coming forward for testing over the last week, and in particular this weekend.

Over the last four days our hospital testing clinics conducted 1348 tests, on top of more than 1,100 tests done across the District in the week prior, ending 16 December.

Almost 50 percent of the people presenting for testing in recent days in our hospital clinics have been residents from the Northern Beaches in Sydney, with the majority of these coming through the Lismore and Byron Bay testing clinics.

Mr Jones said, "Coming forward for testing is a key method for us continue to monitor and reduce the likelihood of spreading the disease in the community."

"Thank you to everyone, both residents and visitors, who has come forward for testing so far. Since the pandemic began, there have been more than 87,000 tests done across the District."

Public Health Orders for Northern Beaches residents

Under the current ‘Stay at Home’ orders in place, issued on Saturday 19 December for residents of the Northern Beaches LGA, residents are required to stay at home, unless permitted to leave for certain reasons.

These restrictions also apply to any residents of the Northern Beaches LGA who left the area on or since Thursday 10 December 2020 and may be in the Northern NSW region or other areas of NSW.

Acceptable reasons for leaving home include shopping for food and other essential goods and services; travelling to work or an educational institution if working or studying from home is not possible; exercising; seeking medical care; providing carer’s responsibilities and meeting compassionate needs. It is strongly recommended masks are worn when leaving isolation for these permitted reasons.

The health orders are available on the NSW Government website.

Local case numbers

There have been no new confirmed cases of locally acquired COVID-19 reported in Northern NSW Local Health District residents since 25 July, 150 days ago. Of the 62 cases recorded among residents, 58 are considered to have recovered.

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.

To find your nearest testing clinic visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/how-toprotect-yourself-and-others/clinics or contact your GP.

The Queensland border will return to physical barriers from 5am tomorrow morning (Tuesday December 22) weather permitting.

Motorists are advised of changed traffic conditions on the Pacific Motorway at the Tugun tunnel tonight while barriers are installed at the Queensland border check point. 

Northbound lanes will be closed from 8pm tonight (Monday 21 December) while the barriers are being installed with northbound traffic diverted onto the Gold Coast Highway.

Please note it is anticipated border checks associated with the new Queensland permits will be in place on the Gold Coast Highway.

Traffic control and a reduced speed limit will be in place for the safety of workers and road users.

Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions, and follow the directions of signs and traffic control. Delays are expected.

Transport for NSW thanks road users for their patience during this time.

For the latest traffic updates download the Live Traffic NSW App, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701.

Northern NSW residents can still visit Queensland without quarantining at this stage but must complete a Qld Border Declaration Pass form.