People who live in or are visiting Northern NSW are being urged to take simple precautions to protect themselves and others from COVID-19 during the holiday period.

Early indications suggest that COVID-19 activity will continue to increase in the coming weeks across the state, including in Northern NSW.

The latest NSW Respiratory Surveillance Report shows there were 150 COVID-19 cases reported in Northern NSW in the week ending 14 December 2024, compared with 110 for the week prior.

Director of North Coast Population and Public Health, Dr Valerie Delpech said people should be alert for cold or flu-like symptoms as the statistics represent only a small proportion of the actual number of people with COVID-19.

“The Report shows Northern NSW had the highest rate of COVID-19 in the state for the week ending 14 December,” Dr Delpech said.

“With extra people visiting our region for the holiday period and gathering together, we want to ensure people take steps to protect themselves and those around them from COVID-19.”

We want to remind the community of these simple measures to protect themselves and others:

• Stay up to date with your recommended COVID-19 vaccinations
• Stay home if you are sick, and wear a mask if you need to leave home
• People with cold or flu symptoms should avoid visiting high-risk settings such as hospitals, aged and disability care facilities, or people who are at higher risk of severe illness.
• Gather outdoors or in well-ventilated indoor settings.
• People should talk with their doctor if they are at a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses. Their doctor may recommend a PCR test if they get sick, and they may be eligible for antivirals.

Regular COVID-19 vaccinations are the best way to maintain your protection against severe illness from COVID-19. They are especially important for anyone aged 65 years or older and people at higher risk of severe COVID-19.

To find out if you are recommended to get your next COVID-19 vaccination, visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/health/covid-19/vaccination.