A third confirmed case of COVID-19 has been recorded today in the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD). 

North Coast Public Health Unit acting director Dr Jane Jelfs said this case is among the 267 total cases recorded for NSW so far.

“As with the other two cases recorded within the NNSWLHD, this case was acquired overseas, and is not the result of local community transmission,” she said.

“The individual is self-isolating, and the North Coast Public Health Unit has already followed up close contacts of the case. 

“No further details relating to the individual’s location will be made public at this time. There are no locations that pose an ongoing risk to members of the public. 

“We can also confirm that all close contacts of the previous two recorded cases in NNSWLHD have been identified, contacted and followed up by Public Health officers. 

“NSW Health COVID-19 / Flu assessment clinics are up and running across the state however, we stress these clinics are for those most at risk with respiratory symptoms or fever, those returning from overseas or in contact with a COVID-19 case, or people like our health workers. People without symptoms do not need to be tested.”

Large indoor gatherings banned

The third case of coronavirus in the local area coincides with Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s announcement today that non-essential indoor gatherings of over 100 people are now banned.

Outdoor gatherings of 500 people or more were banned on the weekend as the federal government tries to curb the spread of the disease.

The ban does not apply to essential activities such as public transportation facilities, medical and health care facilities, pharmacies and emergency service facilities.

Also exempt are correctional facilities, courts, Parliaments, food markets, supermarkets and grocery stores, shopping centres, office buildings, factories, construction sites, and mining sites.

 Settings like gyms, indoor fitness centres and swimming pools are also not required to close, providing they meet standard requirements for social distancing and cleaning.

These standards include being able to maintain a distance of 1.5 metres between patrons; as well as having hand hygiene products and suitable waste receptacles available, with frequent cleaning and waste disposal.

PM Morrison said government was considering more guidance and rules for non-essential indoor gatherings of fewer than 100 people (including staff) in places such as cinemas, theatres, restaurants/cafes, pubs, clubs, weddings and funerals.

Disability and aged care centres are exempt from the ban, but are subject to other restrictions, such as a maximum of two immediate social supports being allowed to visit at one time, per day. No school groups of any size will be allowed to visit aged care facilities.

Schools will remain open, with Prime Minister Scott Morrison pointing to Singapore as an example.

"In Singapore they have been quite effective in managing and limiting the transmission of this virus in that country," he told reporters in Canberra.

Mr Morrison praised employers who had ensured employees were working from home during the pandemic.

Travel advice

Australia has upgraded its international travel advice to the highest level, with all citizens being told not to travel overseas because of coronavirus.

Prime Minister Morrison said it was the first time travel advice has been escalated to "do not travel" abroad.

"Do not go overseas. That is very clear, that instruction," he told reporters in Canberra on Wednesday.

"For those who are thinking of going overseas in the school holidays, don't. Don't go overseas."

Mr Morrison said the biggest risk of spreading the disease had been from Australians returning from overseas.

"It is very important that Australians do not travel abroad at this time," the Prime Minister said.

He said the ban on travel was indefinite, noting other countries had similar restrictions on arrivals.

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