As today heralds the first day of not having to wear masks in public places, two new Covid cases have been reported in the Lismore Local Government Area (LGA).

The two new Lismore cases are among 45 new cases reported across the Northern NSW Local Health District NNSWLHD) in the past 24 hours.

Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) chief executive Wayne Jones said 33 of the cases were in the Byron Local Government Area, eight in the Ballina LGA, two in the Lismore LGA, one in the Tweed LGA and one in the Clarence Valley LGA. 

Twenty-eight of the 45 cases are linked to an existing case or cluster, while 17 remain under investigation.  

To date, no cases in NNSWLHD have been identified as the Omicron variant of concern. There are currently no COVID-positive patients in hospital in Northern NSW.  

No further cases have been linked with the Woody’s Night Club in Byron Bay, while a total of 62 cases have now been linked with the Coorabell Hall event on 4 December. 

Thirteen cases have now been linked with No Bones in Byron Bay. 

The new cases have seen local health authorities urging the community to get vaccinated, or to get boosters once eligible.

"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," Mr Jones said.

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

Masks no longer mandated

"As restrictions ease further today across NSW, the onus is on each of us to keep each other safe.  

"While masks are no longer mandated in certain indoor settings, if you are planning to attend a venue where you know it will be difficult to physical distance yourself from others, we strongly encourage you to wear a mask.  

"Try to meet friends and family outdoors where you can, and if you feel unwell, don’t go out, get a test and head home to await a negative result."

"The latest rules on restrictions and mask-wearing is available at: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/stay-safe/rules/people-in-nsw

If you have not yet been vaccinated against COVID-19, we encourage you to attend one of the walk-in or booked vaccination clinics which are operating throughout Northern NSW.  

Everyone aged 18 and older may receive a booster dose five months after receiving their second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. 

"We also strongly recommend that people aged 12 years and over who are severely immunocompromised have a third primary dose of vaccine from two months after their second dose. Talk to your doctor for more advice," Mr Jones said.

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