As mask wearing and other restrictions across NSW continue, the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) tally of new Covid cases has today reached 768, with 10 in Lismore LGA.Read more Covid news: Restrictions including mask wearing extended as state prepares for return to school The new cases were identified through 354 positive PCR tests and 414 positive rapid antigen tests (RAT).NNSWLHD reported that a breakdown of results by LGA is not yet available for RAT results.The breakdown of cases across LGAs is as follows:Tweed 237, Ballina 54, Byron 24, Clarence Valley 17, Lismore 10, Richmond Valley 10, Kyogle 1, Tenterfield 1.There are 49 COVID-19 positive patients in hospital in Northern NSW, with 5 of these in ICU.NSW statisticsAcross NSW, there were 18,512 positive test results (cases) notified to 8pm last night – including 9,090 positive rapid antigen tests (RATs) and 9,422 positive PCR tests.Of the 9,090 positive RAT results, 8,242 of these positive tests were from the previous seven days.Some cases may be included in these numbers where people have reported positive RATs on multiple days and/or where people have also had a positive PCR test during the same reporting period.Sadly, NSW Health reports the deaths of 29 people with COVID-19; 16 men and 13 women.Five were aged in their 60s, three in their 70s, fourteen in their 80s, six in their 90s and one was more than 100 years old.Older age is a significant risk factor for serious illness and death for COVID-19, particularly when combined with significant underlying health conditionsTwo people had received three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, 21 people had received two doses, and six people were not vaccinated.One person who died was aged under 65. This man was not vaccinated and had serious underlying health conditions.  There are currently 2,943 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, including 183 people in intensive care, 72 of whom require ventilation.Get testedNorthern NSW Local Health District is urging people to get tested for COVID-19 at the first sign of symptoms and isolate until a negative result is received.Anyone who tests positive using a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) are now required to register their result with Service NSW. Registering your RAT result enables NSW Health to provide advice on self-isolation and managing COVID-19 symptoms at home and connect high risk people to clinical care services.VaccinationsAcross NSW, more than 95 % of people aged 16 and over have received a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and 93.9% have received two doses to Sunday 23 January 2022.Of people aged 12 to 15, 82.7% have received a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and 78.3% have received two doses. Of people aged 5 to 11, 28.7% have received a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine..Get vaccinatedEveryone who is eligible is encouraged to book into a NSW Health vaccination clinic or another provider without delay through the COVID-19 vaccine clinic finder.Booster doses of COVID-19 vaccine are now available for people aged 18 and over who had their second dose at least three months ago. We urge people to get their booster dose as soon as they are eligible, to best protect themselves, their loved ones and the community from the ongoing transmission of COVID-19.Health also strongly recommends 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.NSW Health vaccination clinics are now administering the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to children aged five to 11 years old. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to make a booking for vaccination at any NSW Health vaccination clinic, at a general practitioner, or a community pharmacy.If you are seeking data, you can search cases by postcode on the NSW Government website.For the most up to date COVID information visit nsw.gov.au 

Nimbin HEMP Embassy president Michael Balderstone is ready to see the fight against the war on drugs amp up another level.With a Federal and State election coming up, Michael is calling for people to get political – and nominate themselves as candidates in the newly named Legalise Cannabis Party (LCP).He’s also calling for volunteers for the upcoming 30th anniversary of the Nimbin MardiGrass this May.read the latest Covid update: Covid update: Ten new cases in Lismore, five in ICUFrom HEMP to LCPFormerly known as the HEMP Party, the LCP has been gaining traction over the past couple of years.Micheal ran as a HEMP Party candidate in the 2020 Monara/Eden by-election in the ACT. The good news is that the LCP is now legally registered as a political party in NSW.“It was a great achievement to get this done – there was so much paperwork to be done,” Michael said.NSW has become the third state to register a state based Legalise Cannabis Party after Qld and WA. South Australia will be hot on NSW’s heals with their registration pending; and Victorian member numbers are building steadily.Historic journey “Now we are looking for donations as well and candidates and volunteers who want to be part of this historic journey.”While Michael said he may be part of the candidacy for the LCP in NSW, it would be great if the party could attract the right people who know the system and can bring about cannabis reform.The issuesMichael said the party’s two main focus areas for drug reform were to see the drug driving laws changed and to be allowed to and grow some plants at home.“The ACT already has made it legal to grow plants at home – why not NSW too?”“It’s ridiculous that even people using legal medical cannabis are not allowed to drive.“It’s just bullying – and it’s because of the big pharma’s war on drugs - with the police working for them.“Our health should be in the not for profit sector.”Federal election“It’s a big issue for a lot of people and we could see changes in the Federal election which could be in May.”Michael said the Federal arm of the Legalise Cannabis Australia Party also recently re-registered, meeting the requirement of 1500 members for minor parties to maintain their federal registration.“More and more people are seeing that criminalising people for using a plant for relaxation or self supply for medical use is the real crime,” Michael said.“Aussies want cannabis to be more affordable and accessible“Hemp is a unique fibre, great as a building and textiles material – especially with the price of timber through the roof. It’s better for the environment than cotton and it clean toxin out of the soil. It’s also great as a seed food and medicine.How to get involvedYou can join State and Federal LC Party's and find instructions for prospective candidates and how to donate on www.legalisecannabis.org.au MardiGrass 30th AnniversaryAt the moment, the Nimbin HEMP Embassy is busying getting ready for this year’s annual MardiGrass on April 29 to May 1. “We are looking for volunteers with ideas, energy and creativity,” Michael said.“Stoners are creative and we are looking for special ways to celebrate the 30th anniversary of MardiGrass this year.“We are looking for photos and movies of the last 30 years and movies and have an exhibition – and maybe make a book.“We’d especially love to see some pre-digital photos from the 1990s.”You can apply to be a volunteer on the website https://nimbinmardigrass.com/ 

Holding back a good laugh because you are afraid to wet your pants is something that female fitness trainer Darlene Palin hates to hear about.In fact, her passion for helping women become stronger and more confident in a safe environment inspired her to open Happy Bodies. It’s a new personal training business based in Goonellabah – and it’s just for women.PregnancyCoach Darlene said she specializes in creating one-on-one personal training sessions with women who are pregnant, post partum, premenopausal, menopausal or postmenopausal.“I program around the menstrual cycle,” Darlene said. “There’s four weeks in a cycle and our hormones fluctuate and affects our energy levels and focus.As women’s bodies change as they go through pregnancy and ageing, Darlene said talking about what’s going on can be a very private – and hard conversation to have.“So, I’ve created a space where ladies feel safe speaking to me,” she said.“My programs are very body positive and we do a lot of mental health and self care work – we especially need it right now.“I’m finding the ladies are really enjoying it.”PassionDarlene said she was inspired to follow the path of coaching and training women because she was passionate about personal fitness.“I used to live in the gym as a client, so it made sense to get my own qualifications,” she said.“I was so passionate and driven and people would approach me and ask for advice even before I was qualified.”Darlene said she’s been a personal trainer for four years and emerging from being a stay at home mum and back into the workforce as a personal trainer was her passion.What to expectCoach Darlene offers 45 minute training sessions twice a week, but first spends time finding out your exercise and medical history.“Everyone is in different phases of life and we design a program that takes into account your goals,” Darlene said“Some women are pregnant, some have issues with joints and some are post partum and might have a weak pelvic floor. It’s a muscle like any other and you can strengthen it.“I take time to help them to build up strength and confidence. “Each training session is different – it helps to keep the mid busy and not get bored. It also keeps the body guessing.”Darlene also has a unique piece of equipment called a Y bell that combines lots of equipment into one and makes for an effective training session.It’s something she says no one else in the area has.“I also have an introduction special called ‘New Year New You’ and each person gets free advice from a university qualified nutritionist with issues like weight loss, building muscle and menopause,” she said.The Happy Body fitness studio is open six days a week and is situated in Goonellabah, off Ballina Road near Discount Warehouse Chemist.If you want to contact Darlene, you can email her on coachdarlene@happybodytoyou.net and find her on Instagram @happybodytoyou and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/happybodytoyou   

 When Nimbin Emporium owner Sue Churchill arrived at work this morning, there were 140 enquiries on the answering machine asking if the local business had any Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) in stock.Her answer to that burning question is - yes. In fact, they have quite a good supply.Read the latest Covid update: Covid update: Lismore resident dies of Covid-related causesIn hope of slowing down the number phone enquiries, Sue contacted the Lismore App with the good news that the local Nimbin supermarket can now help the community. “We ordered well before Christmas because we saw it was going to be problem,” Sue said. “Now, finally they have come in at the end of January.“We committed a huge amount of management resources to sourcing RAT supplies.:We had to pay up front for them - it’s been lots of money out of our cash flow.“Now, we are relieved they are here, but we won’t have them long. We don’t want to sit on them while people out there desperately need to know if they have Covid."Sue said the Emporium has been buying RATS for months, and often, if they order 200 of them – they might only get 20.“So, we order more because we really don’t know how many we will actually get.“We want the community to know we can look after them.RATs, RATs everywhere?“The government says the RATs are available everywhere, but the reality is they are not around.“The government’s testing mandate hasn’t been matching up with supply and demand – it’s been an awful situation for the entire population.”How to find a RATSue said when she checked the Find a RAT website (https://findarat.com.au/) at the end of last week, the Nimbin Emporium was the only place listed as having them locally.Now, she says it’s likely it’s the only place that has them.The Lismore App checked the Find a RAT website today, and no local locations are listed as having RATs.The Lismore App rang local Blooms and Chempro chemists and was told there were none currently in stock.Free and paid RATsSue said if you rock up to the Emporium, the price you will pay for a two pack of RATs will be higher than it was when the shop first started ordering them.“Our prices reflect what we have paid for them,” Sue said.“The government might say they should be under $10 each, but you can’t order them wholesale for that price.“They are also supposed to be rolled out for free to pension card holders today, but the chemist in Kyogle has a sign up saying they have no RATs.”Where are the free RATs?The Lismore App rang State MP Janelle Saffin to find out where the free RATs are.Ms Saffin she is still waiting to get clear details from the government about the supplies.“MPs still haven’t been told,” she said. “I found out from the Pharmacy Guild which includes 5500 chemists in Australia that are not part of big chains - and they say 700 chemists got them nationwide.“But people are still telling me they are hard to get.“The Pharmacy Guild is now running a campaign to get them more widely distributed.“If it’s a pandemic and a health issue, then why not run them through the pharmacies?“It’s so hit and miss finding one – sometimes I’ve found some in a supermarket, then I tell people and there are quickly none left.“It’s just a mess.”

In today’s Covid update, the Lismore App sadly reports that one Lismore resident with Covid has died in the past 24 hours.Read about where to find Rapid Antigen Tests locally: Elusive RATs arrive in Nimbin to help community get testedThis Covid-related death is one of two reported in the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) – with the other person residing in the Tweed area. Both were aged in their 80s and 90s.In the same 24 hour period, the local district also recorded 464 new cases of Covid – with 19 of them in Lismore.There are 46 Covid positive patients in hospital in Northern NSW, with 5 of these in ICU.The breakdown of new cases in our district is as follows:Lismore 19, Tweed 96, Clarence Valley 48, Ballina 33, Byron 29, Kyogle 1, Richmond Valley 8.The new cases are a result of 234 positive PCR tests and 330 positive rapid antigen tests (RAT).These RAT results may be from within the previous seven days, and there may be some cases included in these numbers where people have reported positive RATs on multiple days and/or where people have also had a positive PCR test during the same reporting period.NSW statisticsAcross NSW, there were 15,091 positive test results (cases) notified to 8pm last night – including 6,901 positive rapid antigen tests (RATs) and 8,190 positive PCR tests.There were also 24 deaths of people with COVID-19; 16 men and eight women. Two were aged in their 50s, one in their 60s, two in their 70s, 12 in their 80s and seven in their 90s. Two people had received three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, 16 people had received two doses, three people had received one dose and three people were not vaccinated. Of the two people who died aged under 65, both were men who had serious underlying health conditions.One man had received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine and one had received three doses.  There are currently 2,816 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, including 196 people in intensive care, 69 of whom require ventilation. Vaccination update Across NSW, more than 95 per cent of people aged 16 and over have received a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and 93.9 per cent have received two doses. Of people aged 12 to 15, 82.7 per cent have received a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and 78.4 per cent have received two doses. Of people aged 5 to 11, 28 per cent have received a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.Get testedNNSWLHD is urging people to get tested for COVID-19 at the first sign of symptoms and isolate until a negative result is received.Anyone who tests positive using a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) are now required to register their result with Service NSW.Registering your RAT result enables NSW Health to provide advice on self-isolation and managing COVID-19 symptoms at home and connect high risk people to clinical care services.Everyone who is eligible is encouraged to book into a NSW Health vaccination clinic or another provider without delay through the COVID-19 vaccine clinic finder.Booster doses of COVID-19 vaccine are now available for people aged 18 and over who had their second dose at least four months ago.NSW Health vaccination clinics are now administering the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to children aged five to 11 years old.Parents and caregivers are encouraged to make a booking for vaccination at any NSW Health vaccination clinic, at a general practitioner, or a community pharmacy.If you are seeking data, you can search cases by postcode on the NSW Government website.For the most up-to-date COVID information visit http://nsw.gov.au

LIsmore City Council has increased the number of free waste vouchers available to residents for January and February to help the community dispose of extra waste generated over the summer holiday period.“An extra 1000 vouchers are being made available for January and February that residents can apply for to help them get rid of any extra waste they accumulated over the Christmas and New Year period,” said Council’s Manager – Commercial Services (Resource Recovery) Dave Hanna.“Once a voucher is issued, you have 30 days to take your waste to either the Lismore Recycling & Recovery Centre on Wyrallah Road, East Lismore or the Nimbin Transfer Station.“We do ask residents to please sort as much of their waste as possible to allow us to recycle as many items as we can to keep them out of landfill.”To apply for a free waste voucher and for more information, go to www.northernriverswaste.com.au

Waiting much longer than they expected for the results of a PCR test to come through has rattled more than one Lismore App reader this week. In fact, one reader describes the health authorities’ handling of his test results as a “debacle” and he is still not sure if his test results are his, or someone else’s. UpdateLast week, The Lismore App reported the story of how one Lismore local felt unwell and went to get a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) at the local pharmacy – only to be told that the government had confiscated the deliveries.After finally getting a PCR test at the Lismore Base Hospital, he went home to isolate and wait for the results. Read more: Local pharmacy left high and dry as government 'confiscates' Rapid Antigen TestsWaiting alone in his remote home, he expected the results to come through in five days. But nothing came through.So he decided to do something about it and made a series of phone calls, beginning with Lismore base Hospital.Eventually, he was given the number of a pathology lab based in Sydney, and was told he should “keep trying as they are run off their feet”.Read more Covid news: Lismore local in India with Covid, says Australia's Covid treatment is 'third world'Wrong number“Eventually, the lady there I spoke to was able to get my Covid test result - and she told me it was negative,” he said.“Then she wanted to confirm my phone number – and it was the wrong number.Mistaken identity?“Then I got a phone call from a woman who had been sent a text message that she had a negative test result – and it had my number in it - so she rang me to check.“I’m thinking about getting another test done because I’m unsure that any of the rest were correct and relating to me.“When I asked for advice about this, a lady on the phone said maybe I should get a private test done.Asymptomatic“I’m asymptomatic now and so much time has already passed by, there’s no point getting tested now,“I’m just going to carry on with life as normal now.“The government handling of this is all wrong.Not coping“The public health system is not coping with the number of tests they have at the moment.“I found out that Covid swabs from Lismore Base Hospital are being sent to John Hunter in Newvastle.“They can’t handle the amount they have and are shipping them off.“I rang MP Janelle Saffin’s office and they said they would look into it“The system is broken – and we know it.”“When the NSW Premier told everyone to take their masks off, that’s when this thing blew out. It was all about government PR – so they could look good over Christmas and people couldsocialize.Another caseAnother Lismore App reader contacted us yesterday saying she was still awaiting Covid test results from the Fever Clinic at Lismore Base Hospital from seven days ago.She said she still has symptoms and was concerned and wanted answers.“I cannot get any help and there are many of us,” she said.The Lismore App followed up with her a day later and found she had finally received her test result – and it had come back positive.Contact usIf you have any concerns about what’s happening locally, please let us know at the Lismore App. We are sure you will not be alone – and The Lismore App is here to listen to your stories and hopefully find answers.

With a 50% downturn in draught beer sales recorded nationally, It’s probably no surprise to hear that local pubs are doing it tough.As ongoing Covid restrictions continue to change how struggling venues can run, the latest Australian Tax Office (ATO) figures show draught beer sales were down by half in the first quarter (July-September) of the 2021-22 tax year.That’s 40 million fewer pints of beer poured nationally, than for the same period in 2019, before the pandemic hit.Read more news: Financial support for events forced to cancel as Omicron waves doubt over local events It comes after a horror year in 2020 where pubs and clubs lost over $1 billion in beer sales due to lockdowns and other restrictions.The ATO recorded 903,982 litres of alcohol as having been served in beers over the counter in July-September 2021 compared to 1,993,027 litres during the same period in 2019.The latest figures from the ATO show that losses for 2021 could well exceed this.The Lismore App rang some of our struggling local pubs to find out how the pandemic has impacted on our hospitality sector.The GollanGlenn, the manager at the Gollan Hotel said the business was relying on this summer period to recover from the devastating hit to sales during lockdowns."The reality is that this hasn’t happened,” he said. “It’s worse than it’s ever been – no parties or functions and under half the normal trade. “I’ve had to cancel all of the live music acts I had booked – we can’t have live music, dance or sing. It’s crazy. It’s stopping us from making a living.“We were trying to get ahead and had bands booked and karaoke and they were shattered too when I cancelled.“What’s the difference between a pub and a church – when they can sing and dance at a church?”Glen said Lismore town was also quieter than normal for a January, surmising that people were staying home because it was deemed “safer”.“So, now we are doing it tough and all the government grants are finished and there’s no compensation.The RousDarryl, manager at the Rous Hotel said things were much the same there, with five functions already cancelled during the first half of January.“I’ve cut staff hours and put on half the bar staff I used to - to try to keep trading in a bid to save a little bit,” he said.“Normally we’d have tradies and a good lunch crowd here during school holidays – lots of families and kids – but now there’s no one. “We will keep going but it’s hard to plan and organize things.“We wanted to do something for Australia Day, but now we won’t because we don’t know if we will have staff or patrons.“I’m not sure why it’s so hard to get staff. Before Christmas I thought it was because people wanted time off and didn’t want to work. Supermarkets are finding the same.Beer taxBrewers Association of Australia, Chief Executive John Preston is now calling for the Federal Government to use the forthcoming Federal Budget to reduce Australia’s 4th highest beer tax in the world to give pubs and clubs a fighting chance. “We are very concerned that on 1 February the Australian Government will hit Australian beer drinkers with one of the biggest beer tax increases in more than a decade – it’s not right and it’s not sustainable. Other countries have been reducing their tax on draught beer to give pubs and beer drinkers a break.”

Lismore local Deep Khuller flew to India to see his family 10 days ago – and once he arrived in Dehli, he found out he had contracted the Covid virus.Deep said he is “fortunate” to have gotten Covid in India - and not Australia.His experience of the medical system in India has made him realize how Australia is “far behind” India when it comes to managing the treatment of Covid in the population.DifferencesDespite India having a much larger population, Deep said PCR and RAT tests are cheap ($5 each) and readily available. He said home-care medical system operates smoothly and speedily, with follow up prescriptions sent to you at home by a doctor.Deep also said Covid test results in India give much more detail about the level of severity and contagiousness of the Covid positive person.‘Third world’It’s information he said he would never have known about if he had been tested in Australia.“If your lexicon still has the outdated ‘third world’, please add Australia to it as all the other countries that used to be described by that racist phrase have all moved on,” Deep said.Update from Dehli“While I knew, Dehli was going to be risky, it's unfortunate that I got Covid only a few days after being here,” he said.“It’s possible I got it from going to a local hospital to consult doctors on dad's health - it's the only place I have been other than staying at home.”Now isolating at home, Deep said his only worry is his old parents, so he is being very careful.The process“When I arrived, I had a temperature check and no symptoms. I was sure I wasn’t infected because I had a PCR test 72 hours before flying,” he said. “My sister had one symptom and then got a positive Rapid Antigen Test (RAT), followed by a negative PCR test. My other sister had a negative RAT, but a positive PCR test.”Quick home PCR test “When I wanted to find a PCR test in Dehli, I looked online for a local testing lab and contacted them.“Within 30 minutes, a person arrived at my home, swabbed me – and I had the results sent to me online within 10 hours.”RAT versus PCRWhile RATs are not as conclusive as a PCR test Covid, Deep said they detect Covid before you get it.“And that’s a good thing,” he said.“In India, the PCR test report shows you the severity of Covid you have. Different numbers mean more or less infectious - the higher the number, the lower the severity.“If it’s below 8, it’s very infectious, 18 is mild. Mine was 16.“My sister who tested negative had the number 24, but I was 16, so more infectious.Unaware“My friends in Australia I spoke to said they are not aware of that. It’s not reported like that in Australia.“I’ve been reading a lot about it. There’s so much information we don’t know about in Australia unless you seek it.”SymptomsDeep said his symptoms were a scratchy throat, mild fatigue and a mild fever, with shivers in the night.“I had a temperature of 100 temp for a few days and I’ve been told it takes about ten days till the virus leaves your body.“I’ve already done five days of isolation, as the doctor recommended.Doctor and after care“The doctor gave me a free phone call and spoke to me for ten minutes about my symptoms and what medicines I can take – it included vitamin D and high dose 650mg paracetamol – not available in Australia.“She sent through a prescription as a PDF file on my phone afterwards.“The pharmacy then delivered the medicines to my home."Later, I had health authorities contact me saying I can join in with yoga classes online - and then again checking on how I am and if any other family members have been tested or are sick!.Deep's prescription.‘Amazing system’“What an amazing system. It avoids the hospitals being overloaded - and there are Covid specialists in every hospital.“It’s not the same in Australia.“India has vaccinated close to a billion people. It produces vaccinations locally and is now driving the booster campaign.”Australian testing debacleBefore Deep left to go to India, he was required to get Covid tests done. It’s a process he describes as a “debacle”.“I had to have a PCR done 72 hours prior to travel and this is all done by private companies - due to the format required.“In the Northern Rivers, the company 4Cyte was listed for our region. After paying $120, I got a list of places to go and in their 40+ testing sites, all were shut, including Lismore.“The only place for Northern Rivers was South Tweed and it was open only 8am to 12pm.“I was told I had to queue up in the drive in with others with no special access for paid tests.“So I got up at 5am as soon as my 72 hour window started and drove to Tweed.“I got there by 6.30am to be turned away, as even the drive in queue with hundreds of cars was full.“I really started panicking. I parked nearby and walked up to the testing site.“After talking to very helpful staff I found I would be allowed in, separate to the rest - and I could breathe again.“The first car parked had got there at 3.30 am.Anti vaxxers and white privilege “You never hear of white privileged anti-vaxx rhetoric here in India.“The anti-vaxx stance really is a white privilege and we need to recognize when we come from privileged backgrounds – and how that attitude is contributing to it.“I see that Western people from rich countries don’t understand their white privilege.“While India is often looked at as a poor, third world country, it is Australia that is outdated – not India.“But, India has its own problems – and there is a wide discrepancy between rich and poor.Paying $5 for a RAT in India is still expensive for a poor labourer.“But the processes and systems here are better than Australia.”Read more about Deep: SUNDAY PROFILE: Local volunteer Deepak Khuller

Motorists are advised of changed overnight traffic conditions from this week on the Bruxner Highway at Casino to carry out important maintenance work between Hickey and Short streets. One traffic lane will be closed with alternating flow arrangements in place while workers resurface areas around the intersections to provide a longer lasting and safer road for motorists. To minimise impact on motorists, work will be carried out from 6pm to 6am on the nights of Wednesday 19 and Thursday 20 January, and again on the night of Tuesday 1 February, weather permitting. Traffic control and a reduced speed limit of 40 km/h will be in place for the safety of workers and motorists.  Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions, and follow the directions of signs and traffic control. Transport for NSW thanks motorists for their patience during this time. For the latest traffic updates download the Live Traffic NSW App, visit http://www.livetraffic.com or call 132 701. 

 As the daily routine of living with Covid-19 continues, many locals now either know people who have had Covid – or are simply waiting for the time when they too contract the spreading virus.Today, another 409 new cases of Covid were reported in the Northern NSW Local Health District. (NNSWLHD), with 43 of them being in Lismore Local Government Area.Read more Covid news: Pandemic sees Lismore's private hospital open to public patientsReporting changes ‘PCR cases’When it comes to the reporting of new daily Covid numbers, an interesting change from our local health authorities that new cases are referred to as ‘PCR cases’.This change comes as the availability of home-based Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT) affects the cumulative total numbers of positive Covid cases. RAT test results are not included in the daily totals.While the reporting of a positive RAT you have done at home is now mandatory, it is still unclear whether the true numbers of cases are being reported.Anyone who tests positive using a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) are now required to register their result with Service NSW.District breakdownOf the 409 new cases in our local district, Tweed Heads has the highest number with 230, followed by Lismore and Ballina with 43, Clarence Valley with 36, Byron Bay with 34, Richmond Valley with 17, and Kyogle with 6.It seems Byron is no longer the epicenter of new cases, as Tweed Heads numbers continue to rise.Local ICU cases and deathsThere are 50 COVID-19 positive patients in hospital in Northern NSW, with 6 of these in ICU.One death from Covid has been reported of a person aged in their 60s from Tweed Heads.Northern NSW Local Health District is urging people to get tested for COVID-19 at the first sign of symptoms and isolate until a negative result is received.NSW statistics There are currently 2,776 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, including 203 people in intensive care, 61 of whom require ventilation.There were 17 Covid related deaths -12 men and five women. This brings the total number of COVID-19 related deaths in NSW since the beginning of the pandemic to 885. Of the 17 people who died; 14 people were vaccinated against COVID-19, one person had received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and two people were not vaccinated.Older age is a significant risk factor for serious illness and death for COVID-19, particularly when combined with significant underlying health conditions.  There were 29,504 positive test results (cases) notified to 8pm last night – including 11,858 positive rapid antigen tests (RATs) and 17,646 positive PCR tests. VaccinationsAcross NSW, 95.2 per cent of people aged 16 and over have received a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and 93.8 per cent have received two doses to Saturday 15 January. Of people aged 12 to 15, 82.1 per cent have received a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and 78.3 per cent have received two doses. Of people aged 5 to 11, 13.1 per cent have received a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.Everyone who is eligible is encouraged to book into a NSW Health vaccination clinic or another provider without delay through the COVID-19 vaccine clinic finder.Booster doses of COVID-19 vaccine are now available for people aged 18 and over who had their second dose at least four months ago. We urge people to get their booster dose as soon as they are eligible, to best protect themselves, their loved ones and the community from the ongoing transmission of COVID-19.People aged 12 years and over who are severely immunocompromised are recommended to have a third primary dose of vaccine from two months after their second dose.NSW Health vaccination clinics are now administering the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to children aged five to 11 years old. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to make a booking for vaccination at any NSW Health vaccination clinic, at a general practitioner, or a community pharmacy.If you are seeking data, you can search cases by postcode on the NSW Government website.For the most up-to-date COVID information visit http://www.nsw.gov.au  

When Queers on Wheels volunteers delivered food and other essential supplies to those struck by Covid this week – they became the angels of the Lismore LGBTIQ community.Over 30 Queer Family volunteers dropped off hundreds of meals, puzzles, throat lozenges, vitamins and pain meds to people who were stuck at home, bored in isolation, or sick with Covid.Queer Family Inc. is a local charity looking after the lesbian, gay, bisexual transgender intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) community in the Northern Rivers – and according to managing director, Aiden Gentle, everything delivered contained a “good pinch of queer love”.Queer family to the rescueAiden said the need for the home delivery care service became apparent when people in the community started coming down with Covid and were calling out for help on social media.“After the holiday social period of Christmas and events at New Year, people were getting sick, testing positive and asking for help on social media to get paracetamol or groceries,” they said.“We saw their extended circles of friends were also impacted and in the same boat, sick.“It’s not surprising – Covid is a whole of community thing - and we all are affected.”So Aiden, and a bunch of other dedicated volunteers, mostly from Lismore, started cooking up nutritious meals and delivering food and shopping to them.“Queer Family wants to create safe spaces and serve our community, with its many different groups,” Aiden said. “And the queer community is always willing to pitch in and help.“We all become chosen family –and Queer Family does great community care and we work together to look after each other.No resources and networks “When there are younger queers in share houses and one goes down, they all go down. They also need help because they are often disconnected from their biological families.“There is also a degree of poverty and lack of resources as many of them have unstable income, or work in hospitality with no sick leave - they can’t afford to pay for takeaway and delivery.“Some people are immune compromised and others are living alone and quite isolated – but they all need support."Aiden said deliveries of books and puzzles were welcomed by people who were not sick, but had to isolate – and were bored.“Some people just wanted a cup of coffee, and some people started feeling better, then got sick again.“Having someone check in on you is so important.“We had feedback from others who were sick, but don’t need anything – they said they feel better knowing we are there in case they need us.”What is Queer Family?Aiden said Queer Family Inc. has been around for more than two years and is an incorporated, Not For Profit, registered charity, run by volunteers.“A big part of what we do is to help reduce isolation and improve mental health – and create safety and connection,” they said“Normally, we do it event style, but Covid restrictions have made it hard.“We have the networks and resources and can get out into the community to help fast.“In regional areas, queers are often invisible and the Northern Rivers has a visible and vibrant community that attracts others to come and live here.“Tropical Fruits has also been instrumental in its role in developing region the way it has.”Donations neededAs well as a call out for volunteers to cook meal or do deliveries, Queer family has been delivering the helpful service thanks to community donations of food and money. But they still need more to keep it going.“Anyone who can afford to give a donation, we ask them to do so. Not just money, but donations of canned food or staples,” Aiden said.Want to help?If you would like to volunteer or donate, you can visit the Queer Family Facebook page or email  queerfamilynorthernrivers@gmail.comDonations are tax deductible, just email for a tax receipt: Queer Family Inc BSB 722 744 Acc 100 134 599

Another 130 new cases of Covid have been reported in Lismore Local Government Area – up on yesterday’s new case total of 92.The local cases are among 812 confirmed new cases reported across LGAs in the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) to 8pm yesterday.Lismore’s 130 is the third highest total of new cases, coming in behind Byron with 162 new cases, and Tweed with 292. New case numbers in other areas are as follows:Ballina 88, Clarence Valley 92, Kyogle 8, Richmond Valley 38, and Tenterfield 2.  There are 54 COVID-19 positive patients in hospital in Northern NSW, with 6 of these in ICU.State statistics NSW recorded 25,870 new cases of COVID-19 detected by PCR testing in the 24 hours to 8pm last night.There are currently 2,186 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 170 people in intensive care, 51 of whom require ventilation.NSW Health reported the deaths of 11 people with COVID-19; six women and five men. Seven people were aged in their 80s, three people were aged in their 90s, and one person was aged in their 70s.Of the 11 people who died; nine were vaccinated and two were not vaccinated. RAT results and case numbersAs increasingly people follow NSW Health’s advice to use rapid antigen tests (RAT) for diagnosing COVID-19, the number of PCR tests will underestimate the true number of people who have tested positive for COVID-19.There were 71,325 COVID-19 tests reported to 8pm last night, compared with the previous day’s total of 84,333.Read more about the problematic issue of RAT availability locally: Local pharmacy left high and dry as government 'confiscates' Rapid Antigen TestsGet testedNorthern NSW Local Health District is urging people to get tested for COVID-19 at the first sign of symptoms and isolate until a negative result is received.All Northern NSW testing clinics are operating under usual operating hours over the holiday period.Find your closest testing clinic on the NSW Government website or contact your GP.Please book your COVID-19 vaccination, Pfizer vaccines for 5-11 year olds, or booster if you are eligible, at any of the many GPs, Pharmacies and NSW Health clinics in the region.Book today at the Australian Government’s COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Finder.Anyone aged 18 and over is eligible for their booster four months after their second dose. Bookings are recommended to ensure you secure your preferred timeslot.If you are seeking data, you can search cases by postcode on the NSW Government website https://www.nsw.gov.au/covi…/stay-safe/data-and-statistics.

When Scott, a 61 year old pensioner had his housing commission unit broken into last week, he did what anyone would do, and he called the police.The Goonellabah local said he was disappointed by the lack of response he got from local police and is now feeling stressed - and frightened to be in his own home.Read more news: Covid update: Lismore cases numbers up again“I’d gone to a medical appointment and was out for the morning,” he said."When I got home at 1pm, I saw the front door had been jimmied off and my place had been trashed and stuff destroyed and thrown everywhere.“I had money hidden because I’d sold my motorbike for $7,000 and was keeping the money to pay for my health issues."My life savings were stolen."“I rang police and was waiting for ages to get a case number, but was told they didn’t know if they could send anyone up. “I was scared and I’d been told not to touch anything. So I sat on the bath and waited for the police. My blood pressure was rising and I couldn’t find my medication in the mess. “When nothing happened for six hours, I contacted Crime Stoppers and they contacted Lismore Police.Police arrive“At about 9.30pm the police finally arrived and helped me wedge the door shut so I could secure the place.“Then the crime scene investigator came the next morning and took forensics, fingerprints and DNA from a can drink.“But when I rang up the next day to give them a list of stolen items, I was told the case had been closed already.“I got the feeling from police that I would just have to put up with it. They said ‘even if we catch them, they won’t get prosecuted’.“I was told things like, ‘if you are in a housing commission unit, you shouldn’t have any money here’.Witnesses?“My neighbor said she heard something in my flat, but thought I was rearranging furniture. “Other residents don’t want to get involved because they are frightened.“I know there are undesirable people living in the unit above, selling drugs and things into the night.“A friend of theirs slept in the car park here and saw me go out Tuesday morning – and I even have the rego number of the car involved.Housing commission“This housing commission complex is supposed to be an over 50s place and there are young people living here. “When I contacted the housing providers about it, they said maybe in about three years I can get a transfer to another place.“I don’t want to be treated like this and I want to know why didn’t the police follow through? “The woman on the police phone said they were busy with Covid.”Richmond District Police Superintendent Scott Tanner.Police responseThe Lismore App contacted Richmond District Police Superintendent Scott Tanner about the situation. Supt Tanner said it was untrue that the case was closed.  “The matter is still under investigation and we have forensic evidence retrieved from the property,” he said.“We take all reports of crime seriously. When we spoke to the man, it appeared he was happy with the police response.“Police procedure is to check any CCTV footage and canvas neighborhoods for witnesses and look at suspect patterns of behavior that may lead us to the perpetrators.“Covid has not impacted on police ability to meet community demands and we have plenty of police and contingencies in place to make sure they are always available.”

When a Lismore local wasn’t feeling too well, he went to his local Chempro pharmacy to buy a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT). He was dismayed to be told by pharmacy staff, that there were none were available. He was doubly dismayed to be told that it was because the government had “rescinded” the chemist’s order of RATs, so it could distribute them to the community itself.Read more local news: Pensioner devastated by local police response to home break-in To add to his growing concerns, he had already tried to get a PCR test at Lismore Base Hospital the previous afternoon, but gave up and went home as the line up was so long. He said people were even sitting on the ground reading books while they waited. Just like many other Lismore locals who are following health advice to get tested if they feel unwell, he found the lack of test availability was making it difficult. Investigation The Lismore App investigated the matter of the RAT supply and contacted Chempro at Lismore Central Shopping Centre. Brian, the chief pharmacist said the Lismore store was one of 130 Chempro pharmacies in the chain affected by the cancellation of the order. “We were told via an email that the whole shipment of over 50,000 RATs was confiscated by the government,” he said. “Our store would have received about 500 of them on Friday. “We were told they wouldn’t be allowed to be released into the pharmacies so we could distribute them to the general public. “We are not sure what will happen now and we have put in orders from other wholesalers, but we’re not sure what will happen with that.  “If the government really wants to get these tests to the community quickly, the pharmacy is the quickest way to do it. “How else will they be able to distribute them to individuals? They would need Australia Post and people’s addresses.” Where have the RATs gone? The Lismore App contacted our State and Federal Government representatives to find out just what the government has planned for RAT distribution. State Member Janelle Saffin said she has been asking the NSW government for some time about how tests can be provided to the community. “I still haven’t seen a plan,” she said. “Pandemic requires planning I still have not seen a plan about how to distribute them, and they should be free.” The Lismore App also contacted Federal representative Kevin Hogan and was told by his office that they are seeking advice on the issue.  The Lismore App also checked with other local pharmacies to see if the same issue had happened to them.We rang Blooms Chemist and was told they had some RATs on order. Brands chemist also had some on order, but was not sure if the order has been intervened or not. Local smells a ratBack to the Lismore App reader (who wishes to remain anonymous) who alerted us to the issue.Now at home, he said he eventually returned to Lismore Base Hospital and successfully got a PCR test done. Now he has to wait five days for the results. “I’m feeling ok,” he said. “I was a bit snuffly and had a cranky throat , but I wasn’t sure if it was because the grasses are in flower and it is a allergy reaction.“Normally, I wouldn’t think twice about it, but in this environment – we’ve been told to check out everything.“If a chemist had a test available I would have done that,” he said. “I’m double vaxxed with a booster, so I assume that if I get Covid, it will be a mild dose, but it doesn’t stop me being able to infect others.“That’s why I got tested. I’m not concerned about myself, but about passing it to others.Covid testing numbers“I don’t understand the dance of the Federal Government in managing the Covid tests. “They can’t keep the count of actual Covid results with the home tests."Victoria had people report their home test results long before NSW asked people to do it.“Now, we don’t have a clear idea of true numbers of positive Covid cases."The Lismore App will keep you updated on this issue as more information comes to light.

As another 92 cases of Covid were reported overnight in the Lismore Local Government Area, more empty spaces are appearing on the shelves in local supermarkets.While we are all learning to live with a spreading virus, last year’s panic buying seems to have turned into a preemptive strike - as locals prepare for the possibility of getting sick, or having to isolate for a week.As well as meat shortages already reported by large supermarket chains (due to supply chain issues), a trip to the supermarket by the Lismore App resulted in seeing spaces on the pet food and toilet paper shelves.People are making sure their animals will be fed and toilets are well stocked.Local district totalsThe new cases in Lismore add to a new daily total of 778 across the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD).Across our LGAs, the breakdown of new case numbers is as follows:Ballina 107, Byron Shire 208, Clarence Valley 88, Kyogle 12, Richmond Valley 36, Tweed Heads 234 and Tenterfield 1.NNSWLHD reported that Tenterfield is in a different Local Health District, but postcodes put cases in NNSWLHD.There are 49 Covid positive patients in hospital in Northern NSW, with 6 of these in ICU.State statisticsAcross the State, NSW recorded 20,293 new cases of COVID-19 detected by PCR testing in the 24 hours to 8pm last night.The number of Covid cases is likely to be greater than that however, as increasingly people follow NSW Health’s advice to use rapid antigen tests for diagnosing COVID-19.This means that the number of PCR tests as reported will underestimate the true number of people across the State who have tested positive for COVID-19.There were 84,333 Covid tests reported to 8pm last night, compared with the previous day’s total of 98,986.NSW Health is reporting the deaths of 18 people; six women, 11 men, and a child aged under five.Of the six women and 11 men, one was aged in their 30s, three were aged in their 60s, four were aged in their 70s, seven were aged in their 80s and two were aged in their 90s.There are currently 2,030 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 159 people in intensive care, 47 of whom require ventilation.Covid symptomsPeople are at risk of developing COVID-19 for 14 days after they were last in contact with a COVID-positive person, so it is important to take precautions during this time.While most people will become positive within the first week after exposure, around a quarter of people exposed to COVID-19 will develop their infection in the following seven days.If you have had a high-risk interaction with someone who has COVID-19, it is important to exercise caution and avoid high-risk settings and large indoor gatherings for 14 days after you last had contact with them.Get testedNorthern NSW Local Health District is urging people to get tested for COVID-19 at the first sign of symptoms and isolate until a negative result is received.All Northern NSW hospital testing clinics are open over the holiday period.Clinics run by other providers may have different hours in the holiday period, so please check before attending: https://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/about/covid-19-clinic-information/Find your closest testing clinic on the NSW Government website or contact your GP.Rapid antigen testing can be an additional precaution that you can take if you are planning to socialise with large groups of people, particularly indoors, or interacting with people who are elderly or have serious health conditions.Information on how to use rapid antigen tests is available on the NSW Government website.Book your COVID-19 vaccination, or booster if you are eligible, at any of the many GPs, pharmacies and NSW Health clinics in the region. To book, head to https://www.health.gov.au/resources/apps-and-tools/covid-19-vaccine-clinic-finder

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 personSo 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 increaseAcross 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 testedHealth 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.

The Eltham Village Gallery has closed its doors today after being visited by a Covid positive person.Read today's Covid update: More Covid reported cases in Lismore as testing numbers increaseIn a post on the gallery's Facebook page, staff wrote that the gallery had been notified that a customer who attended the weekend exhibition had received a positive result from an at-home test."This person attended the Gallery on Friday Evening and Monday morning," the post said."They are waiting on the results of a PCR test and we are getting tested ourselves."We will update on the outcome as soon as possible."Of course this means the current exhibition will be closed."The future of when the gallery and exhibition will reopen remains to be decided, depending on the results of the staff Covid tests.

As they finished packing 100 Christmas hampers and 200 toy bags for struggling local families, this year’s Salvation Army (Salvos) volunteers in Goonellabah were exhausted, but happy to be of service to the community.Salvos Captain Phillip Sutcliffe said the hampers were ready in time to be collected by parents before school finished - just in time for them to wrap toys at home and keep the pressies a secret from their kids.“The hampers are a wonderful thing for us to distribute – and filled with donated goods that people put under the wishing tree at Kmart,” Cpt Sutcliffe said.As well giving out 200 bags full of donated toys for the kids, the 100 food hampers were filled with donated treats to make Christmas day a happy for struggling families. From pudding, custard and shortbread – to staples like rice and pasta.“We’ve had some generous donations of gifts for teenagers this year,” Cpt Sutcliffe said “There’s movie vouchers and gift cards to EB games.In the toy bags for younger kids up to the ages of 13, there’s stocking fillers and one main present.Massive demand“This year we had more requests for assistance than ever before.“About 35% of the people who have asked for help are brand new and have never had to ask for assistance before.“That’s a massive increase around here. Usually, we only get about 8-10% new enquiries.“We keep working with families all year long to provide ongoing assistance and education.Rent crisis and Covid“The rental crisis, the cost of living and getting around are a massive part of what’s causing this.“People who are on government benefits that are not increasing, are finding the money doesn’t go so far.“Covid hit people hard during the last year. When the government was providing extra assistance, it was a huge help and they got used to living on a larger amount of money. But now, it’s much harder for them.”More presents always neededCpt Sutcliffe said any more toys that are donated between now and Christmas will go into storage and be used for next year’s hampers.“It’s a nice cycle that keeps going,” he said. “If anyone wants to donate toys, please keep putting them under the wishing tree.”To find out more about the Salvos, to volunteer or to donate, visit https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/northernrivers/