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No new Covid cases, but sewage detections found and AZ bookings open up
No new Covid cases, but sewage detections found and AZ bookings open up

24 September 2021, 6:06 AM

While there were no new cases of COVID-19 reported in Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) yesterday, fragments of the COVID-19 virus have been detected in Lismore sewage.NNSWLHD acting chief executive Lynne Weir said the samples were taken from the East and South Lismore sewage treatment plants on September 22."These sites serve a combined total of approximately 32,500 people in the Lismore and Goonellabah areas," she said.It's not surprising that there are Covid fragments in local sewage, due to virus shedding from Lismore's recent Covid positive cases. We also have the Lismore Base Hospital sewage which feeds into the local sewerage plants.Contact tracingMs Weir also said contact tracing is continuing into the positive case which visited the Ballina LGA last week. "No public exposure venues have been identified to date, and a number of close contacts have been directly contacted by NSW Health," she said."The last detection at these sites was on 15 September.  "While there have been recent confirmed cases in these areas, we encourage anyone who has even mild cold-like symptoms, to get tested and isolate until a negative result is received.  Local testing ratesDuring the seven days to 21 September there were 11,361 tests conducted among residents of the Northern NSW Local Health District. "We have seen testing numbers trending upwards in recent weeks, however it is still incredibly important that anyone who is at all unwell comes forward to get a test as soon as they develop symptoms.," Ms Weir said."High testing rates is one indicator which NSW Health reviews when determining the level of risk in the community, alongside confirmed cases, sewage detections and vaccination rates. "All these factors contribute to decisions around how vulnerable communities are, and what measures need to be put in place to reduce risk of transmission, such as stay at home orders or other restriction levels."More Covid vaccination bookings availableCurrently, more than 70% of adults living in Northern NSW have now had their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. COVID-19 Vaccination Program Coordinator for NNSWLHD, Matt Long, said it is a great start, but urges smore people to get vaccinated against COVID-19 to protect themselves, their loved ones and the broader community.  "We now have more bookings available at the Lismore COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics for AstraZeneca," he said.You can find your nearest available appointment by using the COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Finder. This tool allows you to search by location or ‘next available booking’.  GPs offer Pfizer and Moderna vaccines“In addition to our Northern NSW LHD operated clinics, far more GPs have started offering Pfizer through September, and local Pharmacies will soon start offering the Moderna vaccine, to make accessing vaccination as easy as possible in Northern NSW,” Mr Long said.  “We want to keep up the strong vaccination momentum that we have seen recently, with first dose vaccination rates rising by 14 to 20% points across our footprint since late August.” Those aged 12 years and above are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccination.

New elegant plant shop brings life to East Lismore
New elegant plant shop brings life to East Lismore

24 September 2021, 5:30 AM

According to Addo, the green-fingered owner of Lismore’s newest and most elegant plant shop - he and plants are inseparable.His new shop Elegant Plantscape & Co, has been open for a couple of weeks now, but because of the snap lockdown, his plans for a grand opening were hampered.Now, Addo and his business partner Nicholas are both excited that tomorrow (Saturday), they can finally have an official opening at the shop, on Dalley Street in East Lismore.“This plant shop is beautiful,” Addo said. “People have been stopping by and looking in the window and they tell me how lovely it is.“I enjoy looking at plants – they make everyone happy. When people visit the shop, they feel energized when they leave.”Not your average plant shopThe new shop is not your average nursery – it’s all about indoor plants and there’s also decorative pots and shelves to put plants on in your home.“We have shelves for plants you won’t see anywhere else – they will complete your lounge room,” he said.Addo also offers a service for business owners who want plants for their offices, but don’t want to maintain them themselves.“With our plant hire and maintenance service, we bring the plants water them and replace them if they don’t look the best - so the customer always has the place looking beautiful,” Addo said.Why open a plant shop?“We are going through a tough time with Covid and problems right now," he said.“We know that plants clean the air and with people staying at home most of the time now - and looking at empty walls – this contributes to negative psychological effects, so to have plants in their homes changes things.”This is not Addo’s first plant shop. He grew up on a farm and has always loved plants – and now also runs a local organic gardening business.He’s recently moved back to Lismore and he wants to make people happy with plants.Which plant is right for you?If you aren’t sure which plants will be right for your home, Addo said he is there to give you advice.Depending on the light levels in your rooms, or the amount of effort you want to put into caring for plants, he’ll make sure you take home the right ones.“Whatever information people need about plants, they can get it when they come here,” Addo said.His most popular selling plant at the moment is the tropical looking Alocacia plant, because it’s easy to look after and needs less water.“Every time someone buy one, I want to take one home too,” Addo laughed.The grand opening of Elegant Plantscape & Co will take place tomorrow, Saturday September 25, from 10.30am to 3pm at 2 Dalley Street, East Lismore (Near Wyrallah Road Shopping Centre).You can also visit the shop’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/elegantplantscape/

Lismore's home made compost returns to the tip
Lismore's home made compost returns to the tip

24 September 2021, 1:08 AM

After a two-year break, the popular BIOCycle Compost is again on sale from the Lismore Recycling & Recovery Centre and Nimbin Transfer Station.Lismore City Council’s Manager of Commercial Services David Hanna said "this is great news for home gardeners and our local agricultural industry". “Unfortunately, after the 2019 fire at our waste facility, we had to stop producing compost until we could repair the damaged compost pad area,” he said. "We have now done this work and have made a few other improvements to our processing system to ensure the quality of our certified organic BIOCycle compost is of high standard. “As the processed materials take time to break down into compost, the quantity available to the public will be limited at first but will increase as more is ready to be bagged up ready for home gardens.” At the Lismore Recycling & Recovery Centre, Councils is closing the loop on organics recycling, turning the region's food and garden scraps into a nutrient-rich BIOcycle compost for local farms and backyard gardens.Once the contents from kerbside organics bins are brought to the Recycling & Recovery Centre, the material is stockpiled into rows on the composting pad. Food and garden waste is shredded and then processed on an Aero-sorb system, which pushes air through the material, speeding up the composting process and keeping it in an aerobic state. Heat and micor-organisms assist in the composting and killing off any pathogens and weed seeds.The composted material is then graded and screened to remove plastics and other inorganic materials, and is tested for quality assurance before being released for sale.The result is a 10mm BIOcycle compost product which is certified organic (BFA Registered Product 11538AI) and can be purchased via the Lismore & Nimbin Revolve Shops.The price of a 15kg/20L bag costs is $14. Limited amounts of bulk compost is also available and delivery can be arranged.  The bags will be available for purchase from the Lismore and Nimbin Revolve Shops Friday, 24 September. The operating hours of the Revolve Shop are Wednesday and Friday 9am to 2pm on Saturday 9am to 1pm. The operating hours of the Nimbin Transfer Station are 8am to 3pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. For more information, visit www.northernriverswaste.com.au and look under ‘Organics & Compost’ or phone our Contact Centre on 6625 0500.

North Lismore Plateau development heads back to court
North Lismore Plateau development heads back to court

23 September 2021, 8:05 PM

Just when Al Oshlack thought he could get a breather from taking the North Lismore Plateau Housing Development to court, last week he started planning the next court case.Al is a legal representative from the Indigenous Justice Advocacy Network and he’s been working with Indigenous Elder Mickey Ryan to oppose the development – and he’s vowed never to give up.The controversial 430 lot housing development has reared its head at Council meetings a few times now.Al said last week’s vote by Lismore Councillors to approve the development was unique in that it was the first Development Approval (DA) where councillors got to vote for or against the DA going ahead.“The last time we had a court case to stop this development, it was the Northern Rivers Planning panel and the local government planning minister making decisions on the development – now it’s Council,” Al said.Read more: Court deems North Lismore Plateau development 'invalid'Then, in July this year, Lismore councillors agreed to hand over 37 hectares of council-owned land on the North Lismore Plateau to its traditional owners. Read more: Historic vote as LCC votes to hand back land at North Lismore PlateauDespite this, Al still intends to take to court every DA that is proposed for development on North Lismore Plateau.“And each court case takes at least 12 months,” he said.Al cites a number of reasons as to why the development should not go ahead – including the ecological destruction of an endangered plant species (hairy joint grass) and a big impact on flooding and pollution in North Lismore.“There will be thousands of car movements a day onto Dunoon road,” Al said. “The infrastructure there cannot handle it – and there’s also not one social housing proposal for the plateau.”Al also cites noise issues for those who might live in the development from the nearby speedway at Lismore Showgrounds.“There’s also the go cart tracks, the Lismore Show, Tropical Fruits New Year party and Gemfest that take place in the showgrounds,” Al said“We believe they will move to shut the speedway down if the development goes ahead - and we need to be aware of this.”In a previous court case held in May 2020, Al highlighted the pollution and flooding problems, caused by building a housing development in a flood plain.“We get heavy rainfall and the development will construct a huge storm water drain and pump water straight into Slater Creek, which will add to flooding on North Lismore," he said.“This has also not been assessed.“You’d think they would consider that – and we hope the NSW Land and Environment Court will think likewise.”

Day one out of lockdown - and what are the rules?
Day one out of lockdown - and what are the rules?

23 September 2021, 3:45 AM

On day one of Lismore’s release from the latest lockdown, there’s no news of any Lismore-based Covid cases.However, the Northern NSW Local Health District reported one new Covid case yesterday in the Tweed LGA, which is linked to a known case in the ACT. Across NSW, there were 1063 new cases yesterday and six deaths – four of whom were not vaccinated.As we move in and out of lockdowns, the rules about what we can and can’t do keep changing. So, the Lismore App has a reminder of which NSW Government rules apply to Lismore LGA at the moment.THE RULES REMINDER:As of 12.01am today, Thursday 23 September, the following rules will be in place: GATHERINGS IN THE HOME AND PUBLIC SPACESUp to five visitors will be allowed in a home (not including children 12 and under).Up to 20 people can gather in outdoor settings.VENUES INCLUDING HOSPITALITY, RETAIL AND GYMSHospitality venues can reopen subject to one person per 4sqm inside and one person per 2sqm outside, with standing while drinking permitted outside.Retail stores can reopen under the one person per 4sqm rule.Personal services such as hairdressers and nail salons can open with one person per 4sqm, capped at five clients per premises.Gyms and indoor recreation facilities can open under the one person per 4sqm rule and can offer classes for up to 20 people.Sporting facilities including swimming pools can reopen.SCHOOLSSchools will re-open with Level 3 COVIDSafe measures in place.STADIUMS, THEATRES AND MAJOR OUTDOOR RECREATION FACILITIESMajor recreation outdoor facilities including stadiums, racecourses, theme parks and zoos can reopen with one person per 4sqm, capped at 5,000 people.Up to 500 people can attend ticketed and seated outdoor events.Indoor entertainment and information facilities including cinemas, theatres, music halls, museums and galleries can reopen with one person per 4sqm or 75 per cent fixed seatedWEDDINGS, FUNERALS AND PLACES OF WORSHIPUp to 50 guests can attend weddings, with dancing permitted and eating and drinking only while seated.Up to 50 guests can attend funerals, with eating and drinking while seated.Churches and places of worship to open subject to one person per 4sqm rule, with no singing.TRAVELCaravan parks and camping grounds can open.Carpooling will be permitted.MASKSMasks will remain mandatory for all indoor public venues, including public transport, front-of-house hospitality, retail and business premises, on planes and at airports.Only hospitality staff will be required to wear a mask when outdoors.Children aged under 12 will not need to wear a mask indoors.

Is Lismore opening too soon? More new venues of concern for Byron
Is Lismore opening too soon? More new venues of concern for Byron

22 September 2021, 7:50 AM

With Lismore coming out of lockdown at midnight tonight - and new venues of concern appearing every day, the question could be asked - are we opening up again too soon? Read more: BREAKING NEWS: Lismore to come out of lockdown tonight With school holidays upon us and our neighbouring LGAs of Byron and Tweed under Stay at Home Orders for seven days, where will any potential holiday makers travel to now that their coastal holiday destinations are in a lockdown?To add to the rapidly changing Covid landscape of open and closed regional areas, today a Covid positive case was confirmed to have visited Wardell and Cabbage Tree Island in Ballina LGA. Read more: Covid case visits Wardell and Cabbage Tree IslandTravellers, holidays and lockdowns Yesterday's lockdown in Byron and Tweed LGAs was announced after a film crew member of the Tv show 'I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here', travelled up from Sydney to work in the region – and was found to be Covid positive.The person had visited multiple venues across Byron and Tweed regions and had not used QR codes to check in. Today, more venues of concern in Byron were released by the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD).The venues just released are:Read more: New venues of concern for Byron and KingscliffCovid case charged for breaching health ordersIn the NSW Premier’s press conference this morning, the Premier said that the individual responsible for triggering the Byron lockdown had been charged – and was also double vaccinated.“The person breached health orders and went to multiple venues,” Ms Berejiklian said. “I’m really glad the police have charged them.”When asked about whether the person’s vaccinations were effective and why the two LGAs were plunged into lockdown so quickly, NSW chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant said “this person’s second dose was recent and may not have taken full effect”.“We can get breakthrough infections in those double vaccinated, but vaccination does reduce your chance of passing it on,” she said.“The venues the person went to are high risk – and the area has low vaccination coverage, so we have taken a precautionary approach.”Vaccine hesitancyWith a lower than State average rate of Covid vaccinations, Dr Chant said Byron LGA was one of the areas being assessed by the government to work how to change the minds of the vaccine hesitant population.“Maybe the Byron population needs be convinced by science,” she said. “There’s lots of misinformation on social media –and I encourage people to go to reputable sources to get their vaccine information.”The Premier said the Covid cases visiting the Byron area and triggering the lockdown could be what the community needed to change their minds about vaccines.“When communities experience the disease, it brings them into sharper focus - and also a warning that noone can be complacent.”New Byron venues of concern A NNSWLHD spokesperson said anyone who attended the Byron or Tweed venues of concern at the times listed is considered a casual contact and must get tested and isolate until they get a negative result.“If you are directed to get tested for COVID-19 or self-isolate at any time, you must follow the rules given to you by Health staff, whether or not the venue or exposure setting is listed on the NSW Health website."

Fitness and health businesses pump up for lockdown
Fitness and health businesses pump up for lockdown

17 September 2021, 8:57 PM

Alyce Benson was devastated when Lismore’s latest lockdown was called at 6pm Thursday.As manager of Stepz Fitness 24 hour gym at Lismore Central Shopping Centre, her plans for the business’ first birthday celebrations this Saturday came crashing down – now postponed for a second time, as another Covid lockdown period rolls through.It’s been a challenging and frustrating year for the health, wellness and fitness industry – which is reliant on working with people, often in group settings.Despite the challenges, local fitness business owners and mangers Kate Cairnduff, Matt George and Alyce Benson have stepped up and used their Covid downtime to create online resources and deliver online classes.ZoomAlyce said that during lockdown, she was running live Zoom classes four days a week to keep members active, engaged and motivated, as well as online one-on-one personal training sessions.“Members also had access to an online fitness workout platform that we created as well with lots of classes they could choose from,” she said.“Since we opened a year ago, we have had such an amazing response from the community.“Our memberships have been growing month by month and it's so great to see so many people working on their health and fitness goals.”As far as keeping her staff in jobs, Alyce said the Government’s disaster payments gave employees income from week to week, so they were not stressing about how they would survive.You can visit the Stepz website at https://stepzfitness.com.au/location/gym-lismore Fitness Manouvers Fitness Manouvers owner, Kate Cairnduff, opened her boutique personal training studio on Dawson Street in November last year - after the last lockdown.Almost a year later, she’s coming out of a five week lockdown - only to head back into another one, less than a week later.“I’m disappointed and extremely frustrating as a small business owner,” Kate said. “But my business was born out of a Covid lockdown. “I always was aware it needed to be Covid compliant - with social distancing, air flow and one on one training.”During the last lockdown, Kate used the time to develop an online training program for her clients, Called Fitness by Kate.“It has audio assistance and I talk to them as they work out,” she said. “The first day I offered it, I had 15 people jump in.”While Kate kept busy through lockdown, she said the financial hit she took was massive.“I went from an income based on over 60 clients a week to living on the government’s JobSaver subsidy,” she said.“It gave me peace of mind and helped me to keep paying my mortgage, business rent, insurance and electricity costs.” Beyond Blue It wasn’t all easy sailing though. Kate said there some pretty stressful moments when she wondered if and when she would get to reopen her business again.“I took up a free Beyond Blue six-week counselling course,” she said. “It was the best thing I’ve done. As a business owner, it helps you to help you deal with anxiety, depression and the feeling of being overwhelmed.Her advice to other business owners is: It’s alright to ask for help.“Business is stressful, but it doesn’t have to be a brick wall – if you are doing something you love, you should get tools and strategies to deal with those stresses - passion is the easy bit. Business awards Kate’s Fitness Manouvers business was given a highly commended in micro-business award in the recent Chamber of Commerce 2021 Lismore App Business Awards.Kate said her business was all about building relationships and creating a safe space for people to come, be healthy and keep moving.Her motto is “ make movement your new normal”.“I have NDIS clients and people aged 15 to 80 year old coming to see me for personal training sessions,” she said.“Everyone wants to be healthy and move – it’s not about beauty – it’s about being able to sit at your laptop and function in day to day life and with the self motivation to keep moving.“It’s been a hell of a year, but I’ve done a lot.”You can visit Kate’s website at https://fitnessmanouvers.com/Summit Sports and Fitness Centre  At Goonellbah’s Summit Sports and Fitness Centre, manager Matt George has taken the ongoing lockdowns in his stride.“We’ve been offering free Zoom classes for the whole community,” he said. “We want to keep people positive and moving and keep members engaging with staff.“We’ve also been productive with staff development in lockdown.”Matt said that when the gym opened on Monday this week after the five week close down period, “the place was pumping”.“It was so much fun and everyone was so happy to get out of the house,” he said.“We know this latest lockdown is temporary and like always, we will stay positive and get through it.“We are all hoping we can get back to business as usual after seven days.”Summit has been named as a regional finalist in the Chamber of Commerce 2021 Lismore App Business Awards and will go on the big NSW business awards to be held later this year.You can visit the Summit website at https://summitcentre.com.au/

Lockdown leaves caravan park and travel confusion
Lockdown leaves caravan park and travel confusion

17 September 2021, 7:04 AM

Staying in caravan parks when a lockdown is announced has been a confusing experience for recent visitors to Lismore.When stay at home orders were brought into place in the Lismore LGA at 6pm last night, a group of visitors who left Lismore earlier this week wanted to know what they should do now that they had moved on to another LGA.So, they rang Service NSW and asked.Read the latest Covid update: Covid update: Lismore's latest lockdown - day 1 They were told a number of confusing things that made them worried.They were told:If you are in a caravan park you must not emerge from the caravan (or tent) for the duration of the stay.Visits to the site bathrooms or toilets are permitted, but with no interaction with any other person.Shopping for food, fuel & essentials is permitted - only one person.On leaving the caravan site, you must have evidence of your stay duration - and proof to show police that you are heading to another site straight away.If you have bikes with you, they are not to be used, as that is recreation, not exercise.Being double vaccinated is immaterialIf you are stopped by police and are unable to give a reasonable explanation of your travelling reasons, you can be fined.This applies for 14 days, unless Lismore’s lockdown lifts earlier. The Lismore App decided to investigate these guidelines and rang Service NSW today. A Service NSW operator said that the NSW Government stay at home rules do apply to people who have been in the Lismore LGA since September 7.The operator then checked the NSW Health website for guidelines about caravans while on the phone to the Lismore App.He said there were no specific rules listed about caravan park stays, but there were guidelines about holiday short term rental stays.He said the rules are “pretty open”, but in general, you need to follow the stay-at-home rules, which means you can still purchase food and go out for exercise.“The stay at home rules are not isolation rules – which apply if you have been in contact with anyone who is a close contact of a Covid case,” the operator said.It also means you CAN ride your bike, as it is considered exercise and a form of transport.The operator did stress that if you are away from your accommodation that you need to carry a mask, your ID and proof of where you are staying.“If the police stop you, you will need to show them proof and say why you are out,” the operator said. “It’s up to police interpretation of what is ‘out and about’.”A Lismore resident who is a friend of the recent visitors said that on three different phone calls to Service NSW, three different responses to the same questions about caravan park stays were given – from three different operators.It seems that while the NSW Health website has fairly comprehensive guidelines for what we can and cannot do in challenging Covid times, it does not necessarily have every situation covered.Police discretion and travel restrictions The Lismore App also asked for clarification on travel guidelines from the head of the Richmond Police District – Superintendent Scott Tanner. When essential workers such as police officers and medical staff live outside an LGA in lockdown (such as Lismore), what is the procedure to get to Lismore for work from a different LGA each day?  “If they live in a different LGA then they must abide by the stay at home orders whilst home” Supt Tanner said.“From my reading of the health order we are a stay at home area and not an area of concern.“Stay at home means you can travel across LGAs to work if you cannot work from home, regardless of occupation. “If you live in an area of concern i.e. the 12 LGAs in Greater Sydney area, then that is when you must apply for permits and be tested.“Police are appealing to the community to abide by the conditions of the Public Health Order,” Supt Tanner said.“This current lockdown is for seven days.“To give us the greatest chance to come out of the lockdown after this time we must limit the amount of community interaction.“Police will be making regular patrols of our public spaces to ensure compliance.“It is evident in the Public Health Order that proof of vaccination is required and must be presented to police for inspection of required to do so.“We are asking the community to use common sense and work with us to ensure we all get through this latest lockdown as quickly and as safely as possible.”Read more: Stay at home orders and lockdown travel rules explained

Covid update: Lismore's latest lockdown - day 1
Covid update: Lismore's latest lockdown - day 1

17 September 2021, 5:32 AM

It’s day one of Lismore’s latest lockdown and the news from local health authorities is that there were no new Covid cases reported in the health district to 8pm last night.So far, so good. It’s a different story across the State however, with 1,284 new locally acquired cases yesterday and 12 deaths.Lismore is also no longer included in the newly reopened 'border bubble' with Queensland.Read more news: Lockdown leaves caravan park and travel confusion Read more Covid news: New venues of concern identified in Lismore and CorakiYesterday there were more than 1,000 tests conducted in the Northern NSW Local Health District. NNSWLHD acting chief executive Lynne Weir said called on locals to continue to get tested."We need to determine the extent of the risk and detect any further potential COVID-19 cases in our area and call on the communities to come forward for testing in large numbers," she said. "A strong response to testing will be a key factor in determining if the current stay-at home orders for Lismore are extended beyond one week. "We’d like to remind the community that there is a new drive-through testing at Goonellabah Sports and Aquatic Centre (GSAC), 50 Oliver Avenue, Goonellabah. This clinic also accepts walk-ins. "The clinic will be open from 8am to 4pm Friday 17, Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 September at this stage."Read more: GSAC drive-thru testing to operate this weekendNew home quarantine trial begins The NSW Government Gladys Berejiklian reported today that a new seven-day home quarantine trial is about to begin – with the intent to phase out the need for hotel quarantine for vaccinated people arriving in Australia from overseas.Ms Berekilian said the new quarantine method would allow the government to increase quotas of people allowed to enter Australia - and could see more Aussies home in time for Christmas.The trial will run over four weeks and will involve 125 people who have been double vaccinated.It will include Qantas airline staff and people in different age groups across regional and metropolitan NSW – as well as those living in different accommodation types, such as houses, units and apartments.The NSW Premier said “Australia must reopen and engage with the globe again”.The trial will involve testing location technology on phone apps, in order to identify what will and won’t work as a home monitoring system.“We want to identify ways to change the future of quarantine,” she said.The Premier said there will still be a need for hotel quarantine for some people – including those unvaccinated. Moderna vaccine She also said that next week the Moderna vaccine will be available in NSW for 12 to 15year olds to get vaccinated.

Stay at home orders and lockdown travel rules explained
Stay at home orders and lockdown travel rules explained

16 September 2021, 6:11 AM

Less than a week into our newfound freedoms, stay-at-home orders again come into place in the Lismore Local Government Area (LGA), for seven days from 6pm today.The Lismore App looks at what we might expect and what the current rules are for Lismore - particularly for travel - as the lockdown affects only the Lismore LGA - not the surrounding LGAs of Richmond Valley, Ballina, Byron and Tweed Shire. Read more news: Lockdown leaves caravan park and travel confusion Read more news: BREAKING NEWS: Lismore to go into lockdown from tonightThe lockdown has been triggered by a Covid positive person who returned to Lismore LGA and stay-at-home orders apply to anyone who has been in Lismore since September 7.Today, NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the seven day lockdown was only a start. We could expect the lockdown to be extended longer, depending on what happens with community transmission rates.Venues of concern and misinformationOver the coming days, NSW Health is expected to release more Lismore venues of concern that were visited by the Covid case.Today, one group page on social media was reported to have said that Silly Solly’s - one of the two current Lismore venues of concern - was no longer listed as a concern.NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro today said this was untrue - and it was a timely reminder for people to look to the NSW Health website as their trusted source of information, not social media.Read more: Covid case visits local op shop - authorities release Lismore venues of concernTravel rules With at least seven days of lockdown ahead, what are we allowed to do during this period, especially if you live outside Lismore LGA, but work in Lismore?If you live in Lismore LGA, you must stay at home unless it is for an essential reason, which includes shopping for food, medical care, getting vaccinated, compassionate needs, exercise and work or tertiary education if you can’t work or study at home. Mr Barilaro said anyone travelling from another LGA (such as from Ballina or Casino) to Lismore, will be subject to the same seven-day, stay-at-home orders as apply to Lismore residents, upon their return home. Anyone who needs to enter Lismore LGA for work will need to register for travel. You do not need to register your travel to provide an emergency service. Rules apply to anyone who does get a permit to enter a lockdown area - including mandatory Covid testing.School holidaysWith school holidays coming up, Mr Barilaro’s advice to those who live outside the Lismore LGA is “this is not the school holidays to go and have a holiday”.“Stay home and don’t risk getting exposed - this will minimise the risk of transmission and the chance of more lockdowns,” he said.Rules for fully vaccinated peopleLismore residents who are fully vaccinated can attend an outdoor gathering of up to five people for exercise or outdoor recreation as long as all of those aged 16 or older are fully vaccinated. You must have proof of your vaccination with you at all times, and you must show a Police Officer your proof of vaccination if its requested. Fully vaccinated means you have had two doses of an approved COVID-19 vaccination or have a medical contraindication certificate issued to you.You can visit the MyGov website and go to Medicare to get your proof of vaccination if you want to go out on group of five people.Other rules and restrictions while in lockdownFace masksYou must carry a face mask with you at all times and wear a face mask when you are outside in a public place - including on a street or at a park, queuing outside a cafe or shop to collect take away food or drink or walking on a street near shop fronts.in all indoor areas of non-residential premises, including workplacesif you are on public transport or in a public transport waiting areaif you are working in a hospitality venuein indoor and outdoor areas of worksites, except when an exemption applies such as when wearing a face mask creates a safety issue or there is a worksite emergencywhen working in an outdoor area. There are limited exceptions, such as where you are:eating and drinkingin a vehicle with members of your household or your nominated visitor (‘singles bubble’)exercisingin an emergency situation. Visitors to a residenceGenerally, visiting another person is not a reasonable excuse to leave your home.You must not allow a person to visit your home, except if it is:for permitted work for childcareto give effect to arrangements between parents and children under 18 or their siblingsto assist a person to move places of residenceto avoid an injury or serious risk of harmbecause of an emergencyto view or inspect property to lease or purchase it.Socialising isn’t a reasonable excuse to have visitors or leave home unless you live on your own. If you do live on your own, your nominated visitor can visit you.Nominated visitor ("singles bubble")If you live alone – which means, there are no other adults who live in the same home – you can have a nominated visitor. You do not need to register your nominated visitor. A nominated visitor is one person you can socialise with at your place of residence who:can only be one person (and their dependent children, if there are no alternative care arrangements)can visit you on more than one occasionis not a nominated visitor for another personlives in a stay-at-home area in regional NSWCaring and compassionate visitsYou can visit a home, and have a person visit your home, for caring and compassionate reasons including:providing care to vulnerable peoplevisiting a person you are in a relationship with but do not live with. Only one person may visit a place of residence at any one time to:provide care or assistance to vulnerable people and/orfor compassionate reasons.Two people may visit a place of residence to fulfil carers’ responsibilities but only if:it is necessary to provide safe care to a person who is resident at the dwellingthey remain at the residence for a minimum time to provide safe care to the person.You may bring a dependent child with you if they need supervision and childcare arrangements are not reasonably available.When visiting, you may be asked to provide information to NSW Police about your visit. You must comply with all other requirements of the rules.Temporary or holiday accommodationIf you are staying in temporary accommodation in a local government area where the stay-at- home rules apply, including in short-term or holiday accommodation, you may stay at your accommodation until your booking expires.When your booking expires, you may leave your accommodation to return to:your place of residence orother accommodation.While you are staying in your temporary or holiday accommodation, you must continue to comply with the stay-at-home rules.Real estate auctions and open inspections (including display homes)The following activities must not take place in the local government areas where the stay-at-home rules apply:Auctions that people attend in person (except for the auctioning of food supply, livestock, fibre or crops in regional NSW).Open inspections of properties, including display homes, although inspections may be conducted by private appointment for one person only.You must follow the stay-at-home rules if you are a real estate agent or a prospective purchaser and you live in, usually work in, or usually attend a university or other tertiary education facility in the local government areas where the stay at home rules apply.Children and parentingUnder the stay-at-home rules, it is a reasonable excuse to leave your home to drop off or pick up children from early childhood education and care services, regardless of where your childcare service is located. 

BREAKING NEWS: Lismore to go into lockdown from tonight
BREAKING NEWS: Lismore to go into lockdown from tonight

16 September 2021, 1:12 AM

It's official - the Lismore Local Government Area will go into lockdown from tonight at 6pm. Read more: Stay at home orders and lockdown travel rules explainedLismore will be one of two regional areas to go into lockdown for seven days – along with Albury.Read more Covid news: Covid case visits local op shop - authorities release Lismore venues of concernThe news was delivered at the NSW Government Covid conference today, with a plea for Lismore residents to get tested if they have any symptoms – and to get vaccinated. Read more: Covid drive through testing hub reopens at SCUNSW Health’s Dr Gail said the NSW Health made the decision that the period of lockdown will be seven days "so we can get a handle on what’s going on”.The lockdown comes after one Covid case was identified in Lismore – who had a possible link to Sydney – and who had potentially exposed the Lismore community to Covid.NSW Deputy premier John Barilaro said the Lismore case was a parent who returned to Lismore with a child - and there was exposure at a local school.Read more: BREAKING NEWS! COVID case in Goonellabah Public SchoolBorder bubbleWhen asked how the Lismore Covid case will impact the newly opened border to Queensland, he said “today we will work with Queensland”.“We locked down the Lismore area for the health and protection of the community – now we will work out what happens with the bubble,” he said.Vaccine hesitancyWhen asked if the decision to reactivate stay at home orders in Lismore was based on the region’s hesitancy to get vaccinated, Dr Gail said there were a “suite of factors” at play.She said the main reasons were because there was an active Covid case in the area, but that the higher level of vaccine hesitancy did mean authorities would “have a higher level of caution” when making decisions with regard to Lismore.“But I am confident that the vast majority of the population in that area are embracing vaccination and education themselves and talking to their families,” she said.Read more Covid news: Covid case visits local op shop - authorities release Lismore venues of concernStatisticsYesterday in NSW, 1351 new Covid cases were reported, 12 people died and 10 were not vaccinated.80.1% of the population aged over 16 have received a first dose of vaccine - which equals nearly 8.5 million in total in NSW.48% of the population is fully vaccinated.

Covid case visits local op shop - authorities release Lismore venues of concern
Covid case visits local op shop - authorities release Lismore venues of concern

16 September 2021, 12:27 AM

Two new venues of concern in Lismore have been identified since yesterday's announcement of a Covid positive case visiting a Goonellbah school - and a third venue has been identified in Evans Head. Read more about it: BREAKING NEWS! COVID case in Goonellabah Public SchoolIf you have been to Silly Solly's on Keen Street from 8.55am to 9am on Tuesday, September 14 - or Lismore's Lifeline shop on Magellan Street from 9.05am to 9.20am on Tuesday, September 14, local health authorities urge to to get tested and self isolate until you receive a negative result.Read more: Covid drive through testing hub reopens at SCUIna statement issued this morning, Northern NSW Local Health District said it had been notified of three new venues of concern associated with a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the region.As well as the two Lismore venues, a third venue is Muzza’s Milk Bar on Oak Street, Evans Head - from 1:15pm to 1:45pm on Sunday 12 September.Get tested"NSW Health will send a text message to people who have checked in at contact venues with further information," the statement said. "If you are directed to get tested for COVID-19 or self-isolate at any time, you must follow the rules given to you by Health staff, whether or not the venue or exposure setting is listed on the NSW Health website. "Please get tested even if you have had a test in recent days. If your exposure at this venue was in the past four days, you must get another test on day five from the date of exposure."Wear a mask around others and limit your movements until you get another negative result. You should continue to monitor for symptoms and if any symptoms appear, get tested and isolate again. The Lismore App will keep you informed as the list of venues of concern and relevant health advice is updated as new cases emerge and investigations continue. Testing clinicsThere are four testing clinics in the Lismore area: Lismore Base Hospital - Uralba Street, Lismore, open seven days. Appointments not requiredLismore Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology - 62 Wyrallah Road, Shop 12, Wyrallah Road Shopping Centre, Lismore. Open Monday – Saturday, appointments not required Lismore 4Cyte Pathology Drive-through Clinic - 47-49 Dawson Street, Lismore. Open Monday to Friday, appointments not required Southern Cross University Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology Drive-through Clinic on Military Road, Southern Cross University, East Lismore. Open Tuesday to Friday, appointments not required. 

Lismore's lockdown to end, but restrictions still apply
Lismore's lockdown to end, but restrictions still apply

09 September 2021, 1:58 AM

Lismore will come out of lockdown when stay at home orders are lifted at 12.01am, this Saturday, September 11.The good news was announced this morning by NSW Premier Glady Berejiklian who said only parts of regional NSW currently that are deemed ‘low risk’ and have seen zero Covid cases for at least 14 days will emerge from lockdown.Ms Berejiklian said it was a “bitter sweet day for the regions, as some open, some won’t”.The eased restrictions will be applied in regional centres such as Lismore, Byron Bay, Albury, Wagga Wagga, Tamworth, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie and Griffith.Thirty-eight areas in NSW will remain in lockdown due to the risk of COVID-19, including the Central Coast, Upper Hunter, Shoalhaven and Dubbo.Restrictions“You are not coming back to a pre-lockdown environment,” Ms Berejiklian said. “There will continue to be restrictions.“There will be capacity limits and a 4sqm rule in venues, mask wearing and social distancing.“Community sport will not be allowed.“But can get back to shopping and businesses will be able to open,” Ms Berejklian said.“If there is Covid seeding across the regions and there is an active case in your community, you will go back into lockdown for 14 days.“One case is too much in the regions… and sewage surveillance will continue.“Fingers crossed that this level of opening up will give us an ability to get back to normal.”Travel freedomsWhile from Saturday, we can leave our LGA and visit the beach, Deputy Premier John Barilaro said “if you don’t have to travel, don’t travel”.“If you come to Sydney now, then stay at home orders for 14 days will continue to apply when you return home,” he said.Vaccinated freedomsBoth the Premier and the Deputy Premier made it clear that while there is a staged opening of some areas this week, the national roadmap (which will be released in October) will mean some new freedoms will only be on offer to people who are double vaccinated.“The ultimate passport to freedom is vaccination and I don’t want this opening to slow down vaccinations,” the Premier said. “We want to make sure regional and rural NSW continue to get vaccinated.“We can’t afford to have vaccinated people mixing with unvaccinated people. That is where the risk of transmission increases.”Mr Barilaro strongly advised everyone in regional NSW to “get vaccinated as soon as you can”.“Our communities need to continue to get vaccinated so that when NSW reaches 70 and 80%, restrictions can ease significantly,” he said.“At 80% double dose vaccinations, there is a potential opening up to international travel."Any new freedoms for those vaccinated will come into place the Monday after the 80% double dose rate is reached."The following freedoms will be available from Saturday to all people in regional LGAs where stay-at-home orders have lifted: Gatherings in the home and public spaces: Up to five visitors will be allowed in a home (not including children 12 and under).Up to 20 people can gather in outdoor settings.  Venues including hospitality, retail stores and gyms: Hospitality venues can reopen subject to one person per 4sqm inside and one person per 2sqm outside, with standing while drinking permitted outside. Retail stores can reopen under the one person per 4sqm rule. Personal services such as hairdressers and nail salons can open with one person per 4sqm, capped at five clients per premises.  Gyms and indoor recreation facilities can open under the one person per 4sqm rule and can offer classes for up to 20 people.  Sporting facilities including swimming pools can reopen.Schools: Schools will re-open with Level 3 COVIDSafe measures in place. Stadiums, theatres and major outdoor recreation facilities: Major recreation outdoor facilities including stadiums, racecourses, theme parks and zoos can reopen with one person per 4sqm, capped at 5,000 people. Up to 500 people can attend ticketed and seated outdoor events. Indoor entertainment and information facilities including cinemas, theatres, music halls, museums and galleries can reopen with one person per 4sqm or 75% fixed seated capacity.  Weddings, funerals and places of worship:  Up to 50 guests can attend weddings, with dancing permitted and eating and drinking only while seated. Up to 50 guests can attend funerals, with eating and drinking while seated.Churches and places of worship to open subject to one person per 4sqm rule, with no singing.  Travel:  Caravan parks and camping grounds can open. Carpooling will be permitted. Masks: Masks will remain mandatory for all indoor public venues, including public transport, front-of-house hospitality, retail and business premises, on planes and at airports. Only hospitality staff will be required to wear a mask when outdoors.Children aged under 12 will not need to wear a mask indoors.  Covid statisticsYesterday, there were 1405 new cases of Covid in NSW and five deaths. 202 people were in ICU and there were 107000 vaccinations, but the rate is declining.Stay-at-home orders will remain in place in the following LGAs: ∙ Bathurst Bega ∙ Blayney ∙ Bogan ∙ Bourke ∙ Brewarrina ∙ Broken Hill  ∙ Cabonne ∙ Central Coast∙ Central Darling∙ Cessnock ∙ Dubbo ∙ Dungog ∙ Eurobodalla ∙ Forbes ∙ Gilgandra ∙ Goulburn Mulwarre ∙ Kiama ∙ Lake Macquarie ∙ Lithgow ∙ Maitland ∙ Mid-Coast ∙ Mid-Western ∙ Muswellbrook ∙ Narrabri ∙ Narromine ∙ Newcastle ∙ Orange ∙ Parkes ∙ Port Stephens ∙ Queanbeyan-Palerang∙ Shellharbour ∙ Shoalhaven ∙ Singleton∙ Snowy Monaro∙ Upper Hunter ∙ Walgett ∙ Wingecarribee 

Lismore says lift the lockdown, while Gladys builds yellow brick roadmap
Lismore says lift the lockdown, while Gladys builds yellow brick roadmap

08 September 2021, 5:06 AM

While residents of Lismore are waiting on tenterhooks for tomorrow’s announcement about whether the statewide lockdown will lift, local businesses are closing - and families are doing it tough.Today, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the government was polishing off its roadmap to open NSW out of current lockdown restrictions - and any decisions will be based on the guidelines in the Doherty Report, the National Plan and current Covid data.As this yellow brick roadmap toward conditional freedom is built around the target of an 80% vaccination rate, the outcome for our region this week remains unclear.Lift the local lockdownAfter five weeks in lockdown, State MP Janelle Saffin and Lismore Mayor Vanessa are both appealing to the NSW Government for it to end, as scheduled on Friday.State MP Janelle Saffin said she has sent a “lift the local lockdown” letter to the Government after being contacted by “thousands” of locals who don’t understand why the lockdown continues in our region when we have no cases.“The reasons why haven’t been explained well enough to us,” she said.Byron Bay sewageWith Byron Bay sewage testing positive again recently for Covid fragments, and with vaccination rates in the Byron LGA amongst the lowest in the State, will this mean Lismore will also be kept longer in lockdown?“We are all waiting with anticipation, but also apprehension, because the decision is based on what’s happening in Sydney and the Government’s data,” Ms Saffin said.“If the lockdown is not lifted, we want the government to clearly explain the reason why not.”Businesses to close “A couple of business people have said to me the restrictions have been too much, for too long and they will shut their businesses down,” Ms Saffin said.“The Government has an obligation to carry people to keep them in a stable state.Optimism diminished“Last year with Jobkeeper and the small business grants, people had a degree of optimism.“But this year, it’s diminished and businesses that have been struggling don’t have any surplus in their kitty thins time around. They are getting through with Jobsaver or small business grants, but it’s a different feeling that is palpable in the community.”Too longLismore Mayor Vanessa Ekins said like Ms Saffin, she too supported the initial “short sharp lockdown” that was introduced five weeks ago when we knew there were some Covid cases fromSydney that had been active in our community. Read more: Local community concerned over Nimbin close contacts “But five weeks is too long when there have been no cases here,” she said.“Now we need businesses to open and kids should go back to school and interact with their peers and teachers.Business downturn“In Lismore, there’s been a 50 to 80% business downturn and that’s just the ones still open.“There’s no rationale to keep us locked down – and keeping us in extended lockdown will reduce people’s willingness to do it in future.Losing willingness“You need everyone’s cooperation to make lockdown work and the Doherty modelling shows even if we get 80% of the population vaccinated, we will still need lockdowns when outbreaks occur.“The recent Byron Covid fragments are just an indicator - maybe it was just someone passing through doing service delivery. There were some found a few weeks before and we had no community cases reported.“Covid is here to stay, so we need to make sure people have trust – and if they should get tested if they have any symptoms, wear masks and be ready for more lockdowns.”Covid statisticsYesterday there were 1,480 locally acquired cases in NSW1136 are in hospital, 194 in ICU and 78 are on ventilation. Of them, 158 were not vaccinated.

No cases in Lismore, but NSW records new record high
No cases in Lismore, but NSW records new record high

03 September 2021, 3:21 AM

In good news for our region, there are no new confirmed cases of Covid-19 in residents of Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD).But, it’s a different story across the rest of NSW, with a new record high of 1,431 Covid cases reported yesterday.Twelve deaths were also reported, including a Sydney woman in her 30s who died at home after being tested for Covid the previous day. She was not vaccinated.At the NSW Covid update conference today, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said she expects the next two weeks will see this outbreak peak across NSW.“The next fortnight is likely to be our worst in terms of the number of cases," she said."September and October will be the most challenging because we will be dealing with extra hospitalisations and extra ICU hospitalisations."But we're also going through both the exciting but challenging time of opening up."Ms Berejiklian said she understood there were issues with having enough vaccine supplies to get everyone vaccinated.“We are working with the Prime Minister day and night to get more,” she said.Local testing rates downIn the Northern Rovers area, NNSWLHD Acting Chief Executive, Lynne Weir reported that last week (August 22-28), there were 6,712 Covid tests conducted among local residents – it was less than the previous week’s numbers of more than 10,000 tests.Ms Weir urged people to continue to come forward for testing if they have even mild symptoms.  “When it comes to helping us find and respond to any new cases, testing is our best method,” she said. “High rates of testing are critical to detecting transmission and preventing further spread of COVID-19 in the community. “If you are thinking it might be better to wait out symptoms, and see what else happens around you before deciding to get a test, please don’t wait.”“Like any health issue, it’s easier to treat and manage COVID-19, the quicker you receive a diagnosis, so we really encourage people to get tested quickly if they do feel unwell.” Symptoms of COVID-19 can include a runny nose, scratchy or sore throat, cough, fever, shortness of breath, headache, tiredness, loss of taste or smell, nausea, diarrhoea or muscle aches. There are more than 475 COVID-19 testing clinics across NSW. To find one near you, visit The District urges those eligible in the community to continue to come fNo cases in Lismore, but NSW records a new record highorward for vaccination. Please check your eligibility and book at https://www.health.gov.au/.

Weddings to go ahead with restrictions - as NSW Covid cases hit record high
Weddings to go ahead with restrictions - as NSW Covid cases hit record high

02 September 2021, 6:07 AM

Don’t call off your wedding yet – because as of tomorrow, Friday, September 3, small wedding ceremonies will be allowed in NSW.New Covid safety rules now means small wedding services will be allowed, but with no gatherings afterwards.Read more news: New Korean dining restaurant opens in lockdownSmall weddings may be held outdoors, but not in domestic households.Premises that can currently be open for a funeral can also be open for a small wedding.Gatherings or receptions following the wedding service are not permitted.Under the Order, a small wedding is a wedding of no more than five guests plus the wedding party (the two people getting married, two witnesses required for the marriage, one person conducting the service, and one person to record the wedding).Wedding restrictionsThere are a number of restrictions concerning who may attend the wedding service:a person who lives in regional NSW can only attend a wedding in Greater Sydney if they are part of the wedding party or the parent, child or sibling of one of the persons getting married;a person who lives in Greater Sydney cannot attend a wedding service, as part of the wedding party or as a guest, outside of Greater Sydney;a person who lives in Greater Sydney, but not in an area of concern, can only attend a wedding in an area of concern if they are part of the wedding party or the parent, child or sibling of one of the persons getting married;a person who lives in an area of concern can only attend a wedding outside the area of concern in which they live if they are part of the wedding party or the parent, child or sibling of one of the persons getting married.Record number of casesThe good news about weddings comes after a record number of Covid cases were reported yesterday in NSW, with 1288 cases of community transmission, and seven deaths. Of the hospitalised Covid cases in NSW, 160 are in ICU and 64 require ventilation.Over the last two days, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has continued to elaborate on what the future might would like as restrictions ease over the next few weeks.MilestoneToday, the Premier announced that NSW is first State to hit the 70% first dose vaccination milestone.“Thanks to people for hearing the messages and coming forward to get vaccinated,” she said.With the target of having 70% of the population fully vaccinated by mid-October arriving faster than hoped, Ms Berejiklian forsees an opening up of international travel for Australians by November - once vaccination rates reach 80%.“Then we can welcome as many Australians home as possible to join their loved ones here in Australia for a happy Christmas,” she said.FreedomsOther freedoms we can expect if vaccination targets are reached include being able to have a meal out or go to a ticketed event.“At 70%, the freedoms are for fully vaccinated people only,” she said.“It is safer for a family to have a meal in a restaurant than having non vaccinated visitors in their own home who may not be vaccinated.”The Premier said that the national plan for the way forward to opening up the country again is being formulated.Once opened up again, she said there will still be restrictions such as: density requirements, QR codes check ins, validation of vaccination and mask wearing some restrictions.“But compared to life now, it will be much better,” she said.NSW/Qld border bubbleWhen it came to the NSW and Queensland border bubble, the Premier placed the responsibility on the Queensland Government.“We know that in Northern NSW, there have been barely any cases in months and that both sides of the border live as one community,” she said.“I hope the Queensland Government considers this and shows compassion and pragmatism."National road mapWith the national road map now under formulation to show the way to open the country back up out of lockdown, Mr Berejiklian said she hopes the States pull together and stick to the national plan, because eventually, every State will have to live and deal with Covid.Local cases Northern NSW Local Health District reported yesterday there are no new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in local district residents. With regard to the areas of concern in Casino, a spokesperson said further investigations revealed that a visitor from outside the District was not a positive COVID-19 case and was notinfectious in the Casino area as originally advised. Read more: Northern NSW LHD declare Casino COVID case was not infectious“Comprehensive contact tracing has established that this person acquired their infection in the days after leaving Northern NSW on Saturday 21 August, upon returning to Sydney.“There is no risk to the community from this person’s presence in the region.“Public Health teams take a precautious approach to risk and possible exposure sites when a case is first identified during initial investigations.  “We appreciate the community’s responsiveness in the wake of these concerns.  “A significant number of people have been tested today at Muli Muli Aboriginal Community. In light of the current COVID-19 outbreak in broad regions of the state, this increased testing is a positive step.  Sewage surveillanceAs part of the ongoing sewage surveillance program providing an extra layer of warning for any undetected cases across NSW, additional sewage treatment plants are being included in the testing program from this week, including sites in Alstonville, Wardell, Evans Head, Coraki, Woodenbong and Kyogle.  NNSWLHD said it will continue to review targeted sites in collaborating with local councils and the NSW Health water unit.  Any positive detections of fragments are reported through the daily NSW Heath updates and online at https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/stats-nsw.aspx.

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