Pet cats and dogs cannot get coronavirus - that's the message from Animal Rights and Rescue (AARG) Group’s rescue centre manager Suzanne Lavis.In other places, people have been dumping pets due to misguided fears from their owners, but luckily in Lismore, that's not the case. However, the numbers of pets being surrendered to AARG on a daily basis hasn’t decreased and the community service is still receiving six to seven ‘surrender’ phone calls a day, as well as experiencing a reduction in financial donations.VolunteersSuzanne also said the already stretched volunteer-run service is about to find itself short of volunteers as the coronavirus situation develops. Fifth case of coronavirus confirmed in Northern Rivers“We just received a call from TAFE advising that all their student placements have been suspended, due to insurance company concerns relating to Covid-19,” Suzanne said. “So, we may find ourselves very short of volunteers from next Monday. Due to this shortage of volunteers, we may have to stop the number of new animals we can take into care.”Suzanne said that many of the people who call AAEG looking to find new homes for their pets have situations that can be rectified without having to surrender their animals.Dog strategies“Someone might ring saying their dog keeps escaping or chewing things and help them work out what’s going on,” she said. “Maybe there’s been a change in the family, or a new child arrives which can be affecting the animal’s behaviour, or someone has taken in a headstrong dog that isn’t right for their family. “We ask people to call back if the suggested strategies don’t work, and can recommend dog trainers who can help.While Winter is a quieter time for the numbers of cats being surrendered (due to them not breeding), Suzanne said it’s not just dogs and cats, but chickens, goats, sheep and pigs that are being surrendered.“When the Lismore Pound gets full, they transfer animals to Ballina and call us and ask to help,” Suzanne said. “We can squeeze in a couple more little dogs, but it’s harder with bigger dogs."DonationsSuzanne said AARG have noticed money donations have dropped dramatically since floods, fires and now coronavirus has impacted on the local area. “We are struggling financially to pay our vet bills,” she said. “This month one vet bill alone cost us $5,000.“It’s getting harder and it would be great if someone had time to do some fundraising for us. Crisis pens needed“We have some crisis pens we’d like to finish building for elderly or homeless dogs who we are minding until we can sort something out. If we had more pens, we could have helped more animals caught in fire and floods.”AARG rescues and rehabilitates (mostly) domestic animals and has been providing a service to the people and animals of the Lismore area for 25 years.The service, based in Lismore Industrial Estate also helps look after animals if people go into hospital, jail or overseas, nursing homes, hospices, we can also help them too.The service is 100% no kill and all animals up for adoption have been rehabilitated, desexed and microchipped. Help out or adoptIf you want to help out in any way with AARG, whether volunteering to care for animals or help raise money, visit the website https://www.animalrights.org.au AARG also has a number of animal in care needing homes, such as Calvin the dog (pictured above). If you'd like to adopt him, visit https://www.animalrights.org.au/pets/1701/CALVIN

The streets of Lismore have been quiet over the last few days, with fewer shoppers than ever venturing out into the CBD.It’s a tough time for local retailers, as the people of Lismore isolate themselves and stay away from public spaces in the midst of the coronavirus situation. The Lismore App reported yesterday that local cafe the French Bench closed its doors this week due to a downturn in customers who are bunkering down at home.The French Bench closes in coronavirus downturnSo, we decided to see what was going on in other businesses in Lismore, with the take away message from local retailers being: please keep coming in and shopping local.The Garden PlateOwner of Garden Plate café on Magellan Street, Vanessa MacMullen, said she had already cut back staff hours due to a downturn in business over the last week.“Everybody has heard that the French Bench has closed down - and that will happen to us if people don’t support us,” Vanessa said.“We are still here after four years in business and we are going to keep going – so don’t forget about us.”Cafe CapelloCafé Capello owner Tony Pilati said he doesn’t subscribe to the “doom and gloom” that’s out there about the virus.“We want to stay positive, so come on down to Café Capello and have a coffee,” Tony said.“Our customers have been great – still coming in and supporting us – they don’t want to see me close the café."Dragonfly CafeDragonfly Café owner Lisa Yacopetti said business had definitely slowed down and wanted to reassure people that café staff are being vigilant with their hygiene protocols.“Please keep supporting local businesses while you can,” Lisa said. “The knock on effects are massive if you don’t.”Keen Street in front of Shoppe One-17. Shoppe One-17Shoppe One-17 on Keen Street has also been quiet this week.Company Director Graeme Palmer said things are “looking a bit scary”.“At this stage, we are expecting to stay open and trade as usual all the while the authorities say it’s OK,” Graeme said.  “I have to say though, takings are well down, and that will mean some changes to costs if we are to survive into 6 months. “If customers aren’t coming in so much, we can close one of our two doors and operate on half the staff.“Of course, we will try and distribute that small salary across our entire roster. “Also, if we receive any cash from the government, we will spend that on salary as well. “If things get super tough, we can close the doors and promote online sales with local free delivery.”The Lismore App wants to remind you to support local businesses at this time. Your patronage keeps the doors open and protects the livelihoods of people in our community.For information about coronavirus, you can visit the Lismore App section: CoronavirusFourth local case of coronavirus confirmedPanic buying runs supermarkets dryMan arrested after assaulting customers and staff at local supermarketCouncil closes Revolve Shop

Richmond District Police have reported a property in Lismore Heights was broken into on Saturday March 14 somewhere between 11am and 10pm.Once inside the offender/s have stolen a small safe containing an amount of cash as well as some unique jewellery.Police are urging anyone with information to contact Lismore Detectives 02 6626 0599 or Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000

A fourth local case of COVID-19 in the Northern New South Wales Local Health District (NNSWLHD) has been confirmed by health authorities.NNSWLHD chief executive Wayne Jones told ABC North Coast this morning that the fourth case was confirmed yesterday evening and that all cases “are doing well”."One is requiring care in hospital but improving dramatically,” Mr Jones told the ABC."The others are self-isolating at home."Mr Jones says there are no specific locations that pose an ongoing risk to the public.ABC North Coast also reported Mr Jones as saying that no further details relating to an individual's location will be made to the public."It's just ensuring that people don't worry about a particular spot,” he said. “That think that geography A is more risky than geography B, therefore I can relax."We want people to be vigilant everywhere they go. So, there's no value in us identifying a particular spot where a patient has turned positive, because that may, by default, make people more relaxed in other areas."If there is a cluster in a certain geographical area, and we believe there would be public benefit in the community knowing, we'll make that call."Meanwhile, NSW Health is alerting passengers who were close contacts of one of the cases on Virgin Australia flight VA1141 from Sydney to Ballina, arriving 10 March 2020.Close contacts were in rows 7 – 11.People are advised to monitor for symptoms, and contact their GP, but call ahead first, or call healthdirect on 1800 022 222, or visit a NSW Health COVID-19 / Flu assessment clinic should they become unwell.

Two days ago the Lismore City Council closed the Lismore library and now the Lismore Revolve Shop is closed indefinitely. David Hanna, Council’s Commercial Services Manager, said the closure was a preventative measure to support the health and wellbeing of the community and staff and volunteers at the Lismore Recycling & Recovery Centre in Wyrallah Road. The Lismore Revolve Shop can have up to 150 customers in a single day, Mr Hanna said, with sometimes lengthy discussions between staff and customers. “Staff do not have the ability to monitor or supervise these numbers of people, who may attend and gather in groups within the shop. The closure will also help Council with resource planning to keep other services up and running," he said. “Council has decided that closing the shop now is a sensible precautionary measure aimed at protecting community members and staff, and slowing the spread of the virus within the community. The safety of our communities, customers and employees is our top priority.” Council has also implemented some changed practices at the Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) bulk collection centre to minimise person-to-person contact. After a short closure period this week to implement these measures, the CDS bulk collection centre returned to service this afternoon. “We ask that customers work with the interim arrangements at the centre, and follow instructions from facility staff so the centre is able to continue operating,” Mr Hanna said. Council has also closed the Lismore and Goonellabah Libraries until further notice. Community members can still access services via the eLibrary online at www.rtrl.nsw.gov.au or via the Richmond Tweed Library app. If you have enquiries, phone Lismore Library on 6621 2464 or Goonellabah Library on 6625 1235.  Lismore City Council will continue to communicate any changes to facilities or services as the COVID-19 (coronavirus) situation unfolds. Ongoing updates are available at www.lismore.nsw.gov.au.For all health advice, information and resources, go to www.health.gov.au.

Panic buying is seeing food supplies in Lismore run out by the end of the day with many shelves empty.These photos were taken at Coles and Woolworths Goonellabah and Aldi Lismore yesterday.(photo Mark Bailey)The Northern Rivers has three confirmed cases of Coronavirus which, according to Northern NSW Health, was contracted from overseas travel and not from local community transmission.Is it Crowd Psychology at work again? Where people act out an irrational fear after watching and hearing other people act a certain way. Or is it a result of legitimate stockpiling of basic food items in the family home in case Coronavirus causes a food shortage? Only time will tell.To try and ease the food shortage Lismore City Council has removed all restrictions, delivery curfews and planning constraints on supermarket loading bays to help them meet current demand in the wake of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.The move is consistent with current government advice.“We are trying to proactively respond to the current surge in demand, which is expected to last at least several weeks,” Lismore Mayor Isaac Smith said.“This will assist with restocking shelves more quickly and increase the public’s confidence. This is an unprecedented health event and we need to work together as a community during these challenging times.”The real solution lies in all of us, do not panic buy. Shop normally and there will be enough food and basic items for everyone.

A man has been arrested following an investigation into an assault of staff and shoppers at a supermarket in Lismore yesterday.About 3.30pm (Tuesday 17 March 2020), police received reports a man assaulted multiple people after becoming agitated when he was unable to find items he wanted to buy in the Coles supermarket at Lismore Square.It is alleged the man pushed his trolley into two women, believed to be aged in their 70s, knocking one to the ground. He then then pinned a 45-year-old female store attendant against the shelving and punched her in the face and chest.The store manager and a security guard approached the man and were also allegedly assaulted, before the man was removed from the premises.The 45-year-old woman sustained bruising and swelling to her left jaw, bruising and swelling to her left forearm, a small laceration to her left forearm, stiffness to her neck, bruising to her chest but declined medical assistance.The two older women left the store without leaving their details and it’s unknown if they were injured.Following a public appeal, a 63-year-old man was arrested by officers from Richmond Police District on Nimbin Road, North Lismore and taken to Lismore Police Station.Inquiries are continuing, and charges are expected to be laid.Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

Southern Cross University will deliver all its study programs online as of next Monday, March 23, while its campuses remain open.Vice Chancellor Professor Adam Shoemaker announced the move today as a response to the continuing impacts of the COVID-19 crisis. “We have made this move in the best interests of our students and our teaching staff,” Professor Shoemaker said. “While every degree that we offer will now be available online, all of our campuses remain open.” This includes Lismore, Coffs Harbour and Gold Coast regional campuses, as well as metropolitan campuses in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.   All teaching will convert to the online mode by Monday March 23, 2020. “Unless otherwise advised, classes will be delivered online at the same time that face-to-face classes would have occurred. Students timetables will not change, but how they engage with classes will,” Professor Shoemaker said. “Some activity which cannot be undertaken online — such as clinical placements in Health and Teaching practicums—will continue unless otherwise advised.  “If, however, a site at which students are undertaking a placement closes they should contact the University on SCUassist@scu.edu.au for support. “While essential campus facilities remain available, we are reducing every risk we can identify. “The University is in close and constant communication with state and federal health authorities and responding as appropriate.  Significant measures undertaken include:• Graduation ceremonies scheduled between now and until July 1 have been cancelled.• International Travel has stopped. Domestic Travel is severely curtailed.  • Enhanced our cleaning protocols across the campuses.• The Gold Coast Virtual Gym and Coffs Harbour Gym will be closed from today until further notice.• SCU Fitness Centre and Pool at Lismore will remains open with reduced opening hours of 6 am to 8 pm. Additional staffing will ensure equipment is cleaned on a regular basis.All fitness centre patrons will be required to clean all equipment they use with the disinfectant wipes available throughout the gym and make use of the hand sanitiser provided at the front desk when they enter and leave the premises. Anyone who is unwell is asked to rest at home and leave their training until they are healthy and well again.   “There are currently no identified cases of COVID-19 at Southern Cross University,” Professor Shoemaker said.“But we remain vigilant and aware of the highly contagious nature of this virus.”Read more: Third local case of coronavirus confirmed

A third confirmed case of COVID-19 has been recorded today in the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD). North Coast Public Health Unit acting director Dr Jane Jelfs said this case is among the 267 total cases recorded for NSW so far.“As with the other two cases recorded within the NNSWLHD, this case was acquired overseas, and is not the result of local community transmission,” she said. “The individual is self-isolating, and the North Coast Public Health Unit has already followed up close contacts of the case. “No further details relating to the individual’s location will be made public at this time. There are no locations that pose an ongoing risk to members of the public. “We can also confirm that all close contacts of the previous two recorded cases in NNSWLHD have been identified, contacted and followed up by Public Health officers. “NSW Health COVID-19 / Flu assessment clinics are up and running across the state however, we stress these clinics are for those most at risk with respiratory symptoms or fever, those returning from overseas or in contact with a COVID-19 case, or people like our health workers. People without symptoms do not need to be tested.”Large indoor gatherings bannedThe third case of coronavirus in the local area coincides with Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s announcement today that non-essential indoor gatherings of over 100 people are now banned. Outdoor gatherings of 500 people or more were banned on the weekend as the federal government tries to curb the spread of the disease.The ban does not apply to essential activities such as public transportation facilities, medical and health care facilities, pharmacies and emergency service facilities.Also exempt are correctional facilities, courts, Parliaments, food markets, supermarkets and grocery stores, shopping centres, office buildings, factories, construction sites, and mining sites. Settings like gyms, indoor fitness centres and swimming pools are also not required to close, providing they meet standard requirements for social distancing and cleaning. These standards include being able to maintain a distance of 1.5 metres between patrons; as well as having hand hygiene products and suitable waste receptacles available, with frequent cleaning and waste disposal.PM Morrison said government was considering more guidance and rules for non-essential indoor gatherings of fewer than 100 people (including staff) in places such as cinemas, theatres, restaurants/cafes, pubs, clubs, weddings and funerals. Disability and aged care centres are exempt from the ban, but are subject to other restrictions, such as a maximum of two immediate social supports being allowed to visit at one time, per day. No school groups of any size will be allowed to visit aged care facilities.Schools will remain open, with Prime Minister Scott Morrison pointing to Singapore as an example."In Singapore they have been quite effective in managing and limiting the transmission of this virus in that country," he told reporters in Canberra.Mr Morrison praised employers who had ensured employees were working from home during the pandemic.Travel adviceAustralia has upgraded its international travel advice to the highest level, with all citizens being told not to travel overseas because of coronavirus.Prime Minister Morrison said it was the first time travel advice has been escalated to "do not travel" abroad."Do not go overseas. That is very clear, that instruction," he told reporters in Canberra on Wednesday."For those who are thinking of going overseas in the school holidays, don't. Don't go overseas."Mr Morrison said the biggest risk of spreading the disease had been from Australians returning from overseas."It is very important that Australians do not travel abroad at this time," the Prime Minister said.He said the ban on travel was indefinite, noting other countries had similar restrictions on arrivals.Read more: The French Bench closes in coronavirus downturnSouthern Cross University changes to online modeNORPA and Lismore Gallery suspend public programsCoronavirus

The French Bench café in Lismore’s Mathers Arcade on Woodlark Street, is closed.After three years of running the alleyway café, owner Julien Duland said he closed the café today as a result of a downturn in business, as more people are staying home and “bunkering down” in the midst of the coronavirus situation.“Today, I’m giving the food away and my staff are packing up the business,” Julien said. “It’s costing me too much to run the business and our sales have slowed to the point that we can’t keep the cafe open. “It shows us that the community of people we love have taken the news of this virus seriously and are all bunkering down and staying safe. “From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for the incredible amount of support you have all shown our business over the years. “Your support has helped our family provide a good life for our three kids and we are so grateful for that. “Thank you Lismore - we love you and please everybody, stay safe and look after one another while we get through this crisis together.”Julien said he is not sure what he will do next, but will “wait and see what happens”.“Nobody really knows – it’s hitting the Lismore CBD hard and other businesses are affected too,” he said.

With our local electorate area having some of the highest melanoma rates in NSW, people living with advanced melanoma will benefit from new and expanded treatment options on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). The current PBS listing of Opdivo® (nivolumab) has been expanded to include adjuvant treatment of completely resected stage IIIB, IIIC, IIID and stage IV malignant melanoma. Opdivo® is a breakthrough immunotherapy which works by blocking proteins and helping the body’s own immune system to find, attack and destroy cancer cells. Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said the patients in the Page electorate will benefit. “It is estimated more than 1,500 patients might otherwise pay more than $100,000 per course of treatment without the PBS subsidy,” Mr Hogan said. “These significant expansions will provide melanoma patients with a new breakthrough form of treatment, with less side effects and a greater chance of recovery.” “Price reductions put more money back in Australian’s pockets. Patients will save and taxpayers will save.” The Government is also expanding the listing of Opdivo® and Yervoy® (nivolumab and ipilimumab) to allow use as a first-line therapy in the treatment of BRAF V600 mutant positive Stage III or Stage IV unresectable or metastatic melanoma. Each of these listings has been recommended by the independent Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee. Since 2013, the Australian Government has listed more than 2,300 new or amended listings on the PBS. This represents an average of around 30 listings or amendments per month – or one each day – at an overall investment by the Government of $10.9 billion.

The arts and creative industries are feeling the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation as NORPA and Lismore Regional Gallery announced this afternoon that all public performances and programs are suspended or cancelled until further notice.NORPAA statement from NORPA announced that all performances at NORPA and Lismore City Hall between now and April 30 have been cancelled or postponed, and new dates for shows will be confirmed in the future by email and social media.Following is a list of affected performances: Postponed – new dates to be confirmedRoss Noble | Tues 24 March 2020; Backbone | Fri 27 & Sat 28 March 2020; Taylor Henderson | Sat 18 April 2020; and World of Musicals | Sun 17 May 2020. CancelledSleeping Beauty | Mon 30 & Tues 31 March 2020; and The Choir of Man | Fri 3 April 2020. The NORPA Box Office will make contact with ticket purchasers for the cancelled performances via email and/or phone. “We'll be in touch with ticket purchasers for postponed performances when new dates are confirmed, which we expect to happen in the coming weeks”, a NORPA statement said. “This is a very challenging time for NORPA, arts workers and the wider industry. “If you’re able, you can support us by choosing a gift voucher for future use or a tax-deductible contribution instead of a refund. Your generosity and support will help NORPA survive beyond this extraordinary scenario. “Theatre connects us and nurtures community. As we navigate our way through this precarious time for NORPA and the wider arts community, we appreciate and thank you for your support."Lismore Regional GalleryLismore Regional Gallery exhibition space is still open, but public programs in the Gallery and the Quad are suspended until further notice.This includes upcoming exhibition openings, the Dorian Gary performance, Renjie Teoh workshop, Biennale of Sydney public talk, Thursday Night Live, Hannah Cabinet openings, our very first Quick Draw Club (sad emoji) and the Lismore Youth Festival. Quad program Tai Chi will be cancelled until further notice.Lismore Regional Gallery director Brett Adlington said existing ticket holders for workshops will receive a refund if the event is not going ahead, or for those people taking part in our after-school workshops – a partial refund.“At this stage we will remain open to the general public, but given the shifting nature of this event, full closure of the gallery may be a likely scenario,” Mr Adlington said.“We will naturally advise if this eventuates.“We will be working with some of our partners to investigate delivering aspects of our programming remotely.“These are very peculiar times as we all navigate our way through this together. While our day to day lives are being impacted upon – please remember the power of the arts. “Read, watch movies, play music, dance, share stories (and don’t forget to exercise!). Also think about those artists who will be dramatically affected by this situation. “So many will be doing it tough in the coming months, so please assist where you can so that we can all bounce back to keep our culture alive.”Other cancellations and closures in Lismore:Relay For Life postponed to later in the yearFriends of Koala cancel toursPublic libraries to close for two weeks Gemfest, Speedway and Rochdale Theatre - the latest cancellationsCoronavirus - what is happening to our local events?Coronavirus

While koalas in care at Friends of the koala (FoK) may be in the clear when it comes to coronavirus, their human carers are making sure that they stay well enough to keep caring for koalas. FoK has announced that tours of its Lismore Koala Care Centre next to Southern Cross University (SCU), are cancelled indefinitely.  FoK president Ros Irwin said FoK has listened to the advice of experts and are in the process of putting in place a number of measures to protect our staff, volunteers and members of the public from possible contagion.  “We have a number of volunteers who are in the high risk category and our tours are attended by many international visitors, so in the interests of protecting everyone and still being able to continue our work with koalas, we have cancelled our tours,” she said.“We are close to SCU and we know the virus is here – and we are not panicking.“We have a responsibility to make sure we have enough people available to carry out the care for koalas.“We prepared for the fires and this is another thing we are doing to make sure we can keep on doing it.”

"After much deliberation I need to inform you that the Lismore & Villages Relay for Life scheduled for the 28th and 29th March has been postponed due the current health situation surrounding covid-19".This was the expected message that has become official from Leanne Thompson, the Chairperson for Lismore & Villages Relay For Life.At least it is not cancelled, so the many teams that have registered, trained and raised much needed funds for the Cancer Council will have the opportunity to complete their 18 hour walk, which will now be later in the year.Leanne told The Lismore App, "we are just waiting on confirmation from Southern Cross University, then we can release a date in the coming weeks".The major raffle draw that will be drawn on Sunday March 29 will still be drawn in line with Government regulations.First prize is a Toyota Yaris valued at $19,965 from Lismore Toyota. You still have time to enter with tickets available on-line, at Lismore Square or outside of Woolies in Goonellabah this Friday (March 20) and next Friday (March 27).Relay For Life

Night time tennis is about to get easier at East Lismore Tennis Club, after the club received funding to upgrade the court lighting.With a Federal Government grant of $20,000 and an additional $40,000 from the tennis club, the existing lights will be upgraded to LED. Currently the lighting is patchy and it’s difficult for players to see. Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said the old flood lights caused issues for neighbours, who had lights shining into their yards and houses. “High participation rates and a great network of juniors allows competitions to be played five days a week,” Mr Hogan said. “It was great to join members of the East Lismore Tennis Club to announce funding for this project. “Converting to LED court lighting will provide a better playing atmosphere and will save power bills for the club.” “Participation numbers are expected to exceed 400 this year. This upgrade will ensure growth continues.”

Regional libraries will close for two weeks as Member Councils of Richmond Tweed Regional Library take a proactive response to Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation.Regional Library Manger Jo Carmody said the decision to temporarily close all Richmond Tweed Regional Library branches from tomorrow as a preventative measure will support the health and wellbeing of staff, volunteers and the community.Library branches in Lismore City, Ballina, Byron and Tweed Shires, including the Mobile Library, will be closed for two weeks, with the closure reviewed on a week-by-week basis after that.“Councils made this decision as Council has a duty of care to its staff, library users and the community,” Ms Carmody said.The libraries have almost 30,000 visits per week with some of the bigger branches seeing visitor numbers in excess of 600 people per day.Jo stressed that no staff member at any of the libraries had been diagnosed with Coronavirus.“Council has decided that with our high visitor numbers that closing all branches was a precautionary measure aimed at protecting staff, library users and slowing the spread of the virus within the community,” she said.The eLibrary is open with access to books, magazines and audiobooks in downloadable digital formats from the RTRL website or Library App. Any renewals will now be for a six-week period rather than the normal three-week renewal period. Renewals can be made on the website, Library App or by phoning the library.Staff will continue to work during the closures on behind the scenes projects and will be available via phone to answer any library questions, renew items or assist with access to the online eLibrary.

After two cases of coronavirus were confirmed yesterday in the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD), local health authorities are preparing to respond to the health impacts of the virus.Read more: Two COVID-19 confirmed cases in local health districtNNSWLHD chief executive Wayne Jones said elective surgeries were not cancelled, but being reviewed and that “all facilities are planning for a potential increase in presentations of people with respiratory illness over the coming weeks and months, and we’re working with NSW Health to maximise available critical care resources.”Mr Jones said COVID-19/flu clinics are established at Lismore Base Hospital and The Tweed Hospital. “The purpose of these clinics is for people who have respiratory symptoms or fever and who are at risk of COVID-19, for example because they were in contact with a COVID-19 case, or have returned from overseas in the 14 days before onset of symptoms,” he said.“The clinics are open from 10am to 6pm seven days a week at this stage. “People do not need to call ahead to attend these clinics, but if attending an Emergency Department outside these hours, or attending your GP, please phone ahead.“NNSWLHD and North Coast Primary Health Network are sharing information with primary health providers and providing advice and support around testing and ongoing monitoring, as well as conducting daily briefings, and conducting cross-border collaboration with our Queensland Health counterparts. “Our Public Health Unit is also monitoring and following up suspected cases, and contacting close contacts if required.”In line with other public hospitals in NSW, the NNSWLHD will double the Intensive Care Unit capacity in hospitals in Northern NSW to prepare for a significant increase in respiratory presentations to the Emergency Department. “We have not cancelled elective surgery, but are reviewing the need to bring some cases forward, particularly those which may require Intensive Care support, in light of the expected increase in demand for ICU services in the coming weeks. “We’ll continue to monitor our elective surgery lists and make decisions based on the best advice and forward planning scenarios. “We are holding regular weekly staff forums to update staff and clinicians on the latest information and health precautions, and providing additional updates as the situation unfolds. We are providing support to staff in our health facilities, ensuring they follow appropriate infection “control measures, hand hygiene and appropriate use of personal protective equipment (including masks) in addition to standard precautions. “We are providing information and support to staff in forward planning and managing any leave issues that may arise. We are exploring opportunities to source additional and back up staff, in the event that more health “workers are required to assist with medical and nursing care. “Public health measures, such as early case identification and contact tracing, are designed to limit the impact of epidemics and pandemics, by flattening the curve of peak case numbers and lessen the number of people requiring health care during periods of highest demand. “We encourage members of the public to continue with hand-washing and social distancing, and to remain alert to any changing advice from health authorities. “The health response is evolving as the situation unfolds, and as more is learnt about COVID-19.”The NSW Health website contains the most up to date information for the public and health professionals https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/diseases/Pages/coronavirus.aspx You can also call the national Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080.The Lismore App has a dedicated section where you can also find information about Coronavirus

As most people would have expected there are more cancellations and postponements to local events over night and this morning.The annual Gemfest event on at the Lismore Showgrounds has been cancelled for 2020.This is a shame for for organisers as Gemfest was celebrating its 30th year.In a statement on their facebook page, Gemfest said the following;"Due to increased public concern, to protect the health of stakeholders and visitors, and in response to the Prime Minister and COAG’s direction that all organised mass gathering over 500 people to be cancelled, The Lismore Gemfest is cancelled. It is distressing and disappointing to cancel Lismore Gemfest 2020. There are many people who will be very upset by this decision, and this is the first time the Lismore Gemfest has been cancelled.The safety and well-being of our patrons and visitors is paramount and out of precaution, and in consultation with NSW Health, The Lismore Gem & Lapiday Club Inc. has decided this is the best course of action. We appreciate that the cancellation of the Lismore Gemfest is a huge disappointment for our Gem community, particularly exhibitors and visitors from rural and regional NSW who love attending the Show to catch up with friends each year. To our trader's please bare with us as we sort out refunds.We appreciate your understanding and patience as our team works through the logistics and issues that come with cancelling an event of this scale.Our wonderful sponsor Thank You for you support and hope the support continuesWe hope everyone will join us at Lismore Gemfest 15th & 16th 2021".Educating Rita was to be the first stage production of the new season for the Rochdale Theatre starting in three days time, have postponed the season to date to be advised.Publicity Officer Jenny Dowell said "As you can imagine, we are very disappointed but we believe we must listen to advice from medical professionals, care about others and limit everyone’s exposure to potential risk. We assure audiences that Educating Rita will still be our first show of 2020- it will just be a little later than we’d planned. We will announce new dates as soon as possible.We appreciate the ongoing support we receive from our community and look forward to your continued patronage in safer times".Last night promoter David Lander of the Lismore Speedway suspended all future events until further notice. David told the Lismore App "I would hope to conduct the remaining meetings after March for our season, but right now there is no guarantee that will happen". Coronavirus sees Lismore Speedway racing suspended indefinitelyMeeting this week to confirm postponements or cancellations is Relay For Life and the iconic Lismore Lantern Parade.The Lismore App has a Coronavirus button which gives you direct and easy access to the NSW Health website as well as a list of postponed or cancelled events Coronavirus.

Crowd numbers were significantly down at this year’s Lismore Eat the Street on Saturday, but organiser Lismore City Council’s tourism and events officer Mitch Lowe said those who came “had a wonderful time”.The impact of coronavirus made itself felt as only 8400 attended this year’s event, compared to 25,000 last year.“The weather was great and people didn’t have to wait as long to line up for food,” Mitch said. “And there were plenty of places to sit, which made it a good experience for those who attended.”Mitch said as well as the event being a great thing for the local community, food providers were happy the event still went ahead and ran smoothly.“Especially when we are facing a time of great uncertainty with any events of over 500 people not proceeding as of today,” Mitch said.As well as providing six hand washing stations with hand sanitiser throughout the site (which were well used by patrons), Mitch said there had been increased wiping down of the site and cleaning procedures.“These measures we put into place to improve health and safety are strategies are ones we should have with gatherings of large numbers of people in any year,” he said.