With the forced closure of so many small businesses in the Lismore area yesterday, the number of people needing access to the government’s business assistance packages is on the increase.  Small to medium businesses who need information on how to access any available assistance can call the government’s extended hours business hotline for advice.The hotline provides targeted information, advice and support for small to medium businesses impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, to fully understand the assistance available to them and their employees. The business hotline contact centre operates seven days a week, from 7am until 11pm and can be phoned on 13 28 46.For more information on the assistance available for businesses, as well as the latest COVID-19 news, updates, and advice from Australian government agencies, visit http://www.business.gov.au and https://www.australia.gov.au

New signs are appearing in the Lismore Base Hospital asking for people's help in reducing the spread of coronavirus through social distancing.Visitors to the hospital will be limited to two (2) per patient.They are also asking for people suffering from a fever or a cold and flu-like symptoms to not enter the hospital. This applies to people who have been over seas in the last fourteen (14) days and those that have been in contact with anyone who has been confirmed with COVID-19 in the last fourteen (14) days.

Lismore City Council has assured residents that essential local Council services such as water supply, sewerage and waste collection will not be affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Local health authority confirms two new cases of Covid-19However, Council has stated there will be significant changes to service delivery to address NSW Government regulations to minimise risks, including the closure of the Regional Art Gallery and Goonellabah Sports and Aquatic Centre.The Lismore Recycling & Recovery Centre in Wyrallah Road is also closed pending a review of procedures for managing waste. It is expected to re-open this week with some new procedures in place to minimise person-to-person contact.The Revolve Shop is closed indefinitely. Members of the public are requested not to bring in goods to the Revolve Shop as there is no storage capability.The Goonellabah Sports and Aquatic Centre and the Lismore Memorial Baths are closed indefinitely.Lismore and Goonellabah libraries are closed but the eLibrary is open, providing access to reading materials in downloadable digital formats from the RTRL website www.rtrl.nsw.gov.au or the Richmond Tweed Library app.The Lismore Regional Gallery is closed indefinitely.The Lismore and Nimbin Visitor Information Centres are closed indefinitely.Lismore City Hall is closed indefinitely.Council depots, such as at Brunswick Street and Wyrallah Road, are closed to public access.The Corporate Centre in Oliver Avenue, Goonellabah, will be closed indefinitely from 4.30pm Monday, 23 March. Some Council staff will continue to work from the building and people can continue to phone Council.Council activities that will continue to operate for the time being are:• Roadworks, with the works program continuing, subject to resources.• The Lismore Airport, with a reduced number of flights.• The Blakebrook Quarry.• Lismore Cemetery and Crematorium, with some new health protocols in place.• Internal departments such as finance, planning and development, IT and HR.Coronavirus false alarm at Lismore Men's Shed

AT midday today pubs, licensed clubs, cafés and restaurants were ordered to close by the latest Federal government regulations to control coronavirus.A quick trip around town revealed a sad trend, life is going to be very tough for all of our local businesses that had indoor dining options.Johnny and Oliver at MoJo Espresso Bar in Goonellabah said they are still open and doing take-away only and by card only so no cash transactions.This was the common theme among all owners of cafés I visited in the next hour throughout Lismore.Blue Kitchen in South Lismore, Raw Energy in North Lismore, Bluey's in Woodlark Street, Café Capello in Carrington Street and the Garden Plate in Woodlark Street. All of these venues are still open and doing take-aways.Blue Kitchen was working on home deliveries in addition to take-aways but needed the final tick of approval from the Health Inspector for Lismore, Carmon Smith.The sad trend I mentioned earlier is that business will be down a predicted 50% in the coming weeks. As you can imagine, if you have rent to pay you need to sell a lot of coffees and take-away lunches to at least pay that figure as well as staff.How sympathetic are landlords going to be? It depends on who your owner is.Johnny and Oliver at MoJo said their landlord has already waived their rent for the coming months while John and Bluey's said he hasn't asked yet but doesn't like his chances.Tony at Café Capello has dropped his lunch prices to encourage people to come and buy their take-away lunches and has changed his opening times to 5:30am to 1pm.When it came to understanding what the federal government is offering in terms of available assistance as part of Scott Morrison's second $66 billion stimulus package, everyone was confused and didn't understand how it would help their businesses stay a float. Most said that was with their accountants.Pubs and licensed clubs like the Gollan, Mary G's, the Civic and Lismore Heights Bowling Club are closed. If they have a bottle shop attached then this is still open and trading.Restaurants are another follow up as most are closed on Mondays anyway. We can tell you that Uncle Lims is closed until further notice.As you just read, life is tough for quite a few business owners as of midday today. We can help.Don't think they are closed they are not. You can ring and order your lunch for pick-up or turn up order and eat outside. The very existence of cafés in our community depends on us and how we support them.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.

Two new cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed within the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) bringing the total to seven today. NNSWLHD Chief Executive Wayne Jones said six of the seven confirmed cases are in self-isolation at home and one case is being cared for in hospital. “In an effort to reduce the spread of the virus throughout the community, hospitals have introduced new measures that now restrict visitors to all hospitals to two per patient,” he said.“This is an evolving situation, and this advice may change at short notice.”Council closes facilities but assures essential servicesThree COVID-19/flu clinic are currently established at Lismore Base Hospital, The Tweed Hospital and Grafton Base Hospital - and are open from 10am to 6pm daily. “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,” Mr Jones said.“It is vital that these respiratory clinics are not overwhelmed with people who are not in the high risk groups, which could result in delays identifying those most vulnerable.“People without symptoms do not need to be tested.” The symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, headache, runny nose, or shortness of breath. Anyone with symptoms should isolate themselves from others. Coronavirus false alarm at Lismore Men's ShedHospital preparedness Mr Jones said plans were in place to accommodate patients requiring hospitalisation for COVID-19. “We are taking a phased approach, where the first phase of cases will be cared for at Lismore Base Hospital,” Mr Jones said.“If further hospitalisations arise, the second phase of patients would be cared for at The Tweed Hospital, and the third phase at Grafton Base Hospital if required. “These plans include the separation of COVID-19 patients from other Intensive Care patients within the unit. “All hospitals in NNSWLHD have the capacity to care for some level of COVID-19 illness if required. All our hospitals operate as part of a connected network, and patients will be cared for at the facility that meets the level of treatment they require. “Hospitals have strict infection control and hygiene practices, and we have already implemented additional precautions in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. “Other patients and visitors are not at any additional risk when visiting a hospital that is caring for patients with COVID-19. ““Visitors, carers and family members should speak with the nurse in charge about any extenuating circumstances. “We are again urging people to practice social distancing, and self-isolation where required. “Identification and isolation of contacts is a critical measure that limits the spread of COVID-19. Compliance with self-isolation by all contacts and returned travellers is essential.”When social distancing actions are combined with good personal hygiene measures the spread of an epidemic through the community can be slowed. “This helps protect the most vulnerable members of the community. It also reduces the impact of the epidemic on essential, life-saving health services by reducing the size of the peak of the epidemic so health services can continue to provide high quality care to all patients. “Everybody must play their part. For advice and information about COVID-19 visit http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/diseases/Pages/coronavirus.aspx 

It’s a difficult situation when you are told by someone that they have Corvid-19 and you’ve been in contact with them. That’s what happened to Lismore Men and Community Shed president Bob Grieg.Despite false rumours circulating on Facebook and other media sites today that Men’s Shed members have the virus, Bob wants to set the record straight.“One of the Men’s Shed members reckons he had it and told me he got a blood test – and the results came back overnight saying he was on the lower end of the scale,” Bob told the Lismore App. “So, I went to the hospital to get tested and told the doctor what the guy had told me.“The doctor said the test for coronavirus was not a blood test, it was a nasal swab test and it takes three days for the results to come back. There's no scale - you either have it, or not.“Then the doctor said he wasn’t sure if I needed to be tested if I hadn’t actually been in contact with a confirmed case of coronavirus – and he wouldn’t test me.“So I went home and have decided to self-isolate for 14 days and start wearing a mask.”When asked why he thought someone might tell him they had coronavirus, Bob said he thought it was because the person was trying to “big note” himself and “get sympathy”.“So I shut the shed as a precautionary measure because there is a lot of older people who use it,” Bob said.“I’m 60 odd years old and have respiratory issues so I thought I’d play it safe and stay at home. “I posted on the Men’s Shed Facebook page saying that we’ve had one confirmed case and for your safety and protection I have closed the shed – but I’m going to put up another update now.“I care about the people that come to the Men’s Shed that we help with flat packs – and all that work has ceased for at least 14 days while we reassess.”Council closes facilities but assures essential servicesLocal health authority confirms two new cases of Covid-19New owner of Dragonfly still smiling through cafe crackdownPubs, clubs, restaurants, cafés will close today

It’s the first day of his running Dragonfly cafe and new owner Angus O’Neill is still smiling, despite the mandate from the Federal Government that all cafes can serve takeaway food and drinks only.Pubs, clubs, restaurants, cafés will close todayAngus said he and his mother are long time Lismore locals who decided to take on Dragonfly Café because they love the place and had been coming to it for years to drink their coffee.“It’s unfortunate timing that this has all happened because of coronavirus on our first day of trading as new owners,” Angus said. But Angus has a plan to keep the customers happy and drinking their coffee, even if they can’t have it on the premises.“We are offering a door to car service and people can make payment over the phone, so there’s no cross contamination of cash," he said.“We also have a new menu with lower prices, and people can order multiple meals for the day or week.“We won’t have as many staff in the restaurant, so that allows us to reduce the price.“We are looking to see it through and looking to keep on as many staff as we can with the subsidies offered by the government.“It will be difficult, but we will push through and try our best.“We will do whatever we can to make sure our customers are getting the service they want.One of the new offerings on the Dragonfly coffee menu is a ’21 gram’ coffee.“It’s more coffee and more bang for your buck,” Angus said. “There more cream and flavour to the coffee. It’s more like what you might expect in top cafes in Laigon Street in Melbourne.“It’s a small extra cost to us, but we won’t be passing that extra cost on to customers. We just want to make sure everybody is enjoying their coffee.”Dragonfly will continue to be open Monday to Friday 7am-5pm, Saturday 7am-2.30pm and Sunday 7.30am-2pm. You can phone them on 6622 6556.

Last night the Prime Minister Scott Morrison put tighter restrictions on places of gathering which will affect a great deal of businesses in CBD's throughout the 2480 postcode.From midday today pubs, licensed clubs, cafés, restaurants, gyms and indoor sporting facilities, cinemas and places of worship will be closed.Restaurants and cafés can operate only via take-away while drive-through bottle shops attached to a pub will continue to operate.The Prime Minister said it is important that these measure are taken to slow the rapid transmission of coronavirus within our communities. He went on to say that social distancing is our biggest weapon against coronavirus.Schools will remain open until the end of term and will re-open for term two if the advice from Medical Officers supports that decision.Parents can keep their children at home if they choose to but the Prime Minister said "It is not an excuse for kids to go down the shopping centre," the PM says, issuing a warning to parents that kids should not be out putting others at risk.While this affects quite a few businesses in the CBD like the Gollan, Mary G's and the Rous Hotel to Café Capello, La Casita and Lanna Pad Thai there are quite a few businesses that remain open for business and are in need of our support.Retail stores like Living Entertainment, Shoes On Magellan remain open. Mechanics, plumbers, banks, lawyers, accountants and beauticians also remain open.The two words that we ask of you at this time is to "Shop Local" and support the businesses that not only employ locals but where the profits remain in our community.The Lismore App has a list of these clients on our main page buttons through Retail/Shopping, Health & Beauty, Automotive, Trades, Services, Home Improvements, Farming Ag, Cars for Sale and Real Estate.Yes, we want you to purchase from the clients that support us and yes, there are more local businesses for you to buy goods and services from. The point is buy local.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.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has announced her government will move to shut down “non-essential” services over the next 48 hours due to the increasing number of infections from the coronavirus COVID-19.“Schools will be open tomorrow, though I will have more to say on this issue in the morning,” Berejiklian said.Berejiklian will take her plan for a NSW-wide shutdown in the next 48 hours, bar essential services, to Federal Government tonight.“Supermarkets, petrol stations, pharmacies, convenience stores, freight and logistics, and home delivery will be among the many services that will remain open,” Berejiklian said in the statement, meaning that restaurants, bars, cafes, pubs and retail stores will be forced to shut.Banks announce deferral on loan repayments Pirlos shelves re-stocked after crazy panic shoppingNSW Health at 8pm last night confirmed 97 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the state’s tally to 533. The age bracket with the most cases of coronavirus is in the 30-39 years bracket.There are 1316 confirmed cases across Australia with five confirmed cases in the Northern Rivers. All confirmed cases are in self-isolation and currently stable, Northern NSW Local Health District today said in a statement."NNSWLHD is continuing to work closely with our staff, North Coast Primary Health Network, and local GPs, to ensure we have appropriate measures in place for an effective health response to COVID-19."Testing for COVID-19 is continuing in facilities within NNSWLHD, including COVID-19 flu clinics which have been established at Lismore Base Hospital and The Tweed Hospital. We are considering opening an assessment clinic at Grafton Base Hospital later this week."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. It is vital that these respiratory clinics are not overwhelmed with people who are not in the high risk groups, which could result in delays identifying those most vulnerable."People without symptoms do not need to be tested."The symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, headache, runny nose, or shortness of breath. Anyone with symptoms should isolate themselves from others.NSW Health is urging people to practice social distancing."When social distancing actions are combined with good personal hygiene measures the spread of an epidemic through the community can be slowed. This helps protect the most vulnerable members of the community. It also reduces the impact of the epidemic on essential, life-saving health services by reducing the size of the peak of the epidemic so health services can continue to provide high quality care to all patients. Everybody must play their part," NSW Health said.There is a National Cabinet meeting tonight that involves all the Prime Minister, Premiers and Chief Ministers to determine how to best implement emergency restrictions like those across many European countries."We had scheduled our next meeting to focus on the issue of further and stronger measures to deal with local outbreaks within state jurisdictions," Prime Minister Scott Morrison said.In other national news, the 2020 AFL premiership has been officially postponed, with clubs informed of the shutdown.

Australian banks announced today (20 March) that they will help small businesses affected by COVID-19 to get through the current crisis.A relief package announced by the Australian Banking Association will defer repayments for six months on small business loans.Banks are already reaching out to customers to offer assistance and the relief package will start rolling out in full on Monday, 23 March.Any small business who has not already been contacted should contact their bank to apply.Read the full Australian Banking Association media release here.

Yes, Pirlos does sell toilet paper. You can only buy it in individually wrapped rolls, but if you are in need because everywhere else has run out, Pirlos Fruit Barn on Union Street, South Lismore could be your saviour.Pirlos owner Suzanne Singh-Dhesi said on Tuesday this week, the shelves of her local business were empty after a rush of panic buying from customers.“We had nothing left - no pasta or nuts or jars on the shelf,” she said.“Our staff have been working until 11.30pm each night, unloading deliveries and re-stocking the shelves.“People have gone crazy shopping in the threat of coronavirus.Plenty of pasta on the shelves of Pirlos.“Once Woolworths, Coles and Aldi have nothing left, people are thinking about where else they can buy things and they start thinking about local businesses like us. “Big supermarkets are making out it’s Armageddon - they are scaring people rather than calming them down.“People should realise that groceries are not going to stop, they are just dwindling in. Australia is just beginning its quarantine and we haven’t caught up to other countries yet. China is back in production now and will start manufacturing and exporting again.“We might be in quarantine for a while and the unknown is scaring people.”Suzanne reassures people that Pirlos is still receiving deliveries from Italy every few weeks of Italian pasta and other specialty staples, and will not run out of stock.She said other local business owners that sell fruit, vegetables and staples are sticking together and supporting each other in the midst of these unusual times – and she encourages the people in Lismore to support them - not to just give their money to the large supermarkets.“Here people are lucky we still have a few family businesses that stay afloat – Tropicana owner Alex is Greek, Frank from Lombardos is Italian and in Pirlos, we are Indian," she said. “We are all from families that have been there for generations. We’ve been friends for many years and we help each other out. “Just because we are in opposition doesn’t mean we can’t help each other. “Sometimes I get a pallet of stock and if their stuff has been left behind, I’ll help them out and we work together – whereas big companies like Aldi, Woolies and Coles are greedy. “With local businesses like us, the money people spend stays here.”In Goonellabah, Joan Lombardo said she has enough stock of fruit and veg for the rest of the week and will get more stock on their weekly delivery.Joan and her late husband started Lombardo in 1973 and have been in the same location on Ballina Road.If you do shop at the big supermarkets and items are running out, here are two very good local options that will keep you in stock for fruit and veg.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.You can read more about Pirlos and Suzanne's story in this week's Sunday Profile on The Lismore App.

With indoor events restricted to under 100 people and outside events to 500, it does make it difficult to fill an article for what is on this weekend.Firstly, the weekend weather should be the best we have experienced for about 8 weeks. Maximums of 29 and 30 degrees say the BOM with a 10% chance of rain on Sunday so basically a 'bottler' of a weekend in store Weather.The Lismore Farmers Markets are running as usual but under certain restrictions outlined below.1 a strict 450 people at any time policy2 no Mayfields Kitchen as we are not serving food3 throw away cups for coffee. Do NOT bring your own cup.4 no tables and chairs5 a strict no shaking hands policy6 hand sanitisers on entry7 toilet facilities only available for stall holdersWe also ask that immediately you have purchased your local produce and supported local farmers you exit the market.These are difficult times and we thank you for your support.Please check back here as Government directives could change things without notice.The Blue Knob Markets will be open tomorrow from 8:30am.There is some uncertainty regarding the future of the markets as the Blue Knob Gallery will be closing from Sunday but this will be determined during the week. For now, get along and support local growers.The Josie's Inspiration Charity Golf Day set down for Sunday has been postponed indefinitely. This was a re-scheduled date from February that due to coronavirus is proving impossible to run the event.The Gollan Hotel has some hard rock on tonight with Toecutter, Numskull and Iki-Jima. There are restrictions on numbers as you would expect. The first 99 people get in, this number will then be maintained and includes staff.Insomnia were to be playing at Mary G's but that is no more because all live music has been cancelled at Mary G's until further notice.So, what can we do this weekend?Put the family in the car and experience some of our great walks like Protester Falls, Rocky Creek Dam, Minyon Falls or Mount Matheson loop. The rain has the water flowing and the re-growth following the devastating bushfires is strong and something to see. Check out all your walking options here Walks.Rollerworld is still operating in North Lismore under increased restrictions. Numbers are limited to under 100 with the practice of social distancing to 1.5 metres and more hygienic options for patrons throughout the centre.The other option is for you to go to the CBD and shop locally.Many people are crowding into the big supermarkets without a concern for social distancing or getting outside so why not the CBD? Our local businesses are hurting and need our support if they are to survive so if you are able please go into the CBD tomorrow and spend some money.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.Let's end the Weekend Wrap on a light note because we all need a laugh!Hope it works!

UPDATE ON THE NOVEMBER DATEYesterday we reported that the iconic Lismore Lantern Parade was postponed to November 7 this year. Well, cross that date off your calendar and change it to November 14!In an email this morning CEO/Creative Director Jyllie Jackson said "It is surely strange times, In our enthusiasm to find a new date for our beloved Lantern Parade we have since found out it clashes with some other local events and the availability of key people for the Lantern Parade, such as the Relay for Life, The Channon Market, Jacaranda Festival. OOOOPPsAll being well this will be a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together after this difficult time. We apologise for any confusion.The new date for the Lantern Parade will be 14 November 2020.!! We will announce detail of an exciting new event in the near future!!That was an intriguing statement so a phone call ensued where Jyllie added "it will be an event that brightens our lives in lockdown".No doubt more to come on this in the coming weeks.Jyllie Jackson, CEO/Creative Director of our beloved Lismore Lantern Parade has released a statement confirming what everyone thought might occur, the postponement of the Lantern Parade until November 7.The statement reads;We are living in challenging times, festivals and events are being cancelled across the country and the world. And sadly the iconic Lismore Lantern Parade is not immune from this dreadful virus.So we are disappointed to announce that the 2020 Lismore Lantern Parade must be postponed. However, we are a truely positive bunch at LightnUp and we believe we have a role in bringing the whole community together in a special celebration - we did it in 2017 after Cyclone Debbie and we plan to do it once again after CONVID-19We have looked at the opportunities 6 months ahead, by then hopefully we will be through this difficult time, and we can celebrate by lighting up the hearts of Lismore and the Northern Rivers. Everyone will all be in great need to come together and laugh and cry, dance and share our stories, and carry our lanterns high.In the meantime we have plans to keep our spirits high and we will be telling you about this soon.The fabulous Lismore Lantern Parade will be shining brighter than ever on the 7 NOVEMBER 2020, fingers crossed!and remember #Beethechange #beekind #stay safe #washyourhandsSo, the bad news in June becomes good news for November. Importantly, the Lismore Lantern Parade is alive in 2020.

The Wilsons River is now set to benefit even more from the work of Envite Environment, with the arrival of a new injection of government funds. The group has been working with local schools on important local environmental projects and has been improving the health of the Wilsons River through removing weeds and planting local natives. Envite educators have been holding school based workshops about the importance of this work and Landcare groups have been hosting training days to allow people to gain practical experience. Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan was happy last week to announce funding of $20,000 for the group to continue its work.    “Through this funding, they can continue to reduce the impact of weeds and re-establish native vegetation on riverbanks,” Mr Hogan said. “This project will build on work completed by Wilson’s River Landcare, Boatharbour Landcare and local schools along the river.” “Envite will be focussing on areas that have the best regeneration potential. It will avoid areas prone to erosion to stop sedimentation in the river.” 

Under government regulations indoor events must not exceed 100 people while outdoor events is 500 people.The Lismore Farmers Markets is an outdoor event and is one of the few events that remain open this weekend.However, there are some changes that need to be adhered to if you are thinking of supporting the Farmers Market due to coronavirus.Market Co-ordinator Louise Grenfell made the following statement on the Lismore Farmers Market facebook page;There will be a few changes at the Lismore Farmers Market this Saturday. There will be:-1 a strict 450 people at any time policy2 no Mayfields Kitchen as we are not serving food3 throw away cups for coffee. Do NOT bring your own cup.4 no tables and chairs5 a strict no shaking hands policy6 hand sanitisers on entry7 toilet facilities only available for stall holdersWe also ask that immediately you have purchased your local produce and supported local farmers you exit the market.These are difficult times and we thank you for your support.Please check back here as Government directives could change things without notice.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.

Dr Jane Jelfs, Acting Director of North Coast Public Health Unit has confirmed another case of COVID-19 this afternoon within the LHD, takeing the total number of cases of COVID-19 in Northern NSW Local Health District to five.All five cases are currently in self-isolation and are being monitored daily.To date, four of the five cases had returned from overseas and the source of acquisition for the fifth case is under investigation at the time of this release.North Coast Public Health Unit is contacting people who had been in close contact with the two new cases. Close contacts are asked to self-isolate for 14 days from their last contact with the case, or to be tested if they develop symptoms. As with other cases, these individuals will be followed-up daily and supported with ongoing advice.As mentioned in our earlier story this morning, one confirmed case travelled on Virgin Australia flight VA1141 from Sydney to Ballina, arriving 10 March 2020. Contacts were in rows 7 – 11 Fourth local case of coronavirus confirmed.The risk to those passengers is considered low because of the flight time, however as a matter of caution, we do ask that people who were seated in those rows 7 – 11 be alert to signs and symptoms of COVID-19.Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose and sometimes shortness of breath.If you develop these symptoms, call your doctor and let them know that you were in those seats on that particular flight.There are two COVID-19 / flu clinics in NNSWLHD at present, located at The Tweed Hospital and Lismore Base Hospital. These clinics are open from 10am to 6pm daily.There are no other locations that pose an ongoing risk to members of the public at this time. NNSWLHD is closely monitoring the volume of respiratory presentations at our facilities, and will use this information to determine when and if additional COVID-19/ flu clinics need to opened at other hospitals in the District.We encourage everyone to play their part in containing the spread of COVID-19 by washing your hands often, covering coughs and sneezes, maintaining social distance and staying home if you’re unwell. Visit the NSW Health website for more advice.https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/diseases/Pages/coronavirus.aspx 

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