Stay-at-home orders will be introduced for two areas of regional NSW from 6pm this evening, NSW Health has announced.
In a statement, NSW Health said the Hilltops and Glen Innes Local Government Areas (LGAs) would be subject to health orders from 6pm today for seven days due to an “increased COVID-19 public health risk”.
The news follows a positive COVID-19 case in Glen Innes LGA yesterday after an essential worker returned home from Sydney and was infectious in the community for three days.
“These stay-at-home orders also apply to anyone who has been in the Hilltops LGA including Young and surrounding areas since 3 September, and the Glen Innes LGA since 13 September,” NSW Health said.
“Everyone in the Hilltops and Glen Innes LGAs 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.”
It said people who were fully vaccinated could 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.
“To determine the extent of the risk and detect any further potential COVID-19 cases in these areas we are calling on the communities to come forward for testing in large numbers,” the health authority said.
“A strong response to testing will be a key factor in determining if these stay-at-home orders are extended beyond one week. High vaccination rates are also essential to reduce the risk of transmission and protect the health and safety of the community.”
There have been three confirmed exposure sites in Glen Innes. Anyone who attended the following venues must get tested immediately and self-isolate until a negative COVID test is received.
- Kent Engineering and Mechanical, Glen Innes – Tuesday, September 14 from 9am to 9.10am
- National Australia Bank, Glen Innes – Tuesday, September 14 from 10.25am to 10.35am.
- Pathology New England collection centre, Glen Innes – Tuesday, September 14 from 9.45am to 10.15am.
A list of regional and rural NSW Health vaccination clinics is available on the NSW Government website: Vaccination clinics: Regional and rural
