Armidale Regional Council Mayor, Ian Tiley says he can’t think of a more resilient community than the people of the Armidale region to stay the course and adhere to the current lockdown to “defeat this COVID challenge together”.
In a statement released today as Armidale marked its third day in lockdown, Mayor Tiley said it was clear from the region’s empty streets that everyone was taking the stay-at-home orders “extremely seriously”.
He said close to 1,200 COVID-19 tests had been conducted in Armidale yesterday.
“It is disappointing but not surprising that COVID has reached our region,” the Mayor said.
“Over the last few years we have dealt with drought, bushfires and COVID and I am in no doubt that if we stick together, do the right thing and look-out for each other we will get past this current outbreak of community transmission.”
There are now three confirmed cases of community transmission in the Armidale LGA – all from the same household. Exposure sites include Armidale Secondary College and the Explorer service from Broadmeadow to Armidale on 29 July.
“Today the Premier has also announced that our neighbours in Tamworth will be in lockdown from 5pm this evening. There is no confirmed case of community transmission in Tamworth however a woman from Newcastle with COVID had visited a number of locations,” Mayor Tiley said.
The Public Health Order for the Armidale LGA will remain in place until 15 August.
“It is extremely important to not be complacent,” said Mayor Tiley.
“Get tested if you have even the mildest of symptoms and always act as if COVID is present. Be considerate and kind to each other. Reach out to your friends and family to ask if they are OK. Doing the simple things will make a big difference.”
Council has enacted its Business Continuity Plan and all non-essential council facilities have been temporarily closed.
