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The local government areas (LGAs) of Lismore and Albury will go back into lockdown from 6pm today for seven days due to an increased COVID-19 public health risk according to NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro.
Meanwhile, the LGAs of Bega, Blayney, Bogan, Cabonne, Dungog, Forbes, Muswellbrook, Narrabri, Parkes, Singleton, Snowy Monaro and Upper Hunter will have lockdown restrictions lifted from 1pm today.
The Deputy Premier said the seven day lockdown for Albury and Lismore is because three cases have been detected in the border region which NSW Health cannot identify sources for.
“I know residents in these areas just had stay-at-home orders lifted and having to go back into lockdown is beyond frustrating, but this action is necessary due to positive COVID cases,” Barilaro said.
“Everyone in the Albury and Lismore 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.”
Albury and Lismore residents who are fully vaccinated can attend an outdoor gathering of up to five people for exercise or outdoor recreation so long as all of those gathering are aged 16 or older.
The update comes as NSW recorded 1,351 new locally acquired COVID-19 cases and 12 deaths, one of which will be investigated by the coroner.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said there are now more than 15,000 people with COVID-19 who are being cared for in the State’s health system.
The announcement comes two days after the State Government extended support payments to assist workers and vulnerable communities in metropolitan, regional and rural NSW.
The additional funding will see the COVID-19 emergency hardship payments, test and isolate support payments and community empowerment grants expanded across all of NSW.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the funds will assist workers and vulnerable people under financial strain due to the COVID-19 restrictions across the State.
“The expansion and extension of the emergency hardship payment will provide assistance to people across all of NSW who are under severe financial strain but are not eligible for other support payments and grants,” Barilaro said.
“The test and isolate payment will help people to test early and isolate if they have COVID symptoms. This payment will help take the pressure off if an individual does not have access to leave entitlements or other support payments.
“Grants for culturally and linguistically diverse groups have also been expanded to connect multicultural communities with essential services throughout the pandemic.”
Updated at 11.48am AEST on 16 September 2021.
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