There have been three cases of COVID-19 reported in the Mid North Coast Local Heath District (MNCLHD) in the 24 hours to 8pm last night (October 3).
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Two cases are in the Kempsey LGA and the source of their infection is being investigated.
The third case is from Port Macquarie-Hastings LGA and is linked to a known case diagnosed in Port Macquarie last week.
There have been 30 cases reported in the MNCLHD since the beginning of the current NSW outbreak.
"The North Coast Public Health Unit is currently investigating these cases and contact tracing is underway. We will provide more information as soon as it is available, including any potential exposure venues of public concern," MNCLHD chief executive Stewart Dowrick said.
NSW Health does not disclose details about venues unless there is a public health reason to do so.
"When a confirmed COVID-19 case attends a venue while possibly infectious, NSW Health carries out a risk assessment on that venue to determine whether other people may have been exposed and whether there is a public health risk," Mr Dowrick said.
"We ask the community to please remain vigilant and come forward for testing for even the mildest symptoms of COVID-19. Please continue to practise COVID-safe measures at all times."
NSW Health COVID-19 testing clinics are open this long weekend across the Mid North Coast at Macksville, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Lake Cathie, South West Rocks and Kempsey.
There are more than 500 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW. Find a clinic at COVID-19 testing clinics or contact your GP.
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Stay-at-home orders for the Port Macquarie Local Government Area (LGA) were introduced from 6pm on September 28 for seven days due to an increased COVID-19 public health risk.
These stay-at-home orders will also apply to anyone who has been in the Port Macquarie LGA since September 17.
Everyone in the Port Macquarie LGA must stay at home unless it is for an essential reason, which includes:
- shopping for food
- medical care
- getting vaccinated
- compassionate needs
- exercise
- work or tertiary education if you can't work or study at home.
The stay-at-home order for the Kempsey LGA has been lifted. However, this order may be reintroduced if new information indicates an increased public health risk.
People in Kempsey need to remain particularly vigilant, practice COVID-safe behaviours and get tested at the first sign of even mild symptoms.
There are a number of venues of concern across the MNCLHD. NSW Health regularly updates the list on their website.
NSW recorded 623 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night.
NSW Health is today reporting the deaths of six people with COVID-19 - three women and three men.
One person was in their 40s, three people were in their 60s, one person was in their 70s and one person was in their 90s.
Four people were not vaccinated, one person had received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and one person had received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.
There have been 378 COVID-19 related deaths in NSW since 16 June 2021 and 434 in total since the start of the pandemic.
There are currently 959 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 193 people in intensive care, 97 of whom require ventilation.
Get tested
To determine the extent of the risk and detect any further potential COVID-19 cases, NSW Health is calling on the community to come forward for testing in large numbers.
Long weekend testing site opening hours across MNCLHD (October 2, 3 and 4):
Port Macquarie Regional Stadium (Boundary Street) - 8am to 2pm
Lake Cathie Sporting Complex (Dirah Street) - 8am to 2pm
Kempsey Riverside Park (Austral Street Boat Ramp) - 8am to 2pm
Macksville (Dudley Street) - 9am to 1pm
Coffs Harbour International Stadium (Stadium Drive) - 8am to 2pm
"We continue to urge anyone feeling unwell - even with the mildest of symptoms such as a runny nose, scratchy or sore throat, cough, fever, shortness of breath, headache, tiredness, loss of taste or smell, nausea, diarrhoea or muscle aches - to self-isolate and seek COVID-19 testing," Mr Dowrick said.
For a list of testing clinics across the Mid North Coast visit: https://mnclhd.health.nsw.gov.au/.../covid-19.../
Get vaccinated
MNCLHD is anticipating a vaccination rate of about 96 per cent among its staff at the September 30 deadline set out under the NSW Public Health Order.
"MNCLHD has been working closely with the small number of staff who are yet to be vaccinated to ensure they have the information they need to make their decision," Mr Dowrick said.
"While the vast majority of staff have embraced vaccination, unfortunately a very small minority have indicated they do not wish to be vaccinated.
"We have been working with these staff up to the last minute to encourage them to start their vaccination. If staff choose to remain unvaccinated and vacate their role, then we will prioritise recruitment action to that vacancy."
Find available bookings at the Commonwealth Government's COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Finder (previously eligibility checker), or you can also call Health Direct on 1800 571 155 for assistance to book.