20 July 2021

Regional NSW on high alert after COVID-19 cases in Goulburn, Riverina and Central West

| Kim Treasure
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There’s been a snap lockdown in regional NSW after a spate of positive COVID-19 cases. Photo: File.

Regional NSW is on high alert tonight with positive COVID-19 cases reported in Goulburn, Cootamundra, Blayney and Orange.

Coles Express in Goulburn was added to the list of exposure sites by NSW Health this afternoon, 20 July

Anyone who attended Coles Express at 1/3 Sowerby Street on Friday, 16 July, between 11:50 am and noon is considered a close contact and must get tested and isolate for 14 days, regardless of the result.

They should also continue to monitor for any symptoms and call 1800 943 553 unless they have already been contacted by NSW Health.

The Coles Express service station has been deep cleaned and two service station staff are being considered casual contacts, Southern NSW Local Health District (SNSWLHD) said.

READ ALSO Goulburn COVID-19 exposure venue will reopen tomorrow after deep clean

They are in isolation until they receive a negative test result.

Earlier it was revealed a positive case had been detected in Cootamundra. The case is believed to be linked to an infectious truck driver who visited a private residence.

The man, who has since tested positive, was in isolation when he received the test, but NSW Health authorities are assessing whether there are any further exposure locations.

Line of people at doctors

People line up to be vaccinated in Batemans Bay. Photo: Kim Treasure.

Only one close contact from the new case had been identified as of Tuesday morning, 20 July, NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said.

Meanwhile the Orange Local Government area, as well as Blayney and Cabonne Shire Councils, will go into a snap seven-day lockdown from midnight, 20 July, after a crisis cabinet meeting this evening.

The stage one restrictions mean people can only leave their home for essential things. Shops and schools will remain open as well as construction.

The unprecedented step from the State Government is on the back of a positive test emerging in Blayney on Tuesday and then confirmation that the case exposed the virus to five different locations across the Central West on July 16 and July 17.

The infected delivery driver visited the Nestle Purina pet food factory at Blayney, near Orange, each day from July 13 to 16.

The driver also visited a depot at Parkes and a BP truck stop at Raglan, near Bathurst, on the same days.

READ ALSO Canberrans told to avoid interstate travel, stay at home requirements extended

COVID-19 alerts for Orange include a petrol station, Officeworks, Woolworths, pizzeria and tobacco shop in the town.

NSW Health is urging all eligible people to come forward for vaccination as soon as possible.

Original Article published by Kim Treasure on About Regional.

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