NEW LOCATIONS ADDED AS CONFIRMED COVID CASE VISITS BALLINA VENUES

The latest confirmed coronavirus case, a man in his 20s, was at Byron Bay’s Beach Hotel the same night as the hen’s party visiting from Queensland.

The new locally acquired case was informed on Monday that he had attended a venue of concern. He immediately presented for testing and self-isolated.

However prior to this, the man attended two venues in Ballina not knowing he was infectious.

• Henry Rous Tavern between 1.20pm-2.20pm.
• Ballina Golf and Sports Club (Pro Shop) between 2:25pm-2:35pm.

Patrons who were also there have been contacted by NSW Health, were asked to get tested and to isolate.

While urgent investigations and contact tracing are ongoing, NSW Health is adopting a cautious approach to minimise the risk of further transmission.

As of 5pm today, the following rules will apply to the local government areas of Tweed Shire Council, Ballina Shire Council, Byron Shire Council and Lismore City Council:

• Mask wearing will become compulsory on public transport, in retail stores, and in all public indoor settings
• The one person per 4 square metre rule will apply at all public indoor settings including hospitality venues
• The number of household visitors will be capped at 30 including holiday rental properties.

These restrictions will remain in place until 11:59pm on Monday 5 April, when the community will be updated.

Testing clinics are available at the following Northern NSW locations:

• Byron Bay QML Pathology Drive-Through, Cavanbah Sports Ground, 249 Ewingsdale Rd, Byron Bay. Open from 8am to 8pm Monday – Sunday.
• Byron Bay Walk-in Pop-Up Clinic; Byron Bay surf club, Bay St, Byron Bay. Open from 9am – 5pm.
• Lennox Head QML Pathology Drive-through clinic, Lennox Community Centre, Cnr Park Lane and Mackney Lane, 8am – 8pm Monday – Sunday.
• Tweed Heads QML Pathology Drive-through clinic, Cnr Wharf and Florence Street, Tweed Heads, 8am – 8pm Monday -Sunday.
• Lismore QML Pathology Drive – through clinic, 354 Keen Street, Lismore. Open from 8am – 7pm, Monday – Sunday.