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Coffs locals thanked for helping to keep region safe

Jul 30, 2021

The Mid North Coast Local Health District would like to thank the people of Coffs Harbour for helping keep the region safe following a recent COVID-19 exposure.

It has now been more than 14 days since a confirmed case visited the area.

NSW Health identified close contacts who were immediately required to self-isolate for 14 days and undertake COVID-19 testing during this time. The isolation period since their exposure has now come to an end.

We continue to urge anyone in the District with even the mildest of symptoms to be tested immediately and isolate until a negative result is received. If symptoms appear again, please get tested and isolate again.

High testing numbers are vital in detecting cases of COVID-19 in order to prevent further transmission, and to keep our friends and families safe.

MNCLHD Chief Executive Stewart Dowrick has thanked the many thousands of people who have come forward for testing over the past fortnight.

“I am very pleased to confirm there have been no positive cases recorded from those test results. While it has now been 460 days since our last locally-acquired cases on the Mid North Coast, I ask the community to remain vigilant and continue coming forward for testing with even the mildest of symptoms.

“We have seen record testing numbers, not just in Coffs Harbour, but across the entire Mid North Coast. The way the community has responded to calls to come forward for testing is just fantastic.

“It is also extremely pleasing to see people across the region practising COVID-safe behaviour. No one action will keep our region safe, but if we all continue to wash our hands, wear our masks, keep our distance, check-in at venues and businesses and get vaccinated, we will get through this,” Mr Dowrick said.

Over the past fortnight there were 8,451 COVID-19 tests conducted at Mid North Coast Local Health District clinics which is well above any other 14-day period since testing began in the region early last year.

“Our COVID-19 screening clinic staff have worked exceptionally hard to keep our community safe during this pandemic. They have worked weekends, evenings and public holidays to ensure everyone has had access to testing locally, and they’ve done it with the utmost professionalism, dedication and care.

“There have been more than 130,000 COVID-19 tests conducted on Mid North Coast residents, at public and private clinics, since the virus first appeared in our region.

I urge everyone to please check the NSW Government website regularly for COVID-19 updates, including the location of your nearest testing clinic.