- NSW reports record-breaking 1029 new cases of community transmission
- Regional NSW lockdown extended by two weeks
- Cases continue to rise in Victoria as Shepparton outbreak affects access to groceries
NSW
Another record-breaking day in NSW with the state reporting 1029 cases of community transmission to 8pm last night, bringing the state’s total number of active locally-acquired cases to 13,101. 61 cases were confirmed to be active in the community during their infectious period, and another 844 cases are under investigation. Three deaths have been reported — three men aged in their 30s, 60s and 80s, all in Western Sydney.
The Western NSW Local Health District recorded 35 new cases overnight:
- 24 in Dubbo
- 3 in Orange
- 2 in Bathurst
- 2 in Bourke
- 1 in Mudgee
- 1 in Forbes
- 1 in Wellington
This brings the total number of active cases in the district to 389, 309 of which are in Dubbo.
Regional lockdown restrictions have been extended for a further two weeks, until at least 11.59pm on September 10. Regarding the extension, State Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders has said that it’s the people of the Western NSW LHD that are “at the heart of the concern,” as cases continue to occur, particularly in Dubbo.
Saunders also expressed concern at a second consecutive decrease in daily testing numbers, with just over 4600 tests taking place on Wednesday, compared to over 6000 on Tuesday and over 8000 on Monday. Decreasing test numbers are of particular concern in towns such as Brewarrina and Tamworth, where sewage detection has showed traces of COVID-19 despite no known positive cases in the area.
CEO of the Western NSW Local Health District Scott McLachlan has reminded people that a single negative test result does not mean you’re free of COVID forever. If you’ve been tested before but begin to show symptoms, it’s important to get tested again
There are several walk-in clinics running across Western NSW LHD at the moment, with no bookings required. Vaccinations are available to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents aged 12 and over.
- Senior Citizens Centre, Sandon Street, Brewarrina, Friday August 27th 10.30am-4pm, Saturday August 28th 9am-4pm and Sunday August 29th 9am-3pm.
- Coonamble Bowling Club, Coonamble, Thursday August 26th to Saturday August 28th 11am- 6pm, then Sunday August 29th 11am-4pm.
- Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre, Darling Street, Dubbo 9am-4.30pm until Friday August 27th, with plans to move back to Pioneer Park on Howard Avenue in West Dubbo for the 28th and 29th.
- Council Town Hall, Forbes, Saturday August 28th, Sunday August 29th, Monday August 30th.
- Carrington Hotel, Caswell Street, Peak Hill, Friday August 27th 11am-4pm
- Memorial Hall, Dandaloo Street, Trangie, Friday August 27th from 11am-4pm, Saturday August 28th 9am-3pm.
A reminder that all of those clinics are walk-ins, no bookings required, and will offer repeat clinics in three weeks for your second dose. Remember to bring either your Medicare card, an individual health identification number or a form of legal ID.
Vaccinations are available in Wellington, in the Wellington Aboriginal Corporation Health Service carpark behind the main building. Bookings are essential, call (02) 6845 5423.
The state’s Far West Local Health District recorded 6 new cases overnight — 5 in Wilcannia and 1 in Broken Hill.
Vaccinations are available for those in Wilcannia at Wilcannia Town Hall until Friday August 27th daily from 10am-4pm.
Vaccinations in Broken Hill have been relocated to the Broken Hill Civic Centre, open from 9am-4pm Monday to Friday, and 9am-3pm Saturday and Sunday. Bookings are essential, and both AstraZeneca and Pfizer are available.
Victoria
Victoria has recorded 80 new cases overnight, 41 of which were confirmed to have been infectious in the community. This brings the total number of active cases in the state to 600.
Shepparton saw 18 new cases, bringing the total number of active cases in that particular cluster to 67.
Victoria’s COVID-19 Commander Jeroen Weimar said in a press conference earlier today that he expects that number to increase, however he’s encouraged by the strong turnout by people in Shepparton for testing, with over 16,000 tests taking place over the past few days.
However, the increasing size of the cluster and number of primary close contacts has meant the number of people forced to isolate is in the tens of thousands, and up to a third of the area’s total population. This has seen staffing shortages at supermarkets, and subsequent cancellations of both grocery deliveries and click-and-collect orders.
Vaccinations are available in Shepparton to everyone over the age of 16 through Goulburn Valley Health at the McIntosh Centre at Shepparton Showgrounds. They’re open Monday to Saturday 9am-4pm, bookings are essential and can be made over the phone or online. Visit the
