Following the NSW Premier's Announcement today that the Hunter region Stay at Home Orders have been extended for another week, Mayor of Dungog, Councillor John Connors, is urging all residents to remain vigilant to protect the health and safety of the entire community.
"The Premier has today announced that the Stay at Home Orders for Dungog Shire and other areas in the Hunter and Newcastle regions have been extended for one week until 12.01am on Friday 20 August," says Mayor Connors.
"While this announcement is disappointing for many, especially those impacted in our local business community, unfortunately with case number rising across the Hunter region, it is a necessary precaution to protect the health and wellbeing of our entire community.
"It is now more important than ever before that we comply with the NSW Health directives to help end this lockdown sooner rather than later and safeguard our shire against the spread of this disease."
There have been 24 new COVID-19 cases in the Hunter New England Health area in the past 24 hours, bringing the total case numbers in our region to 77 since 5 August 2021.
General Manager Gareth Curtis, says Dungog Shire currently has 0 active cases and council is taking every precaution to ensure it stays this way.
"Council has implemented a number of measures to protect community wellbeing during this time, including modifying the delivery of a number of council services and activities," says Mr Curtis.
"We have also made representations to Hunter New England Health to consider Dungog Shire for inclusion in the COVID-19 sewage surveillance program and submitted a formal request to the NSW Health Minister in this regard.
"By arming ourselves with as much information as possible about the growing COVID concerns in the region, we will be best equipped to take action to protect the Dungog community."
Mayor Connors has commended all residents who have been doing the right thing and following NSW Health advice.
"On its first day of operation yesterday, Dungog's COVID-19 testing clinic saw close to 200 people being tested, with very little advance warning this service was available," adds Mayor Connors.
"Thank you to everyone who is following NSW Health directives by staying at home, getting tested and isolating if they feel unwell. This is key to ending the current lockdown and winning our fight against COVID-19."
For details on the Dungog Shire COVID-19 testing facility visit: dungog.nsw.gov.au/news/new-covid-19-drive-through-testing-site-now-open-dungog
For full details on the evolving COVID-19 situation in the Hunter region visit: facebook.com/HNEHealth
For full details on what residents of Dungog Shire can and can't do under the Stay at Home Orders please visit nsw.gov.au/covid-19/rules/affected-regions
