With regional NSW including the Byron Shire open to fully vaccinated people from the Greater Sydney area from next Monday (1 November) Byron Shire Mayor, Michael Lyon, today said there is a mixture of angst and excitement in the community.
“Many people are not sure what to expect next week especially how the increase in visitor numbers to our Shire will play out in terms of COVID-19 infections and the impact of that on our community,” Mayor Lyon said.
“Unlike Sydney, and Melbourne, we have only had fleeting moments of COVID-19 so naturally people will be feeling anxious about what the next several weeks may bring.
“Vaccination rates in the Byron Shire are continuing to go up and I am grateful the NSW Government listened to regional communities’ concerns and delayed travel to the regions for an extra couple of weeks.
“This has enabled shires like ours to be better prepared for COVID coming into the community.
“There was a balance to be struck and given where we are, November 1 is pretty workable and now we need to get on with it and move into the phase of living with COVID,” he said.
Data from the Australian Government on 24 October showed 83.4 per cent of people in the Byron Shire had received their first dose and 63.5 per cent had their second COVID-19 vaccination.
“I understand that after the lockdown people are coming here for a holiday and our Shire and our businesses welcome you with open arms. By the same token, please drive safely while you are here and treat our community, our workers and our environment with the respect and goodwill we will show you.
“This includes the things that are very much part of our daily lives now such as checking in, wearing a mask and social distancing.
“While many businesses are eager for visitors, ensuring adequate staffing has been a challenge due to the COVID restrictions but also the housing emergency which continues to have major impacts on our community.
“Understanding, care, compassion and good old-fashioned kindness will go a long way as we negotiate the next several months,” Mayor Lyon said.
