NSW Health have confirmed a second positive COVID case in Kempsey Shire.
The case is a friend of the first positive case that was confirmed earlier this week. NSW Health and Police NSW are working with the girl to determine her movements. At this stage there is no reason to update any sites of concern in Kempsey.
Kempsey Shire Mayor, Liz Campbell, shared the sympathy of the Councillors and staff of Kempsey Shire Council to those infected and their loved ones and urged the community to do the right thing.
“The stay-at-home order has been extended for our shire, along with the rest of regional NSW, until at least the end of next week. Please stay at home if you can. Please get tested if you are at all concerned and please register for a vaccination if you haven’t already,” said Cr Campbell.
“I’ve also seen some nasty things and made-up stories being said on social media about the young girl who was diagnosed this week. All I can say is please let’s be our best selves while we are all under the stress of this situation. Blame and innuendo are beneath us all.”
“We are a strong community, especially when faced with adversity, because we stick together and have each other’s backs.”
The Macleay Valley’s health and well-being is being served by a united effort by local agencies. The Coronavirus spread and lockdown is talked about on the news and in official statements in terms of Local Government Areas but is being handled primarily by the state government.
General Manager, Craig Milburn, said Council was working closely with NSW Police and the Mid North Coast Health District to ensure a comprehensive and effective response.
“Robert Fish, our Director of Operations and Planning is also the Local Emergency Management Officer and in that role he is meeting with Police and health every day as part of the Local Emergency Management Committee,” said Mr Milburn.
“This dialogue keeps us up to date and enables us to see what assistance Council can offer and how we can all work together to manage this incident. The new drive through testing clinic is an example where the site is organised by NSW Health, but other agencies including NSW Police and ourselves have assisted where we can.”
Kempsey Shire Council’s key services are unaffected despite the announcement of these COVID-19 cases.
“There are now testing stations available at Riverside Park in Kempsey and in South West Rocks, and I strongly encourage anyone with even the mildest of symptoms to get tested,” said Mr Milburn.
“In the meantime everyone’s rubbish will be collected as normal, the waste facility remains open, and our parks and ovals are for the most part still open for exercise.”
