No COVID-19 cases as testing continues

Published on 05 January 2021

Mayor Darriea Turley AM is urging locals to remain calm and conscientious after today's announcement that a person who tested positive for COVID-19 travelled to Broken Hill over the New Year.

Contact tracing is currently underway after an 18-year-old from Berala in Western Sydney travelled through the city on January 2 for a camping trip.

Mayor Turley called on residents to approach the situation in a responsible manner.

"There are no confirmed cases in Broken Hill, but we've had cases before and I think everyone learned a lot from those experiences," she said.

"I implore everyone to be calm and responsible while contact tracing and testing is underway.

"The last thing anything anyone wants to see is panic buying, scare-mongering, or witch hunts. We're a better community than that.

"Locals should simply continue to practice good hygiene and social distancing, use QR codes when attending any venue, and get tested if they have any symptoms or have visited hot spots."

Anyone who attended the following venues is a close contact who must get tested immediately and isolate for 14 days, regardless of the result:

• Broken Hill: Gourmet Cribtin, 305 Argent St, Saturday, 2 January, 10.40am – 11.20am

• Orange: Birdie Noshery and Drinking est. 120-122 Summer Street, Sunday, 3 January, 12.30pm – 2pm

Anyone who has attended the following venue at the following times is a casual contact and must immediately get tested and isolate until a negative result is received, and continue to monitor for symptoms and get tested again if any symptoms develop:

• Nyngan: Nyngan Riverside Tourist Park, Barrier Hwy and Mitchell Hwy, Saturday, 2 January to Sunday, 3 January

Anyone who attended the following service stations must monitor for symptoms and if they appear, immediately get tested and isolate until a negative result is received:

• Broken Hill: Broken Hill Shell, 164 Williams St, 2 January, 10.52am – 10.55am

• Nyngan: Nyngan BP, 180 Mitchell Hwy Nyngan on 3 January, 9.10am –9.13am

Additional testing capacity in Broken Hill is currently being organised.

The drive-through COVID-19 clinic at the Broken Hill Community Centre (entry via Crystal Lane) re-opened today at 11am and will operate until 4pm. It will be open weekdays from 8am to 4pm up to Friday 15 January 2021. From 18 January to 29 January 2021, it will operate from 8am to 12 noon, Monday to Friday. These opening hours will be reviewed and may change as required.

Testing is also available at the Broken Hill Health Centre COVID-19 clinic (Thomas Street entry) each day from 10am to 8pm.

The Royal Flying Doctor Service is also operating a COVID-19 drive-through clinic at its base at Broken Hill Airport from 9am to 5pm weekdays. Appointments are required and you can phone 0447 815 383 or 02 8080 3780.

Testing is also available at your local FWLHD health facility. Please call ahead if you wish to be tested.

If anyone requires testing at Wilcannia, Ivanhoe, Tibooburra, White Cliffs and Menindee they can contact the local health facility, which will provide testing. Please contact the facility before arriving.

For advice or questions about COVID-19, call the National Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080. If translating or interpreting services are needed, call 131 450.

For current information on where testing is available, symptoms and COVID-19 advice, go to https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/how-to-protect-yourself-and-others/clinics 

Remember to maintain your vigilance against the COVID-19 virus during the holidays. Your best protection against COVID-19 is to do all of the following:

• Keep 1.5 metres apart.

• Wash hands regularly.

• Wear a mask if unable to physically distance, or if you are indoors at venues such as shopping centres, places of worship and cinemas.