Big focus on testing as cluster linked to Byron Shire increases

Published on 30 March 2021

Queensland Health has announced five more people who were in a group that stayed at Byron Bay last weekend - and returned to Queensland - have tested positive for COVID-19.

The announcement was made during a press conference in Brisbane.

Late yesterday NSW Health released more information about venues that were visited by two people who were infectious and people were asked to check the dates and times and have a test and follow isolation instructions.

A list of the venues is available at https://nsw.gov.au/covid-19/latest-news-and-updates

Today, NSW Health has added further venues to their list of close contact venues including Mokha Café (patrons who sat in the Feros Arcade laneway) on 27 March from 11am until 12pm and Betty’s Burgers and Concrete Co. on 27 March from 11am until 12pm.  People should refer to NSW Health’s website if they have been at either of these venues and follow isolation and testing instructions.

NSW Health has opened additional testing centres in Byron Bay and neighbouring areas.  In addition to the Byron Central Hospital, testing is now being conducted at the Cavanbah Centre on Ewingsdale Road and the Byron Bay Surf Club. 

A list of testing clinics is available at https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/how-to-protect-yourself-and-others/clinics.

Council is working with Belgravia, Councils service manager for the Suffolk Park Holiday Park which has been identified as a COVID contact venue.

The holiday park is owned by Byron Shire Council but managed by the Belgravia Leisure group.

The toilet block at the holiday park has been closed for intensive cleaning and in the meantime the facilities at the nearby Suffolk Park Community Hall have been opened.

Council has also increased its sewage treatment testing to include all sewerage treatment plants in the Byron Shire including Ocean Shores, Byron Bay, Bangalow and Brunswick Valley Sewage Treatment Plants.

Council is urging anyone with questions about Bluesfest, which is planned for the Easter weekend, to contact Bluesfest organisers or NSW Health for information as Council is not the consent authority for the event.

NSW Health is asking anyone in the Byron Bay area who has even the mildest of symptoms such as a cough, runny nose, or fatigue to get tested.

Important information

For media enquiries contact Annie Lewis, Media and Communications Coordinator, on 6626 7320.