COVID traces found in Byron Bay sewage

Published on 20 August 2021

Unfortunately there has been a detection of COVID-19 fragments in the sewage at Byron Bay this week.  It followed traces of the virus being found in recent samples from the Ballina and Lennox Head sewage treatment plants.

“This is concerning, and people need to keep fronting up for testing so we can continue to get a clear picture on the state of play in the region,” Byron Shire Mayor, Mayor Lyon said.

Testing centres are open across the weekend at the Cavanbah Centre on Ewingsdale Road at Byron Bay and the Byron Central Hospital. 

“I am so pleased that there have been no new cases of COVID-19, not just in the Byron Shire, but the Northern Rivers, we all know that this can change very fast,” Byron Shire Mayor Lyon said.

Byron Shire will remain in lockdown until at least 28 August as outlined in the NSW Government’s public health orders.

“Noting that Greater Sydney is in lockdown until the end of September, the best we can do as a community is to keep to the rules relating to mask-wearing, making sure we use a QR code, complying with the rules relating to leaving the home and of course to get tested if not well,” Mayor Lyon, said.

“Our quickest way out of lockdown is to show there is no COVID across the Northern Rivers.

“While there are changes to some Council services such as closure of the waste facility at Myocom, I am pleased to report that our staff are still working and getting on with fixing the roads and other essential services such as water and sewer.

“Like other councils in northern NSW Byron Shire Council is working through the impacts of the strict regulations imposed at the Queensland border but I assure residents there will be no impact on the essential services we provide,” Mayor Lyon said.

Information about COVID-19 is available on Council’s website.

For interviews or media enquiries contact Byron Shire Mayor, Michael Lyon, on 0435 646 365 or Annie Lewis, Media and Communications Coordinator, on 02 6626 7320.