COVID-Safe Byron Shire - COVID is not taking a holiday ​

Published on 17 December 2021

School is out, the festive season is just around the corner and everyone is asked to make this a COVID-safe summer.

Byron Shire Council launched its campaign today with circles repainted at Apex Park at Byron Bay and new signs put up to give people a gentle reminder not to forget about things like social distancing, getting tested and following the rules around isolation.

Byron Shire Mayor, Michael Lyon, said with COVID cases increasing in the Northern Rivers, in particularly in the Byron Shire, it’s a good reminder to locals and the community that while it’s a relaxing time of year, COVID-19 is not taking a holiday.

“There’s no escaping that COVID is here with most people you talk to knowing someone who has been a primary contact or who has tested positive for COVID in the last several weeks,” Mayor Lyon said.

“We painted circles on the grass last year and people naturally gravitated to them and as soon as the outdoor team painted them this week there were people using them which was great to see,” he said.

“We have also installed signage in the parks near Main Beach, prompting people to keep their distance and we have large, electronic message boards up with ‘Byron’ style messages.

“Last year these messages were picked up by media organisations around the country and even appeared in international media which was terrific,” Mayor Lyon said.

“The most important message though is for people to get tested if they are not feeling well, and to follow the rules and guidelines from NSW Health.

“While some 84.4% percent of our Shire is double-vaxxed it’s still important that we protect our friends and family who might be elderly, sick or have compromised immune systems,” Mayor Lyon said.

For interviews call Byron Shire Mayor, Michael Lyon, on 0435 646 enquires call Annie Lewis, Media and Communications Coordinator, on 02 6626 7320.