This blog is a gathering of local news. For the latest news, see the NSW Health website.
Sunday, 29 August 2021
ISLHD REPORTS 13 NEW CASES
For the 24 hour period to 8pm, Saturday 28 August there were 13 new COVID-19 cases recorded for the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District. Details are as follows:
- Five cases who are residents of Wollongong Local Government Area (LGA) and are linked to a known case.
- One case who is a resident of Wollongong LGA and for whom case investigations are ongoing
- Five cases who are residents of Shellharbour LGA and are linked to a known case
- Two cases who are residents of Shellharbour LGA and for whom case investigations are ongoing.
Saturday, 28 August 2021
SEVEN NEW CASES + SIX IN HOSPITAL IN LOCAL HEALTH DISTRICT
For the 24 hour period to 8pm, Friday 27 August there were seven new COVID-19 cases recorded for the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District. Details are as follows:
- Three cases who are residents of Wollongong Local Government Area (LGA) and are linked to a known case.
- One case who is a resident of Wollongong LGA and for whom investigations are ongoing.
- One case who is a resident of Shellharbour LGA and is linked to a known case.
- Two cases who are residents of Shellharbour LGA and for whom investigations are ongoing.
Cases announced yesterday:
- Two cases who are residents of the Wollongong LGA and for whom case investigations are ongoing.
- One case who is a resident of the Wollongong LGA and is linked to a known case.
- Two cases who are residents of the Shellharbour LGA and for whom investigations are ongoing.
Other cases announced this week:
- Two cases who are residents of Wollongong Local Government Area (LGA) and are isolating at home. Case investigations are ongoing.
- One case who is a resident of Shellharbour LGA. Case investigations are ongoing.
- Five cases who are residents of Wollongong LGA and for whom case investigations are ongoing.
- Two cases who are residents of Wollongong LGA. These cases have been linked to other known cases.
- One case who is a resident of Wollongong LGA and is being cared for in Wollongong Hospital's COVID Ward. Case investigations ongoing.
- One case who is a resident of Wollongong LGA, however is isolating outside the Local Health District. This case is a contact of a known case from outside the LHD.
- One case who is a resident of Wollongong LGA and is isolating at home. Case investigations ongoing.
- One case who is a resident of Kiama Local Government Area (LGA) and is isolating at home. Investigations are continuing, however this case is likely linked to employment in Sydney.
- One case who is a resident of Wollongong LGA and is isolating at home. Investigations are continuing, however this case is likely linked to employment in Sydney.
As at 1pm, Saturday 28 August there were six local COVID-19 patients in hospital in the Local Health District.
Wednesday, 25 August 2021
RISING CASE NUMBERS
The Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District today reported the following:
For the 24 hour period to 8pm Tuesday, 24 August there were eight new COVID-19 cases recorded for the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District. Details are as follows:
- Two cases who are residents of the Shellharbour LGA.
- Six cases who are residents of the Wollongong LGA.
Other cases announced this week:
- One case who is a resident of Wollongong LGA and is being cared for in Wollongong Hospital's COVID Ward. Case investigations ongoing.
- One case who is a resident of Wollongong LGA, however is isolating outside the Local Health District. This case is a contact of a known case from outside the LHD.
- One case who is a resident of Wollongong LGA and is isolating at home. Case investigations ongoing.
- One case who is a resident of Kiama Local Government Area (LGA) and is isolating at home. Investigations are continuing, however this case is likely linked to employment in Sydney.
- One case who is a resident of Wollongong LGA and is isolating at home. Investigations are continuing, however this case is likely linked to employment in Sydney.
Tuesday, 24 August 2021
ISLHD CASES UPDATE
For the 24 hour period to 8pm Monday, 23 August there were three new COVID-19 cases recorded for the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District. Details are as follows:
- One case who is a resident of Wollongong LGA and is being cared for in Wollongong Hospital's COVID Ward. Case investigations ongoing.
- One case who is a resident of Wollongong LGA, however is isolating outside the Local Health District. This case is a contact of a known case from outside the LHD.
- One case who is a resident of Wollongong LGA and is isolating at home. Case investigations ongoing.
Other cases announced this week:
- One case who is a resident of Kiama Local Government Area (LGA) and is isolating at home. Investigations are continuing, however this case is likely linked to employment in Sydney.
- One case who is a resident of Wollongong LGA and is isolating at home. Investigations are continuing, however this case is likely linked to employment in Sydney.
Sunday, 22 August 2021
ISLHD CASES UPDATE
On Saturday, August 21, the ISLHD COVID website was updated, as follows:
For the 24 hour period to 8pm Friday, 20 August there was one new COVID-19 case recorded for the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District. The case is a resident of Kiama Local Government Area and is isolating at home. The case is a close contact of a known Sydney case.
Other cases announced this week:
- One case who is a resident of the Shellharbour Local Government Area (LGA) and is isolating at home. This case is a close contact of previously reported case.
- One case who is a resident of the Wollongong LGA years and is isolating at home. This case is a close contact of previously reported case.
- One case who is a resident of the Shellharbour LGA and is isolating at home. This case is a close contact of a previously reported case.
- One case who is a resident of the Shellharbour LGA and is isolating at home. The source of infection is under investigation.
- One case who is a resident of the Shellharbour LGA and is isolating at home. The source of infection is under investigation.
- One case who is a resident of the Wollongong LGA and is isolating at home. This case is a close contact of a previously announced case.
- One case who a resident of Shellharbour LGA, however is currently isolating outside the Local Health District. The case is linked to work in Sydney.
- There were also two new overseas acquired COVID-19 cases recorded for the District. Both are returned travellers and in hotel quarantine in Sydney.
There are two local COVID-19 patients currently hospitalised in the Local Health District.
There were more than 23,300 COVID tests carried out in the Illawarra Shoalhaven for the week ending Sunday, 15 August.
NSW Health provides information about venues of concern where there has been a risk of community transmission from known cases. A list of venues and advice can be found here.
Thursday, 19 August 2021
COUNCIL TO HELP WITH GRANTS
Wollongong City Council is providing one-off funding grants to local not-for-profit organisations that provide emergency food and care packages to people experiencing hardship due to COVID-19. The first round of emergency food and care support grants close Wednesday 25 August 2021, and the second round of funding opens Monday 11 October 2021. More information here.
Wednesday, 18 August 2021
MORE CAR PARKS AT VACCINATION HUB
Wollongong City Council is offering an additional car parking option in the CBD for those headed to the Illawarra Shoalhaven Mass Vaccination Centre. Full story here.
ISLHD REPORTS 4 NEW CASES
For the 24 hour period to 8pm Tuesday, 17 August there were four new COVID-19 cases recorded for the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District as below:
- One case who is a resident of the Shellharbour LGA and is isolating at home. This case is a close contact of previously reported case.
- One case who is a resident of the Wollongong LGA years and is isolating at home. This case is a close contact of previously reported case.
- One case who is resident of Shellharbour LGA and is isolating at home. This case is a close contact of a previously reported case.
- One case who is a resident of the Shellharbour LGA and is isolating at home. The source of infection is under investigation.
There are two local COVID-19 patients currently hospitalised in the Local Health District.
Tuesday, 17 August 2021
ISLHD REPORTS 1 NEW CASE
For the 24 hour period to 8pm Monday, 16 August there was one new COVID-19 case recorded for the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District. This case is a resident of the Shellharbour LGA and is isolating at home. The source of infection is under investigation.
Other cases announced this week:
- One case who is a resident of Wollongong Local Government Area (LGA) and is isolating at home. This case is a close contact of a previously announced case in the Wollongong LGA.
- One case who a resident of Shellharbour LGA, however is currently isolating outside the Local Health District. The case is linked to work in Sydney.
Monday, 16 August 2021
ISLHD CASES UPDATE
For the 24 hour period to 8pm Sunday, 15 August there were two new COVID-19 cases recorded for the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District. Details are as follows:
- One case is a resident of Wollongong Local Government Area (LGA) and is isolating at home. This case is a close contact of a previously announced case in the Wollongong LGA.
- One case is a resident of Shellharbour LGA, however is currently isolating outside the Local Health District. The case is linked to work in Sydney.
There are two local COVID-19 patients currently hospitalised in the Local Health District.
There were more than 23,300 COVID tests carried out in the Illawarra Shoalhaven for the week ending Sunday, 15 August.
SHOALHAVEN HOSPITAL VISITING RESTRICTIONS
In a statement released today, Shoalhaven Hospital Group General Manager, Craig Hamer, said: "Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD) has today implemented further restrictions on visiting patients at Shoalhaven, David Berry and Milton Ulladulla Hospitals, in a bid to minimise the spread of COVID-19.
"In response to the statewide lockdown, and in line with relevant public health and infection control advice, hospitals in the Shoalhaven area are now under Red Alert level, meaning that all ISLHD hospitals now fall within this alert category.
"By further reducing the number of people coming into our facilities, as well as limiting visiting times, we are minimising the risk of spreading the COVID virus to vulnerable patients as well as health care workers who are at the forefront of dealing with this pandemic.
Effective immediately, under the Red Alert level, there are no visitors permitted to patients on general wards. Please note, there are exemptions for specific wards, such as Children’s ward, Maternity / Birthing and Palliative Care."
Sunday, 15 August 2021
The ABC has published a guide to the new restrictions: "From 12:01am Monday, August 16, anyone in Greater Sydney (which includes the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour) can only shop, exercise or engage in outdoor recreation within their local government area (LGA) or, if outside your LGA, within 5 kilometres of your home." Read the article here. The SMH also has a guide to what you can and can't do here. The Mercury has an article – titled 'Confusing' new lockdown orders adds 'stress': MP – here.
Read yesterday's NSW Health Stay at Home orders here.
Saturday, 14 August 2021
Four people have died of Covid-19 and NSW recorded 466 new locally acquired cases in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. Tougher restrictions are coming in.
At today's press conference, Premier Gladys Berejiklian said it was the "most concerning" day so far and that September and October would be "difficult".
Illawarra Shoalhaven’s COVID-19 Mass Vaccination Centre opened in the former David Jones building in the Crown Street Mall in the Wollongong CBD on Monday, 9 August. The facility provides the Pfizer vaccine and, subject to Federal supply, has the capacity to offer up to 2,500 vaccinations per day.
COVID-19 vaccines are free for everyone in Australia regardless of Medicare or visa status. You can book a vaccination via Service NSW.
ISLHD REPORTS 2 NEW CASES
For the 24 hour period to 8pm Friday, 13 August there were two new COVID-19 cases recorded for the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District.
The first case is from the Shellharbour Local Government Area (LGA) and is a close contact of the case announced earlier this week. This case is isolating at home.
The second case is also from the Shellharbour LGA and is a close contact of a case from outside the Local Health District. This case is isolating at home.
Other case announced this week:
- One case is a resident of the Shellharbour LGA and is isolating at home. The source of infection is under investigation, however investigations indicate it is most likely linked to travel to Sydney required for work.
Thursday, 12 August 2021
HELP FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
Council will partner with Investible - an early stage investment firm who are experts in entrepreneurial and business development to deliver two online programs; free of charge to businesses - Primed to Thrive and Thrive. Full statement here.
NO NEW CASES
For the 24 hour period to 8pm Wednesday, 11 August there were no new COVID-19 cases recorded for the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District in the Wollongong LGA.
NEW VENUES OF CONCERN
Late last night, an an Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District spokesperson shared venues of concern in Blackbutt, Shellharbour City Centre and Warilla. Full statement below:
For the 24-hour period to 8pm Tuesday, 10 August, there was one new case of COVID-19 in the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District. This case is a resident of the Shellharbour Local Government Area and is currently isolating at home. Household contacts have been notified and are also in isolation.
The source of infection is under investigation, however is most likely linked to travel to Sydney required for work. The case was working from home when not required to travel for work.
NSW Health has been notified of new venues of concern in Blackbutt, Shellharbour City Centre and Warilla associated with this confirmed case of COVID-19.
Anyone who attended the following venues at the times listed is a casual contact and must get tested and self-isolate until they receive a negative result. You should continue to monitor for symptoms and if any symptoms occur, get tested again.
-
Warilla Grove Shopping Centre, 47 Shellharbour Road, Warilla.
Saturday 7 August from 9.25am to 11.20am, in particular the following stores:- Cafe Els - Saturday 7 August, 9.25am to 9.35am
- Bakers Delight - Saturday 7 August, 9.30am to 9.35am
- Mitchell's Market - Saturday 7 August, 9.35am to 10.05am - Woolworths - Saturday 7 August, 10am to 11.20am -
Coles, Stockland Shellharbour - 1 Holm Place, Shellharbour City Centre Saturday 7 August, 11.45am to 12.20pm
-
Dan Murphy's - Stocklands Retail Park, New Lake Entrance Road, Blackbutt Saturday 7 August 2021, 12.25pm to 12.45pm
Please continue to check the NSW Health website regularly, as the list of venues of concern will be updated as investigations continue and will also be shared the District’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/IllaShoalHealth
There are a number of testing clinics in and around the Shellharbour area. In response to increased demand for testing, the District has worked with local private pathology providers to increase capacity at existing clinics and establish a new pop-up clinic at the Myimbarr sports fields in Shellharbour.
Testing locations in the Illawarra include:
-
Myimbarr Fields carpark Southern IML pop-up drive through - entry off Wattle Road, Shellharbour –
-
Barrack Heights Laverty drive through - Centre Health Complex, –
-
Albion Park Southern IML drive through - 108 Tongarra Rd, (enter via driveway next to RFS building) – Expanded opening hours 8am-6pm - 7 days until further notice.
-
Port Kembla Laverty drive through - Port Kembla Pool, Olympic Boulevard - 8am-4pm - Monday-Friday, 8am-2pm - Saturday-Sunday
-
Warilla Southern IML drive through - 109 Shellharbour Rd (entry off Beverley Ave) - 8am-5pm - 7 days
-
Berkeley Southern IML drive through - Illawarra Sports Stadium Car Park, Fred
-
Wollongong Hospital COVID-19 Testing Clinic - Lawson House, Loftus Street -
For the full list and up-to-date opening hours, visit the District’s website.
We continue to urge anyone with even the mildest of cold-like symptoms to be tested immediately and isolate until a negative result is received. If symptoms appear again, be tested and isolate again.
There are more than 420 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW, many of which are open seven days a week. To find your nearest clinic visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid- 19/how-to-protect-yourself-and-others/clinics or contact your GP.
For the latest advice and information about COVID-19 visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19
Wednesday, 11 August 2021
BUSINESS ILLAWARRA INVITE
Business Illawarra is inviting members to join an August 12 ‘Mastering Your Mental Health’ webinar hosted by Mental Health Movement (MHM) and Go1, which will discuss how you can build mental health resilience, improve help-seeking behaviours, build mental health literacy and improve support in your business. Tomorrow's session will cover all things mental health including how the MHM Digital Academy can support the mental health of your people through the current landscape with restrictions, lockdowns, constant change and uncertainty. Register via Eventbrite
ISLHD REPORTS 1 NEW CASE
For the 24 hour period to 8pm Tuesday, 10 August there was one new COVID-19 case recorded for the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District. The case is a resident of the Shellharbour LGA and is currently isolating at home.
The source of infection is under investigation, however preliminary investigations indicate it is most likely linked to travel to Sydney required for work.
NSW Health today announced: "NSW recorded 344 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night."
Tuesday, 10 August 2021
FREE PARKING
To encourage as many people as possible to get their COVID-19 vaccinations at the Illawarra Shoalhaven Mass Vaccination Centre, Wollongong City Council is offering two hours free parking in the MacCabe Park car park. Read the media release here.
Monday, 9 August 2021
WOLLONGONG'S MASS VACCINATION CENTRE OPENED TODAY
The Illawarra Shoalhaven’s COVID-19 Mass Vaccination Centre in the Wollongong CBD has officially opened its doors today, offering vaccine doses to eager locals who have previously booked online. Full statement here.
NO NEW CASES IN THE ILLAWARRA, ISLHD REPORTS
For the 24 hour period to 8pm Sunday, 8 August there were no new COVID-19 cases recorded for the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District
There is one local COVID-19 case currently hospitalised.
There were 19,383 COVID tests carried out in the Illawarra Shoalhaven for the week ending Sunday, 8 August.
Friday, 6 August 2021
COVID FRAGMENTS DETECTED
Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District is urging the Wollongong and Shoalhaven communities to get tested with even the mildest symptoms of COVID-19 after fragments of the virus were detected in samples from the Wollongong and Bomaderry sewage treatment plants. Full story here.
For the 24 hour period to 8pm Thursday, 5 August there were no new COVID-19 cases recorded for the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District
FREE WEBINAR FOR BIZ OWNERS
Local business owners, save the date: August 11 for a free NSW Government COVID-19 business support webinar.
The focus of the online webinar is to make it easier for you to find the help you need. Information will be provided on how you can apply for financial grants including; the 2021 COVID-19 business grant, JobSaver payment and COVID-19 micro-business grant.
NSW Government representatives will be available for a Q&A session during the online webinar.
Thursday, 5 August 2021
MASS VACCINATION CENTRE TO OPEN MONDAY IN WOLLONGONG CBD
Construction of the Illawarra Shoalhaven mass COVID-19 vaccination centre is in its final stages, with the Wollongong CBD facility set to open its doors next Monday, 9 August. Full ISLHD statement here.
BUSINESS SURVEY SHOWS ILLAWARRA BATTLING
The region’s peak business advocacy organisation, Business Illawarra, has released the results of a statewide survey that show how dramatically the current lockdown has impacted Illawarra businesses, compared against the March 2020 lockdowns.
Revenue impacts on Illawarra businesses were hardest following the first two weeks of the current lockdown (45% down) than they were for the first two months of the March 2020 lockdown (41% down), and much harder than the first two weeks of that lockdown (32% down).
The release is here.
ONE NEW CASE
Today's Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District update:
"For the 24 hour period to 8pm Wednesday, 4 August there was one new COVID-19 case identified by NSW Health as a resident of the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District
While this new case is a resident of the Shoalhaven Local Government Area, they are under the jurisdictional authority of the Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network and are not counted in the Local Health District’s total numbers. The case is not currently in the Local Health District.
Other cases announced this week:
- Two cases from the Wollongong Local Government Area who are isolating at home. Case investigations are underway, however it is believed there are links to employment in the Sydney area.
There is one local COVID-19 case currently hospitalised."
Wednesday, 4 August 2021
TWO NEW CASES IN WOLLONGONG LGA
"For the 24 hour period to 8pm Tuesday, 3 August there were two COVID-19 cases recorded for the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District," the ISLHD said in a statement today.
"The first case is a resident of Wollongong Local Government Area and is isolating at home. Case investigations are underway, however it is believed there are links to employment in the Sydney area.
"The second case is also from the Wollongong Local Government Area. This case is a close contact of the first case and is also in home isolation.
"There is one local COVID-19 case currently hospitalised."
HOW COUNCIL WILL HELP
Council today issued a media release listing its COVID-19 Assistance for Community and Business measures. Examples include the chance to defer rates and apply for grants. Plus, in some good news for struggling restaurants and cafes, Council's waiving outdoor dining fees. It will also waive fees for fitness trainers, swim schools and surf schools. Full story here.
WOOLWORTHS FIGTREE NAMED A VENUE OF CONCERN
NSW Health's listing is below:
Woolworths Figtree
Case Location:19 Princes Highway, Figtree
If you were at this venue at the following time[s]:
Tuesday 27 July 2021, 12:30pm to 1pm
Then you should:
Get tested immediately. Self-isolate until you get a negative result.
Anyone who attended this venue is a casual contact and must get tested and self-isolate until they receive a negative result. If your date of exposure at this venue occurred in last 4 days, you must get another test on day 5 from the date of exposure. Wear a mask around others and limit your movements until you get another negative result. You should continue to monitor for symptoms and if any symptoms occur, get tested again.
Monday, 2 August 2021
COUNCIL MEETING TONIGHT
Wollongong City Council is finalising its report “COVID-19 Assistance for the Community and Business” to be considered at its Council meeting on Monday 2 August 2021. The report will include a series of recommendations about options for support to our residents, ratepayers and businesses at this challenging time.
It’s anticipated the report will be published to Council’s website later this evening. It will be available on the Business Papers page.
While the Council meetings are being held virtually at the moment, people can join online to watch the deliberations of Council. The webcast starts at 6pm.
Sunday, 1 August 2021
NURSE SHARES A DAY IN HER LIFE
What's it like to be a nurse at a vaccination clinic during the pandemic? Rachel Qi shares her story with 2508 District News and 2515 Coast News. Our August editions are out today – packed with unique local stories, both mags are live online and en route to local post boxes.
Today's figures: NSW recorded 239 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night.
Saturday, 31 July 2021
MASS VACCINATION CENTRE TO OPEN MID AUGUST
The Illawarra Shoalhaven Mass Vaccination Centre, which will administer the Pfizer vaccine, will open mid-August in the former David Jones building in the Crown Street shopping mall. The centre will have the initial capacity to administer up to 15,000 vaccines per week, approximately 2,500 per day (six days a week), with the capacity to increase further in the future. Full ISLHD statement here.
FREE FUN FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
Looking for something to fill your afternoons? With the current stay-at-home orders, Wollongong Youth Services are offering a series of virtual activities for young people to create, learn and connect, by jumping online from the comfort of home.
Young people can access a range of workshops from theatre sports, guitar lessons, boardgame breakouts and much more to pass the time. All the activities are free for Wollongong’s local young people aged between 12-24 and supervised by members of the Youth Services team. Full story by Wollongong City Council here.
TODAY'S STATS
NSW recorded 210 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night.
Friday, 30 July 2021
1.30pm: ONE LOCAL CASE IN HOSPITAL
From the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District: "For the 24 hour period to 8pm, Thursday, July 29 there were no new COVID-19 cases recorded for the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District.
Other cases announced this week:
* Two cases who are residents of the Wollongong Local Government Area and are close contacts of a previously announced case. Both cases are isolating at home.
* Four new linked cases who are all residents of the Wollongong Local Government Area and isolating at home. The source case is linked to a known Sydney case and the other three are close contacts.
* One case who is a resident of Wollongong Local Government Area, however is isolating outside the Local Health District. This case has now been linked to a known Sydney case.
There is one local COVID-19 case currently hospitalised."
HELP FOR BUSINESSES
For local businesses who use Xero accounting software: To help you calculate a decline in turnover, Xero has created a COVID-19 Business Support tool.
Find out more about state and federal financial support below:
The ABC also has an excellent article, "Everything you need to know about NSW's COVID lockdown financial support — including disaster payments and JobSaver" – click here.
Thursday, 29 July 2021
1pm: Illawarra Shoalhaven LHD update:
"For the 24 hour period to 8pm, Wednesday July 28 there were four new COVID-19 cases recorded for the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District. All four cases are residents of Wollongong Local Government Area, with further details as follows:
* The source of one of the new cases is under investigation. This case is currently isolating outside the Local Health District.
* Three new cases are close contacts of the case announced for the Local Health District yesterday. These three cases are all isolating at home.
Other cases announced this week:
* Two cases who are residents of the Wollongong Local Government Area and are close contacts of a previously announced case. Both cases are isolating at home.
* One new case who is a resident of the Wollongong Local Government Area and has now been linked to a known Sydney case. This case is isolating at home.
There are no local COVID-19 cases currently hospitalised."
11.30am: Take a midweek weekend and what happens?
Over the past two days, the Greater Sydney lockdown has been extended for four weeks, the JobSaver program has been extended, and cases in the Illawarra are on the rise. Wollongong City Council has issued an update on its activities, including a few words from Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM:
“We’re seeing people struggling through loss of work, parents having to strike a balance between their own work and homeschooling their children, families who are unable to meet face-to-face with loved ones and businesses facing very challenging times to stay afloat,’’ he said.
“If there ever was a time to be kind to your neighbours and your community, this is it. We need to band together and do everything we can to reduce the threat of this COVID variant. It’s terrifyingly contagious and the only way we can beat it, is to follow all the advice of NSW Health, limit the time you spend outside your home and to get tested if you’re feeling unwell.’’ Full story here.
The region’s peak business organisation, Business Illawarra says the extension of the Greater Sydney lockdown by four weeks is a crushing blow for local businesses of all sizes, and many may not recover, although new support for business will be gratefully received. Full story here.
Among recent new venues of concern are Engadine's GoVita, Gwynneville Bakery and Bunnings Bellambi. NSW Health's list is here.
Today's numbers are a new record:
NSW recorded 239 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night.
Tuesday, 27 July 2021
Business Illawarra says local businesses "need more support". In a statement today, the advocacy organisation said: "As the lockdown drags on without an end date, it is becoming increasingly clear existing support measures are insufficient." Full story here.
Noon: Yesterday was a busy day for our team – both the August issues of 2508 District News and 2515 Coast News went to print late last night. The 'lockdown editions' will be out this weekend – look out for our new crossword!
In the meantime, here's a sneak peek at what's inside – a letter from MP Lee Evans.
11am: NSW recorded 172 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night.
For the 24 hour period to 8pm, Monday 26 July there was one new COVID-19 case recorded for the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District.
The new case is a resident of the Wollongong Local Government Area and is close contact of the case announced yesterday. This case is isolating at home.
The other case announced this week:
· One case who is a resident of the Wollongong Local Government Area and was a close contact of one of the Wollongong LGA cases announced last week. This case is isolating at home.
There are no local COVID-19 cases currently hospitalised.
Monday, 26 July 2021
For the 24 hour period to 8pm, Sunday 25 July there was one new COVID-19 case recorded for the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District.
The new case is a resident of the Wollongong Local Government Area and was a close contact of one of the Wollongong LGA cases announced last week. This case is isolating at home.
There are no local COVID-19 cases currently hospitalised.
There were 20,800 COVID-19 tests carried out in the Illawarra Shoalhaven for the week ending Sunday, 25 July.
Sunday, 25 July 2021
11am: NSW recorded 141 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. Visit NSW Health's Facebook page or website for more.
Creative Fix: As lockdown and the wind confine us to our homes, take a look Makeshift's creative first aid ideas. Makeshift is the Covid pivot of two northern suburbs locals, Caitlin Marshall and Lizzie Rose, who founded the Rumpus skills sharing classes and makers markets here about eight years ago. They also have a couple of spots left in Makeshift's online Mental Health First Aid course, with group sessions happening on 6 and 13 August. Read more about Makeshift in a 2515 Coast News article, published November 2020.
Saturday, 24 July 2021
4.30pm Media Round-up: The Illawarra Mercury has covered the 'totally irresponsible' anti-lockdown protest of about 400 people in Wollongong; while the ABC reports that Central Sydney was shut down for several hours by thousands of protesters. For those in need of canine company, ABC Illawarra's Saturday Breakfast show had a story on how you can temporarily foster a greyhound. And, for those already dreading Monday, i98 offers Ten top tips for parents to survive lockdown home schooling.
How to help: Illawarra-based social enterprise Green Connect is asking locals to consider donating a fruit and veg box or care package to people who are doing it tough right now.
The fruit and veg boxes are filled with chemical-free and locally grown fresh fruit and vegetables from Green Connect’s 11-acre permaculture farm in Warrawong.
The care packages have been put together by the Green Connect op shop team. They are hand-picked according to what people need most and may include things like warm clothes, blankets, cookware, books or toys. All items have been gently used and are packed in a COVID-safe way.
To donate a veg box or care package, or to nominate someone in need, click here.
11.30am: A spokesperson for Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District issued the following statement:
"For the 24 hour period to 8pm, Friday 23 July there was one new COVID-19 case recorded for the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District. This case is from the Wollongong Local Government Area, however is isolating outside the Local Health District. This case is linked to a known Sydney case and is not linked to any of the other cases announced in the Local Health District this week.
Other ISLHD cases this week:
· One case is a resident of the Wollongong Local Government Area, however is currently in home isolation outside the Local Health District
· Four cases in the Wollongong Local Government Area who are all in home isolation.
There are no local COVID-19 cases currently hospitalised."
For testing clinics in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven, please see this link.
11am: NSW recorded 163 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. Follow NSW Health on Facebook or visit its website for more.
Now on the NSW Health Casual Contacts list: Woolworths Wollongong, 63 Burelli St: Monday 19 July, 4:30pm to 6:00pm
Listen to the ABC's latest Coronacast with Dr Norman Swan: "What if NSW can't get it under control?"
ABC Illawarra has a list of locations in the Illawarra and Southern Highlands.
Friday, 23 July 2021
4.30pm MEDIA ROUND-UP: Greater Sydney residents are 'vaccine shopping' in Thirroul – 70km from their postcode, write Ainslie Drewitt-Smith and Kelly Fuller for ABC Illawarra. The Illawarra Mercury has published an opinion piece on the race to vaccinate, COVID horse has bolted in NSW. Now there's only one way out of mess and tonight WIN News (5.30pm; Channel 8 & 80 HD) is promising a story on the force cracking down on travel to our region.
And finally: “A narrative is emerging. It’s become a thing to bash Bondi,” writes Brigid Delaney in an opinion piece for The Guardian.
4pm: Wollongong City Council is encouraging residents to do the right thing this weekend and to follow the current Public Health Order if they are out and about.
“There are very specific reasons for people to be out in the community and I ask people when they are going to the shops or for exercise to be extra careful, cautious and mindful of others,’’ Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM.
Cr Bradbery said it has been heartening to see so many people out exercising and using the diverse range of Council-managed spaces to do so.
“Exercise is so important to everyone’s mental health and wellbeing, as well as providing a welcome break to home schooling or zoom meetings,’’ Cr Bradbery said.
“In recognition of the importance of exercise we have turned on the lights on a number of our sportsfields from 4.30-9pm to provide people with an opportunity to exercise in a socially-distant way. The details of which sportsfields can be found on Council’s website for those who are motivated to exercise that way, although I appreciate this isn’t necessarily the venue of choice for everyone!"
Read Council's full media release here.
12 noon: For the 24 hour period to 8pm, Thursday, 22 July there were no new COVID-19 cases recorded for the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District. Find the latest ISLHD COVID-19 case numbers here and a list of clinics here.
8.45am: Parkes Street General Practice's Helensburgh Respiratory Clinic, which offers free Covid testing, will be open for walk-ins today and tomorrow (Friday and Saturday).
The additional services are on offer after a local resident, who is in isolation outside the district, tested positive to Covid-19, said Dr Cindy Htet, owner of Parkes Street General Practice.
The clinic is encouraging the community to come forward for testing and vaccinations, visit https://www.psgp.com.au/
2508 District News received an update on this story late yesterday afternoon (Thursday, July 22), when a spokesperson for Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District said: "I can confirm that for the 24 hour period to 8pm, Wednesday 21 July there is one new COVID-19 case recorded for the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District. The new case is a resident of the Wollongong local government area, however is currently in home isolation outside the Local Health District."
The spokesperson also said: “This case is linked to a known Sydney case and is not linked to the four previous cases announced in the Local Health District earlier this week.”
NSW Health had not listed any venues of concern in the 2508 postcode at 8.45am on Friday, 23 July.
"Locations where these cases live, work or have visited do not pose any ongoing risk to the public unless listed as a venue of concern by NSW Health," states the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District website.
Thursday, 22 July 2021
Helensburgh Respiratory Clinic will extend its opening hours this week after a Helensburgh resident tested positive to Covid-19, Dr Cindy Htet, owner of Parkes Street General Practice, said today.
"We will be open this week, including Saturday," Dr Htet said. "We will accept walk-ins for the next three days."
NSW today reported 124 new locally acquired Covid-19 cases, including 48 infectious in the community, in the 24 hours to 8pm last night.
At the 11am press conference, Premier Gladys Berejiklian said: "Please get vaccinated. The vaccine is key to our freedom."
While the positive case is from Helensburgh, the test was not done at Helensburgh Respiratory Clinic, Dr Htet said.
A spokesperson for Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District said: "I can confirm that for the 24 hour period to 8pm, Wednesday 21 July there is one new COVID-19 case recorded for the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District. The new case is a resident of the Wollongong local government area, however is currently in home isolation outside the Local Health District."
The spokesperson also said: “This case is linked to a known Sydney case and is not linked to the four previous cases announced in the Local Health District earlier this week.”
There were no venues of concern listed in the 2508 postcode on Thursday, July 22. Keep up to date on public health alerts and venues of concern via NSW Health's website and its case locations map.
Helensburgh Respiratory Clinic, run by Parkes Street General Practice, is usually open for Covid testing from 8.30am-5pm, Monday to Friday. It is located in the white marquee behind Parkes Street General Practice. Test results may take longer than usual due to high demand.
The clinic is encouraging the community to come forward for testing and also to talk to its staff about Covid-19 vaccinations (phone 4294 1400).
For more information and bookings, visit https://www.psgp.com.au/
Earlier today, ABC Illawarra published a list of venues of concern.
