02.06.2021
2 min read

Why NSW region’s exposure to COVID is ‘super alarming’

Health authorities revealed on Tuesday night that an infected Melbourne man visited several tourist locations.

Victoria records six new cases of COVID-19

UPDATE: Melbourne COVID lockdown extended by another week

The NSW South Coast is on high alert after a person from Melbourne who was later diagnosed with COVID-19 visited the area late last month.

Extra coronavirus testing clinics have been set up after Victorian health officials notified NSW Health the person visited Jervis Bay, Goulburn, Hyams Beach and Vincentia on May 23 and 24.

Catch the best deals and products hand-picked by our team at Best Picks Best Picks

The person had some symptoms on May 25, after driving back to Melbourne on May 24, and tested positive on Monday, May 31 - almost a week later.

Victoria on Wednesday had six new locally acquired COVID-19 cases ahead of a likely announcement the state’s “circuit breaker” lockdown will be extended.

South Coast MP Shelley Hancock says the highly contagious nature of the variant is “super alarming” and is urging locals to “please get tested and then isolate at home” and get vaccinated as soon as possible.

The NSW South Coast is on high alert after a person from Melbourne who was later diagnosed with COVID-19 visited the area. File. Credit: Getty Images

“We’re not used to being on high alert on the South Coast,” she told Sydney radio 2GB on Wednesday.

She’s concerned about the impact of an outbreak on the area’s elderly population.

“Sometimes complacency sets in - well, here’s the wake-up call,” she said.

NSW South Coast MP and Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock. Credit: JOEL CARRETT/AAPIMAGE

NSW COVID-19 hotspots

NSW Health has now issued a list of venues of concern around Jervis Bay and is urging anyone who visited them at the times listed on the department’s website to get in contact, to get tested and to isolate until they receive further instructions.

Anyone at the following venues at the times listed should immediately call NSW Health on 1800 943 553, get tested and isolate until receiving further information from NSW Health.

Shell Coles Express Big Merino, 1/3 Sowerby Street Goulburn, Monday May 24, 10am-11.30am.

Trapper’s Bakery, 4 Sowerby Street, Goulburn, Monday May 24, 10.30am-11.30am.

Cooked Goose Cafe, 76 Cyrus Street, Hyams Beach, Sunday May 23, 10am-12pm.

Green Patch Campground, Booderee National Park, Jervis Bay, All day Sunday May 23 and until 9am Monday May 24.

Coles Vincentia Shopping Centre, 21 The Wool Road, Vincentia, Sunday May 23, 12pm-1pm.

File image of the Booderee National Park near Jervis Bay. Credit: AAP

Anyone who lives in Jervis Bay or has visited Jervis Bay since May 22 is asked to get tested and to isolate if they have even the mildest of cold-like symptoms.

A drive-through pop-up testing clinic will be based at Huskisson, with NSW Health to provide more information on Wednesday.

See the full list of NSW COVID-19 alerts here.