Bega Valley Shire mayor Russell Fitzpatrick has said that all close contacts in the Bega Valley, of two Victorians who tested positive for COVID-19, have now been tested.
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The two cases presented for testing at South East Regional Hospital on New Years Eve after being contacted by Victoria's Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). This followed a visit to the Great Southern Inn, Eden on December 30 and breakfast at Bermi's Beachside Cafe, Bermagui on the morning of December 31.
They were contacted after the visit to the Bermagui cafe by DHHS, Cr Fitzpatrick said, and were advised that they were a close contact of a positive case in Victoria and should be tested.
"They immediately went to SERH and were tested. They were told that following the test they were required to isolate for 14 days and elected to return home in Victoria to do so," Cr Fitzpatrick said.
They were advised later that they had returned a positive test.
Cr Fitzpatrick said that to his knowledge all close contacts from this exposure in the Bega Valley had now been tested and all initial test results had been negative.
"All close contacts are required to isolate for 14 days from date of contact and undertake a second test after 12 days," Cr Fitzpatrick said.
He thanked the health workers for getting so many tests done over the last couple of days and also thanked the businesses concerned for having their COVID-19 plans in place.
"This has ensured NSW Health could do the contact tracing required," he said.
"There are currently no positive cases in the Bega Valley Shire but we must not let our guard down. As we continue to live with COVID-19 let's remember to follow the restrictions that apply to regional and rural NSW. We social distance, we hand sanitise, we always sign in to venues with QR codes," Cr Fitzpatrick said.
On January 5 the Great Southern Inn announced that they were cleared to open, following a professional deep clean over the weekend.
"We remain a registered COVID Safe business, with all the necessary health and hygiene measures in place, to keep our community safe and stop the spread. We would like to thank you for your support and look forward to welcoming you back," the inn said.
