The Nowra branch of the National Australia Bank has been confirmed as a location linked to a known case of COVID-19.
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Although the case is not confirmed on the NSW Health website, an Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD) spokesperson confirmed the case on Tuesday morning, August 10.
A Facebook post and a text message to bank staff had revealed the Nowra branch in the CBD had been closed for two days to undergo a deep clean.
"We can confirm the location is linked to a known case and urgent case investigations are underway," the spokesperson said.
"This could include people being advised of public health advice urgently based on initial information, we will update accordingly."
The Facebook post revealed the link to a person who tested positive for COVID-19 had visited the branch on Friday, July 30.
The Facebook post and text sent to bank staff, supposedly by NSW Health, advised "that people there at the same time are advised to get tested for COVID-19 as soon as possible and self-isolate until you receive a negative test result".
NSW Health have been contacted for comment and could not confirm any further details about the positive COVID-19 case in the community.
A NAB spokesperson said they are currently seeking confirmation from NSW Health about the case.
"While we're currently seeking confirmation from NSW Health we've taken the precaution to close the branch," said the spokesperson.
"We will conduct a pandemic clean and our colleagues are getting tested and are isolating. We encourage all customers to continue to follow the advice of NSW Health and continue to check exposure site updates."
The messages did not specify a time period, only the date July 30 but advised people monitor for COVID-19 symptoms and get tested again at any time if you develop any symptoms.
A staff member was present at the branch on Tuesday morning putting up signage, to notify customers of the closure.
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They confirmed staff found out about the COVID exposure from a text message from NSW Health.
People were attempting to enter the branch Tuesday morning, with the staff member turning them away and advising them to use the NAB branch at Kiama or Sussex Inlet.
No staff will be present at the branch over the next two days while deep cleaning takes place.
The NAB branch at Berry is closed on Tuesdays, however can be accessed on Mondays and Wednesday to Friday.
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Grace Crivellaro
Court reporter for the Illawarra Mercury.
Court reporter for the Illawarra Mercury.
