South Coast MP Shelley Hancock called for the Shoalhaven to be let out of lockdown despite having 14 active cases in the community on Wednesday.
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On Thursday, NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro announced the Shoalhaven is among the LGAs remaining under stay-at-home orders.
Another Shoalhaven COVID-19 was confirmed by Mr Barilaro at Thursday morning's press conference, taking to 15 the number of local cases.
Mrs Hancock was adamant local cases were "under control", and as such, the Shoalhaven should be let out of lockdown resrictions.
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However, Mr Barilaro held firmly that despite whether cases may be traced, the case numbers were too "significant" to let the region out of lockdown.
"They might be linked and isolated, but when was the last time they were in the community?" Mr Barilaro said at Thursday afternoon's regional media press conference.
"15 cases are a significant number of cases but with the new cases in recent days, again, there is a risk."
Mr Barilaro reiterated that the Shoalhaven would only escape lockdown earlier than the 70 per cent statewide vaccination rate where there are zero cases for 14 days and no sewage detections.
"We'll evaluate it next week and follow the simple rule of 14 days since the last active case in the community. This is what the minimum threshold will be."
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Case numbers will be reviewed weekly to determine whether regional LGAs remaining under stay-at-home orders will be eased from restrictions earlier.
Mrs Hancock acknowledged that local businesses are struggling but reminded the community to "remain patient" and to seek financial assistance from Service NSW where needed.
Stay-at-home orders also remain in place for Shellharbour, Kiama, Eurobodalla, Bega and Wingecarribee shire.
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