Shoalhaven welcomes a week of no new COVID cases, but community reminded to remain vigilant

The Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District confirmed the news in the Friday, November 19 update, however, reported two new cases in Wollongong.

Shoalhaven Mayor Amanda Findley thanked the local community for coming forward to get the jab and believed high vaccination rates and the remaining COVID restrictions have helped keep case numbers low.

Earlier in the week, NSW Health confirmed 95 per cent of people aged over 16 in the Shoalhaven have received two doses of the COVID vaccine.

"It's been terrific to see we haven't had a massive spike in cases as the state has been opening up," said Cr Findley.

"The fact restrictions allow for only vaccinated people...to have the most freedoms shows - even though we know vaccines don't mean that you're not going to get COVID - that vaccines have certainly helped in driving down the state's case loads.

"And that's really comforting to see."

Restrictions will ease when NSW reaches 95 per cent double vaccination or on 15 December, with changes including proof of vaccination no longer required and non-critical retail open to all, regardless of vaccination status.

The state's population aged 16 years and over is now 91.5 per cent fully vaccinated, while 94.3 per cent have had their first COVID-19 vaccine shot.

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Cr Findley also extended her gratitude to local frontline workers.

"They've done a tremendous job and they really should be congratulated," she said.

The ISLHD has reminded that despite continued low cases numbers in recent weeks and ahead of restrictions easing, the community must remain vigilant for even the mildest of symptoms, and to continue to come forward for testing and vaccination.

NSW recorded 216 new COVID-19 cases and three deaths in the 24 hours to 8pm, with one of the deaths a man in his 60s from Wollongong.

The ISLHD confirmed he was not vaccinated and died at Wollongong Hospital.

ISLHD has reminded the community vaccination clinics are now offering a booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine to people aged 18 years and older, six months after their second dose.

Booster shots are also available at local general practitioners and pharmacies.

NSW Health are no longer routinely listing case locations for regional and rural NSW on its website.

NSW Health will continue to contact people diagnosed with COVID-19 and their close contacts, and all people who need to follow specific health advice.

Residents are also alerted of exposure sites through the NSW Service app.

For a list of COVID-19 testing sites across the Illawarra Shoalhaven, visit the local health district's website.

Waminda has announced a new COVID testing clinic will open at its Nowra office Mondays and Fridays.

The clinic is available for Aboriginal women, men and children and bookings are not necessary.

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