FREEDOM: Forbes was one of the 12 LGA’s released from lockdown last week along with Parkes and Cabonne. There have been no cases in approximately three weeks in town despite positive sewerage fragments detected last week. Pictured is NSW National’s Leader and Deputy Premier John Barilaro.
In the past week, stay-at-home orders have been lifted for Forbes, Parkes, Cabonne and other selected Local Government Areas (LGAs) across NSW. The new freedoms came with a warning from the NSW State Government that restrictions can just as easily be reapplied.
“I encourage everyone in those LGAs to enjoy their freedoms in a responsible way and should anything change in those areas a return to lockdown may be possible,” Deputy Premier John Barilaro said.
Something Cowra knows all about after a recorded case this week.
Forbes has recorded another COVID-positive sewerage test since lockdown ended and is waiting on the second. The mystery prompting surveillance testing from WNSWLHD despite no new cases now for over two weeks as COVID testing numbers continue to decline across NSW.
Yet there is light at the end of the tunnel with a distinct possibility restrictions and stay-at-home orders will be removed by as early as October 9 should vaccination rates continue at the current upward trend. On this day NSW will have 70% double vaccinated.
“I urge everyone to get vaccinated so you can continue to enjoy freedoms when NSW reaches the 70 percent double dose target”.
Forbes is currently at 57% double-vaccination and ranks among the top 3 in the WNSWLHD and around 88% first-dose placing it in the top 5 as well with only Lachlan performing better across both categories.
More inside this issue on ADF Vax Clinics and COVID Surveillance Testing.