'We cannot afford to be complacent' - Crouch
Central Coast Parliamentary Secretary Mr Adam Crouch has urged local residents not to be complacent about coronavirus after two cases were identified on the Central Coast.
"The delta strain is highly contagious and spreads very quickly," he said.
"We cannot afford to be complacent."
Mr Crouch said: "The Central Coast's two active cases are located in the 2261 postcode.
"Fortunately the people who tested positive did the right thing by self-isolating, which means they pose no additional risk to the community.
"Thanks to the cases getting tested and self-isolating, we have not had any community transmission yet.
"However, NSW Health remains very concerned about the possibility of a seeding event in our community," he said.
"Suburbs in the 2261 postcode include Bateau Bay, Berkeley Vale, Chittaway Bay, Glenning Valley, Killarney Vale, Long Jetty, The Entrance and Tumbi Umbi.
"Regardless of where you live on the Central Coast, please stay at home unless it is for an essential reason, wear a mask when you're shopping, and remember to check-in with QR codes.
"If you have any symptoms, no matter how mild, please get tested and self-isolate until you receive a negative result."
Mr Crouch said last Wednesday, July 7, the numbers were "wake-up call for everybody".
"There have been 357 cases of community transmission since June 16, which is when the first Bondi cluster case was reported."
He said 37 patients with the delta strain were currently in NSW hospitals.
Of these, 14 were under the age of 55 and eight were under the age of 35.
Seven required treatment in intensive care units and two required a ventilator to keep breathing.
"While today's decision to extend the lockdown is a painful one, it has been taken to protect the health and safety of our community."
Earlier Mr Crouch had urged visitors to stay away from the Central Coast.
"The school holidays are normally one of the busiest times of the year for local businesses and accommodation providers, but unfortunately the Covid-19 outbreak means that people must stay at home," he said on Monday, June 28.
"If you are on the Central Coast right now but your home address is not a Central Coast suburb, please go home.
"The only reasons to leave home are shopping for essentials, medical care or compassionate needs, outdoor exercise, and essential work or education commitments."
Mr Crouch said the public health order dated June 26 specified that "taking a holiday is not a reasonable excuse" for leaving home.
"We need everyone to abide by the restrictions so that our health experts can stop Covid-19 from spreading any further," Mr Crouch said.
"Central Coast residents are the eyes and ears for Police, which is why I'm encouraging people in our community to report any possible violations of the public health order to Crime Stoppers."
He said anonymous reports can be made at the Crime Stoppers website https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
SOURCE:
Social media, 5-7 Jul 2021
Media release, 28 Jun 2021
Adam Crouch, Central Coast PS