FROM THE MAYOR'S DESK - 23 Aug
23 August 2021
In relation to COVID-19, it was gratifying to learn that as of 15th August NSW Health figures show Warren Shire Local Government Area (LGA) has administered a total of 3,411 Covid tests. This community response has been encouraging to see and highlights the collective spirit of the Shire.
The Warren Shire LGA has one of the highest testing rates in regional NSW, with now 550 tests for every 1,000 residents, and we are also seeing a high number of people getting vaccinated. With our eligible population sitting at around 1,640 people, over 75% of this group have had their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and over 30% are now fully vaccinated as of the 15th August. We should all be very proud the Shire is among the top regional NSW Local Government Areas for vaccination rates.
Importantly we have had the opportunity to really ramp up those vaccination rates with the arrival of the combined Australian Defence Force, Western NSW Local Health District pop-up vaccination clinic in Warren at the Sporting and Cultural Centre at Victoria Park on Monday 23rd August and Tuesday 24th August.
In reality, having everyone vaccinated in the same way that children are immunised against mumps, measles and chickenpox is the only way in which we can keep our community safe. I would hope that anyone who was eligible and was not yet vaccinated made use of the clinic on Monday or Tuesday. Vaccination is the best way to protect your family, your friends and the Warren community.
We additionally need to continue to comply with the current Stay at Home Public Health Order so that Warren continues to remain COVID-19 free.
As an additional Public Heath measure, our sewerage will now be tested for COVID-19 fragments. This hasn’t been available to smaller towns such as ours until this week, but we will now have access to what I would call an early warning system. I am mindful however that this is not foolproof because travellers use our public facilities and sewerage dump point.
There can be a time lag between COVID-19 testing and receiving the results of that test. There is also the need to stay isolated in the period between testing and receiving the result. Nonetheless, it is essential to get tested if you exhibit any COVID-19 symptoms. If you have waited more than 72 hours for your results please call Western NSW Local Health District COVID-19 Call Centre on 1300 066 055.
Please stay safe.
Clr Milton Quigley
Mayor