Warren Shire’s Leading COVID-19 Response
19 August 2021
With the outbreak of COVID-19 in north western NSW, Warren Shire Council has congratulated the Warren community for its proactive response, with residents swift to take up vaccinations and testing and to comply with Stay at Home Orders.
NSW Health figures to date show Warren Shire Local Government Area (LGA) has administered a total of 3,411 tests. Warren Shire Mayor, Councillor Milton Quigley, says 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 476 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. We should all be very proud the Shire is among the top regional NSW Local Government Areas for vaccination rates.
“These numbers are a credit to our community for their commitment to keep each other safe. It also reflects the huge dedication of our local health care workers and services to protect our residents, as the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve throughout the region,” says Councillor Quigley.
With testing and vaccinations a priority, Warren Shire Council is working closely with services to establish pop-up clinics to reach as many residents as possible.
A COVID-19 testing clinic has been set up at the Warren Multi-Purpose Health Service and is available between 1pm – 2pm by appointment, to book phone 02 6847 5400. With many residents coming out to be vaccinated, the pop-up AstraZeneca vaccination clinic on Friday 20 August was initially fully booked however another nurse has now been secured to help with additional vaccinations. Residents are encouraged to book these available appointments by phoning 02 6847 4326. Rural and Remote Medical Services (RaRMS) Health Warren are also working to arrange additional dates for future vaccination clinics.
Warren Shire Council General Manager, Gary Woodman, says the evolving nature of the situation means Council and Health Services are continually adapting to deliver the best outcomes for Shire residents.
“Our priority is for the community to have access to testing and vaccinations which has meant we are working hard behind the scenes, such as the Warren Shire Local Emergency Management Committee (LEMC) preparing backup drive-through testing facilities. NSW Health will also soon commence monitoring the Warren Sewerage for traces of the virus.
“Importantly, we are advocating for the community to ensure additional resources reach the Shire. We have been working closely with the Western NSW Local Health District to secure dates for further vaccination clinics in Warren.
“I’m pleased to confirm that the Australian Defence Force, supported by the Western NSW Local Health District, will provide a pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinic in Warren on 23 August and 24 August, with both AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines available, depending on each person’s eligibility. Further details will be communicated through Warren Shire Council’s website and Facebook page,” says Mr Woodman.
In line with the current NSW restrictions a number of Council services are affected, however Council staff are available to support residents between 8.30am - 5.00pm by phone on 02 6847 6600 or via council@warren.nsw.gov.au
The following Council services are closed to the public: Warren Service NSW Agency; Warren Shire Office; Warren Shire Library; Warren Sporting and Cultural Centre; Warren Shire Depot; Playground equipment within our Parks and Gardens; and Warren Skate Park and Warren Splash Park.
The Warren Ewenmar Waste Depot, Warren Garbage Pickup, Warren Public Amenities (toilets) Outdoor Works Programs and Facilities Maintenance, and Council’s Health and Building team including ranger services, are continuing to operate.
With the Stay-At-Home Orders for Regional NSW extended today until at least 12.01am on Saturday 28 August, Mayor Quigley urges residents to continue their efforts in keeping the Warren Shire safe.
“Currently the NSW Health website shows 8 cases for Warren Shire LGA. I would like to reassure the community that we have been officially notified that these cases are not local cases as they pertain to people who have Warren as their address on their driver’s license but live elsewhere.
“There are currently no cases of COVID-19 in the Warren Shire LGA. By continuing to follow the Stay-At-Home Orders, social distancing, masking-up, getting tested no matter how mild the symptom, and booking a date to vaccinate, we will all do our part to keep all members of the Warren Shire community safe and healthy,” adds Mayor Quigley.
Council’s website will be continually updated with COVID-19 information and resources. Please visit warren.nsw.gov.au/current-covid-19-rules-and-resources and follow Warren Shire Council’s Facebook page facebook.com/WarrenShireCouncil for regular updates.