The Greens Member for Ballina is warning people to take personal responsibility to avoid catching COVID-19, as the NSW government relaxes restrictions amid rising case numbers.
There have been 130 cases in the Byron Shire in the past week, of which 62 cases are linked to a single rock music event held at Coorabell Hall on December 4.
Chief executive of the Northern NSW Local Health District Wayne Jones said clearly a large number of people attended the event and were not wearing masks.
"I emphasise to people if you were at the event and not had a chance to get tested, please come forward."
On Wednesday, the NSW government eased COVID restrictions, with unvaccinated people able to return to most public venues.
Checking in with QR codes is no longer required in certain businesses, including supermarkets and shopping centres, and masks only need to be worn on public transport, at airports and on planes, and for unvaccinated indoor hospitality staff.
Ballina MP Tamara Smith urged the North Coast community to decide for themselves how much they wanted to maintain social distancing and mask wearing.
"I certainly won't be going to massive indoor venues, packed with people, until we start to see a very mild version of COVID-19.”
The latest federal government health data shows 84.4 per cent of the Byron Shire population aged 15 and over is now fully vaccinated.
“I think where we are now is as good as we are going to get," Ms Smith said.
Sick Byron mum warns of COVID risks
A Byron Bay woman is warning people not to become complacent about the COVID risk.
Magdalena Gustafsson caught the virus while enjoying a rare dinner out with friends last week in Byron Bay.
The 37-year-old, who is fully vaccinated, got tested after being advised she was a close contact of a known case.
She says the initial test was negative, but a series of painful symptoms have since become apparent.
"All my fingers started feeling swollen and numb.
"I was lying in bed for two days not able to move."
Health authorities say of the more than 180 active cases, only three people are requiring care in hospital and none are in intensive care.
