More than 600 people have been tested for coronavirus in Wagga Wagga after a positive case connected to a school in the city was announced yesterday.
The positive case brings the total number of cases in the Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) to 43, with 25 in Hilltops, nine in Albury, six in Edward River, one in Griffith, one in Federation and one in Wagga Wagga since the start of the current outbreak.
MLHD medical director Len Bruce said there had been no further positive cases detected, but the community should remain vigilant.
"So far, we've had no more positive results from 665 tests," Professor Bruce said.
"There is approximately 90 close contacts and 100 casual contacts and they're all in isolation.
"But because the exposure was quite early in the disease process, casual contacts will actually require a second test in a number of days.
Professor Bruce said the source of the infection was from outside Wagga Wagga.
"We don't have any evidence that this case is a sign of community transmission in Wagga Wagga," he said.
"The source of the infection is not in Wagga Wagga at the moment.
"Because we believe this is not a case due to community transmission in the area, the risk would be lower."
Deniliquin vaccinations rising
There were concerns vaccination rates were too low in Deniliquin in the state's south west after a number of positive cases were detected and a woman in her 70s died in a Melbourne hospital.
MLHD COVID-19 coordinator Emma Field said since the announcement of the local woman's death, vaccination rates had increased.
"I think it's important to note with the Edward River LGA, they've got a number of vaccination options for them, but again, it's a big catchment area too."
Travel confusion
Independent local member for Wagga Wagga Joe McGirr said there was quite a lot of misinformation on social media and confusion about what travel would be allowed on Monday when restrictions eased.
Dr McGirr said he spoke with NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet this morning and confirmed travel from Sydney to the regions was off the cards, unless it was for a reason already outlined by the NSW government.
"I said it is extremely important that our regions are protected, they do not have the vaccination rates you have in the city and travel should not open up until we reach 80 per cent," he said.
"I understand that is their position."
