Wollongong apartment block housing homeless locked down after COVID outbreak

An Illawarra apartment complex has been locked down after five residents tested positive for COVID.  (ABC Illawarra: Tim Fernandez)

Health services in Wollongong have launched an emergency response to a COVID outbreak in a housing complex that supports some of the city's most vulnerable people.

Five people in the unit block on Keira Street have tested positive to the virus.

The Wollongong Homeless Hub is a tenant of the building, leasing 30 of the 84 units, and there is a community of residents who move between apartments and use communal areas.

Homeless Hub President Bill Simpson says all of his clients are caught up in the situation.

"We've got up to 30 people in there," he said.

"There's been a police presence at the building since Thursday night.

Emergency crews respond to the outbreak at the unit complex. (ABC Illawarra: Tim Fernandez)

"We are in contact with most of our clients on their phones and for those without we are trying to get phones into them."

Mr Simpson also said food was being delivered to the service's clients.

Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District said the residents' close and frequent interactions are similar to those in a household and, as a result, all residents of the apartment complex are considered close contacts.

Health professionals and police at the locked-down apartment in Wollongong. (ABC Illawarra: Tim Fernandez)

Residents have been told they are required to stay within their own rooms to assist in minimising transmission.

The health district says its also ensuring all residents receive any continued care for pre-existing chronic health conditions and social support, including food supplies, personal hygiene and other essential items.

On-site COVID testing will also be available to all residents.

People seeking emergency accommodation are advised to call Links2Home on 1800 152 152.

Illawarra cases continue to rise

There are 36 new cases reported in the Illawarra, bringing the total cases in the health district to 538.

• 19 cases are from the Wollongong LGA. Eleven of these are linked to known cases
• 13 cases are from the Shellharbour LGA. Five of these are linked to known cases
• 3 case is from the Shoalhaven LGA. One of these is linked to known cases 
• 1 cases are from Kiama LGA

NSW Health is urging the community to remain vigilant and continue testing.

Parts of Keira Street around the apartment block have been cordoned off. (ABC Illawarra: Tim Fernandez)

Wollongong Police say local COVID compliance checks are finding people with deteriorating health.

District Commander, Superintendent Evan Quarmby says the checks on residents confirmed to have COVID are playing an important role for compliance and welfare.

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