Tough new rules for regional NSW local government areas thrown back into lockdown

Port Macquarie on the mid North Coast and Muswellbrook in the Upper Hunter Region are the latest NSW local government areas to be thrown into a snap lockdown.

Stay-at-home orders were introduced for seven days from 6pm on Tuesday due to an “increased Covid-19 public health risk” in both LGAs.

These rules also apply to anyone who has been in the Port Macquarie and Muswellbrook LGAs since September 17 and September 22, respectively.

In Sydney, a Manly hotel has also been placed into lockdown following a coronavirus exposure at the site, where there are now reportedly at least five active cases.

NSW Health has told residents to isolate and get tested immediately as it investigates the source of the infection at the hotel on the corner of Pacific Street and Malvern Ave.

Meanwhile, the stay-at-home orders for the Kempsey, Byron Shire and Tweed LGAs will be lifted as scheduled at midnight on Tuesday.

But health authorities are warning Kempsey could be placed back into lockdown if new information indicates an increased public health risk.

Everyone in the Port Macquarie and Muswellbrook LGAs must stay at home unless it is for an essential reason, which includes shopping for food, medical care, getting vaccinated, compassionate needs, exercise and work or tertiary education if you can’t work or study at home.

To determine the extent of the risk and detect any further potential Covid-19 cases in these areas, health officials are calling on residents to urgently come forward for testing.

“A strong response to testing will be a key factor in determining if these stay-at-home orders are extended beyond one week,” NSW Health said in a statement.

NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard had flagged earlier on Tuesday that both Muswellbrook and Port Macquarie could re-enter lockdown.

“That work is being done this afternoon … I would advise people in those areas to be very cautious,” he said.