Inspector Dunn “very pleased” with the cooperation of the community during COVID-19 pandemic

The Narrabri region’s police inspector Robert Dunn has thanked the local community for its patience and co-operation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, he warned that vigilance and observance of regulations remained a priority.

The pandemic threat is not over.

But so far, the community has responded to the call for observance of Public Health regulations and no COVID-19 cases have been recorded in the Narrabri Shire.

“Overall, as Narrabri Police OIC I have been very pleased with the cooperation of the community and the adherence to the measures put in place, and people’s patience during that time,” inspector Dunn said.

Many warnings were issued, to people gathering where they were not supposed to, or being away from home during the stay-at-home restrictions, and people corrected their behaviour accordingly, however, the community adhered to the rules during the stay-at-home restrictions.

“Police only issued three tickets and one person was charged.”

Inspector Dunn said the biggest risk had been from ‘imports’, people travelling through town.

“You don’t know who has been touching things before you,” said inspector Dunn.

“I think everyone appreciates that.

“People travelling through, particularly from high risk areas, could leave traces of the infection behind.

“And that is still a risk.”

Last week, NSW shut its border with Victoria to “contain the spread of COVID-19 and to protect the health and jobs of NSW citizens”.

“The people of NSW have done an incredible job to help stop the spread of COVID-19, allowing us to open up our economy,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“The outbreak of cases we are seeing in Victoria is putting these gains at risk.”

On Monday July 13, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said there were 3967 coronavirus cases in Victoria.

The state recorded 177 new coronavirus cases in the 24 hours to Monday.

It is the eighth consecutive day the state has recorded a triple-digit increase in new cases.

Of those 177 cases, 25 are connected to known outbreaks, while 151 remain under investigation. One case is a returned traveller in hotel quarantine.

On Monday, NSW Health reported 14 new cases of COVID-19 had been diagnosed in the state in the 24 hours to 8pm on Sunday night, bringing the total number of cases in NSW to 3303.

“Of today’s new cases, four are returned travellers in hotel quarantine,” said a statement released by NSW Health.

“Two NSW residents acquired their infection in Victoria, and both cases have been isolating since their return to NSW,” said the NSW Health statement.

“These cases have no identified close contacts in NSW, and followed health advice on their return from Victoria.

“Eight cases counted today include five who attended the Crossroads Hotel in Casula, and three are contacts of cases who were at the hotel. They are isolating,” said a statement released by NSW Health.

“One confirmed case of COVID-19 linked to the Crossroads Hotel also attended Planet Fitness Casula. The gym is closed for cleaning.

“While the risk to other members is considered low, anyone who attended the gym must watch for respiratory symptoms or fever, and if they occur, isolate and get tested for COVID-19 right away.

“Another case linked to the outbreak attended Picton Hotel during their infectious period, attending July 4, 9 and 10 in the gaming room. The hotel is closed for cleaning.

“NSW Health can confirm a number of ADF personnel who attended the Crossroads Hotel are isolating. None of these people have tested positive.

“NSW Health is urging anyone who attended the Crossroads Hotel at Casula between Friday, July 3 and Friday, July 10 to immediately self-isolate until 14 days after they were last there, attend a clinic for testing even if they have no symptoms, watch for respiratory symptoms and get
retested should any occur.

“Even if you get a negative test stay in isolation for 14 days.

“Victoria Department of Health reports two Victorian cases separately attended several venues in NSW, including:
• July 5 lunch at Cook @ Kurnell
• July 5 dinner at Highfield, Caringbah
• July 6 dinner at the Merimbula RSL
• July 7 breakfast at the Waterfront Café Merimbula
• July 4 and 5 Murray Downs Golf Club

“While investigations are underway, NSW Health urges anyone who attended these venues at these times must watch for respiratory symptoms or fever, and if they occur, isolate and get tested for COVID-19 right away,” said the NSW Health statement.

Meanwhile, NSW Police will be manning the border with Victoria, as Victorian Police will be busy carrying out the roles which NSW police had undertaken during the height of the restrictions in this state.

The monitoring of the border crossings, 55 in all, will be a huge task requiring many personnel.

“There is every chance that this district will be providing staff at some point,” said inspector Dunn.

NSW Police officers are also reminding businesses and the wider community to abide by their responsibilities under the current Public Health Order legislation, after a licensed premises was forced to close in the Snowy Mountains and a number of other potential breaches were identified over the weekend.