Update on Covid cases and school restrictions


8th July 2021
Sadly, another step backwards in Sydney over the past 24 hours with 38 new cases of community transmission recorded. Of concern is that 11 of those people were in
¿ IMPORTANT COVID UPDATE - Thursday July 8 ¿
¿ Sadly, another step backwards in Sydney over the past 24 hours with 38 new cases of community transmission recorded. Of concern is that 11 of those people were in the wider community while infectious before testing positive. We now have 40 people being treated in hospital, including 10 under the age of 35, and 11 people in ICU with 3 on ventilators.
¿ All of the cases are in the Sydney area, in particular the SW, and we are fortunate that none have been identified locally or in other regional areas, but we must remain vigilant and get tested even for the mildest of symptoms.
¿ Just a quick update on schools reopening next week. The Dept of Education has updated its advice on masks, saying all students in Yr7 and above will be required to wear masks in class, as well as all staff. Non-essential visitors to schools will not be allowed to enter. All the latest details about schools here.
¿ Another quick update on masks in cars. It's been clarified that masks must be worn by all car occupants if those occupants live at different addresses. I've made clear my views on this in previous posts, but that is the rule, and I can only hope that police take a more considered approach to enforcement in circumstances like those reported previously.
¿ Please remember that masks remain mandatory in all indoor settings in the Lake Macquarie area and that visitors to your home are limited to five. The Central Coast and Sydney remain under the stay-at-home order, so please don't go near there unless it's absolutely essential.
¿ I know a lot of people have expressed concern about the State of Origin being played in Newcastle next week. I understand those concerns and it would be foolish to say that such an event will be risk-free, but I also know that every precaution possible is being taken to keep people from the Greater Sydney area away, including a requirement to present ID when purchasing tickets on Monday, and lining up at the gates on Wednesday.
¿ Please, everyone, we are still in a health pandemic. I don't think the current restrictions on us are overly difficult to comply with given the risks that Covid still poses to us. Our region has now gone 336 days without a case of community transmission, and with a bit of patience and common sense we can keep that record climbing.

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