Lockdown after positive case, school closed

A seven-day lockdown will start in the Hilltops LGA from 6pm tonight, following two positive cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Young.

“I appreciate that will come as a blow to many with school holidays upon us, and the small amount of time that we have been able to enjoy out of the recent Statewide lockdown. I especially recognise the impact this will have on small business owners,” said Cootamundra MP Steph Cooke.

She said there are COVID-19 cases under investigation after the positive case was announced earlier today.

“A seven-day lockdown was decided in order to protect the community and safeguard against further spread of COVID in Young and Hilltops more broadly,” Ms Cooke said.

A man in his 60s presented to the hospital at Young before 8pm last night. He’s since been transferred to Wagga Wagga Base Hospital.

“We’re currently looking to find the source of infection,” said Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) Chief Executive Jill Ludford.

“The message now is we’re going into an environment of heightened risk and the most important thing any of us can do is to understand that during this time we need to monitor ourselves for any symptoms and then we need to come forward early for testing.”

There will be a pop up COVID-19 testing clinic at Young Showground Pavilion on Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm both days. No appointment is necessary however pre-registration is available on 1800 831 099.

Young Respiratory Clinic will continue to provide testing and will be running a drive through testing clinic at the Old Kirkwoods Building, 15 Boorowa Street, with entrance via the rear.

Ms Luxford stressed the importance of vaccination, and how easy it is now to come forward to one of over 100 venues in the MLHD if you’re 12 years or over.

She said a pop up clinic will be established at Young District Hospital on Saturday September 18 from 9am to 2pm to offer vaccination to ‘vulnerable’ groups such as those whose first language is not English as well as the Aboriginal population.

“We really encourage those people to come forward to these pop up clinics,” Ms Luxford said.

Young High School has been closed for a deep clean and for staff to self isolate.

Principal Anne Barker posted on the school facebook page that NSW Health advised that a member of the school community has tested positive for COVID-19.

The only venues of concern so far are:

• MedCIRC Young, 50-66 Boorowa Street Wednesday September 15, 12.10pm to 1.45pm
• Young Diagnostic Imaging, 12 Cloete Street, Wednesday 15 September 15 2pm to 2.30 pm
• Service NSW Young, 24 Lynch Street, Monday September 13 3pm to 4pm
• Service NSW Young, 24 Lynch Street, Wednesday September 8 12.10pm to 12.40pm
• Bunnings Young, 288 Boorowa Street, Wednesday September 8 12.15 to 1pm
• Young BWS, Boorowa Street Friday September 3, from 3:15pm to 4:00pm
• Young Woolworths, 263 Boorowa Street Friday September 3, from 3:15pm to 4:00pm
• Cherry Blossom Motor Inn, 19 Zouch Street, Young, Friday September 3 to Tuesday September 7.

• Topics:

• Covid-19