There has been a lot of confusion in the Mid Coast community following today's announcement by premier Gladys Berejiklian the Mid North Coast would be coming out of lockdown from 12.01am this Saturday, September 11.
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However, deputy premier John Barilaro confirmed the Mid Coast local government area (LGA) would remain in lockdown, due to one active case in Booral.
"I can make it absolutely clear that the Mid Coast LGA, because of that one case and even though there is question marks around how much exposure and how much risk it had, is not coming out of lockdown this week," he said.
"But that will be reviewed again over the next seven days."
The confusion came about because of inconsistent messaging from the NSW Government around health districts and LGAs.
Mr Barilaro said he would clear that up.
I can make it absolutely clear that the Mid Coast LGA, because of that one case and even though there is question marks around how much exposure and how much risk it had, is not coming out of lockdown this week.
- Deputy premier John Barilaro
While the Mid North Coast Health District (Port Macquarie and just north of Coffs Harbour) will be among the health districts that will emerge from lockdown on Saturday the Mid Coast LGA - which falls under Hunter New England Health District (HNEHD) remains under the stay-at-home orders until further notice.
The decision was made following advice from HNEHD due to the risk associated with one positive COVID case in Booral.
Although HNEHD advised the case had been in isolation throughout their entire infectious period, NSW Health advised there was still "a high level of risk, Mr Barilo said.
"They (the Mid Coast LGA) had the one case with minimal exposure to the community but we need longer than a couple of days to see how that plays out.
RELATED: Lockdown continues for Mid Coast LGA
"I do ask the community to be patient with us and I do understand the confusion."
To have lockdown lifted, an LGA must have not had a new active case in 14 days.
The decision for the Mid Coast LGA will be reviewed in seven days, he said
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