STAY-AT-HOME ORDERS FOR REGIONAL AREAS EXTENDED
Thursday, 26 August 2021
The NSW Government announced today that the Stay-At-Home Orders currently in place for regional NSW will be extended by two weeks, until at least 11:59pm on 10 September.
“I acknowledge that the announcement of the extension of the Stay-At-Home Orders for regional areas, including the Cootamundra electorate, was not the news many people wanted to hear.” Ms Cooke said.
"Rising case numbers and sewerage detection remain a concern in several regional LGAs outside the Cootamundra electorate.
“I want to reinforce that the lockdown is in place to protect us, not punish us. Some outlying communities in our electorate, are in close proximity to infected areas in the West and Far West.
“If an outbreak were to occur, it would place enormous pressure on our hospitals and on the hard working nurses and doctors who have worked around the clock to keep us safe for the past twenty months. Unfortunately, this is the harsh reality of what we are facing.
The NSW Government has also foreshadowed the easing of restrictions for those who are fully vaccinated. Stated the road map to further freedoms, is that from 12.01am, Monday 13 September, for those who live outside the LGAs of concern, outdoor gatherings of up to five people (including children, all adults must be vaccinated) will be allowed in a person’s LGA or within 5km of home.
“It is increasingly evident that vaccinations prevent deaths, reduce hospitalisations, reduce transmission and reduce the burden on our hospitals. I urge people within our electorate to please book in to get vaccinated as soon as you can,” Ms Cooke said.
“Getting vaccinated isn’t just about protecting yourself, it’s about protecting your family, your friends, the vulnerable and your community. It is the only way we can move forward in returning to some type of normal life.
The State and Federal Government have issued a range of support measures to assist those in need while in lookdown.
“The government is continuing to expand and alter the support packages available to individuals and businesses within our community who are experiencing both mental and financial hardships due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions.
“Last year we went through this together and survived. I have every confidence that we will do so again.
“Our small communities are the best at supporting one another and I know this will continue through these times.
