This blog is a gathering of local Covid reports – including an unfiltered collection of the original media releases that inform the news. For the latest news, see the NSW Health website.
Wednesday, 29 September 2021
94 NEW CASES, ISLHD REPORTS
For the 24 hour period to 8pm Tuesday, 28 September there were 94 new COVID-19 cases recorded for the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District. Details are as follows:
- 66 cases who are residents of Wollongong Local Government Area (LGA) - 18 are linked to known cases and 48 are under investigation
- 16 cases who are residents of Shellharbour LGA - eight are linked to known cases and eight are under investigation
- 9 cases who are residents of Shoalhaven LGA - five are linked to a known cases and four are under investigation.
- 3 cases who are residents of the Kiama LGA - two are linked to known cases and one is under investigation
As at 8pm Tuesday, 28 September there were 35 COVID-19 patients being treated in Wollongong Hospital and one being treated in Shoalhaven Hospital.
Postcode breakdown:
Wollongong LGA
Total - 66
2500 - 16
2502 - 10
2505 - 4
2506 - 2
2515 - 3
2516 - 1
2517 - 2
2518 - 7
2519 - 9
2525 - 2
2526 - 8
2530 - 2
Shellharbour LGA
Total - 16
2527 - 4
2528 - 6
2529 - 6
Shoalhaven LGA
Total - 9
2540 - 6
2541 - 3
Kiama LGA
Total - 3
2533 - 2
2534 – 1
Tuesday, 28 September 2021
62 NEW CASES, ISLHD REPORTS
For the 24 hour period to 8pm Monday, 27 September there were 62 new COVID-19 cases recorded for the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District. Details are as follows:
- 37 cases who are residents of Wollongong Local Government Area (LGA) - nine are linked to known cases and 28 are under investigation
- 15 cases who are residents of Shellharbour LGA - 12 are linked to known cases and three are under investigation
- 10 cases who are residents of Shoalhaven LGA - four are linked to a known cases and six are under investigation.
For a full list of locations, including close and casual contact venues or changes to previously reported venues, visit http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/.../case-locations-and...
Anyone with even the mildest of cold-like symptoms is urged to immediately come forward for testing and isolate until a negative result is received.
The COVID-19 Moderna vaccine is now available to kids aged 12 – 15 from Pharmacies 
Two doses of the Moderna vaccine reduces hospitalisations due to the COVID-19 Delta variant by 95%.
Book your child in for Moderna through your local pharmacy here 
https://covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/eligibility
Monday, 27 September 2021
#VAXTHEILLAWARRA LOCAL HERO
Stuart Taggart, CEO of 2022 UCI World Cycling Championships, is looking forward to hosting @wollongong2022 and asks you to roll up those sleeves and #VaxTheIllawarra!
Business Illawarra media release: A DAY TO CELEBRATE GETTING BACK TO BUSINESS
The region’s peak business organisation, Business Illawarra, is calling on local business owners, their employees and customers to share how they are planning to celebrate the re-opening of their favourite businesses when our state reaches the 70 percent double-vaccination target.
“We are on track to reach the 70 percent double vaccination milestone quicker than expected, thanks to the Illawarra’s community’s strong participation in the push to reopen and the terrific #vaxtheillawarra campaign,” said Executive Director of Business Illawarra, Adam Zarth.
“We have named reopening day ‘back-to-business day’ because that’s what it is for hundreds of thousands of business owners and their employees across our state,” Mr Zarth said.
“We’d love people to use the hashtag #backtobusiness in their social media posts from today, to share with us how they are going to celebrate on the day.”
“Business owners may want to share what they’ve missed most, how they will re-engage with their customers. It might be through some opening week specials, buy-one-get-one free offers, or simply decorating their stores and building that party atmosphere.”
“We’d like customers to share how they’ll support their local business when it reopens. Many people are already talking about ‘paying it forward’ so their local business can have some much-needed cashflow.”
“The support we have seen so far for our local businesses has been overwhelming.”
“The #backtobusiness campaign is about celebrating businesses of all shapes and sizes that have been decimated by the lockdowns – and showing the gratitude, strength and resilience of the community.”
“I expect #backtobusiness day will be a real celebration, done in a CovidSafe way. Local councils can dress up their streets and town centres, and the hope is that cafes, restaurants, shopping centres and hotels will be very busy.”
“This has been four months of uncertainty and difficulty for many business owners and their employees. This is our opportunity to show our support and celebrate our local businesses getting #backtobusiness,” Mr Zarth said.
Sunday, 26 September 2021
MARQUEE OUTSIDE ED
In a statement on the 26th, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District Chief Executive, Margot Mains, said:
As part of Wollongong Hospital’s ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic Plan, a range of strategies have been implemented to enable the safe and efficient transition of patients from the community into the Emergency Department (ED).
A marquee has this week been installed outside the ED’s Darling Street entrance. This is to ensure the Hospital is prepared for potential increases in ED demand due to COVID.
The area is on currently on stand-by and will be activated, if required. When operational, the space will allow ED staff to assess and triage patients, perform rapid testing and safely transfer to the most appropriate treatment location based on clinical need, and in line with COVID-19 management guidelines.
The potential capability to assess and stream patients before they enter ED is a key strategy in Wollongong Hospital’s escalated COVID response plan, and is in line with practices employed throughout NSW and the world.
The LHD is taking lessons learned from the experience of others. We are ensuring robust preparedness in all areas, including readiness for significant increases in ED presentations.
The installation of this additional clinical area will ensure we continue to remain well prepared to support our community to access safe, quality emergency care in a timely manner.
For the 24 hour period to 8pm Saturday, 25 September there were 75 new COVID-19 cases recorded for the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District. Details are as follows:
- 59 cases who are residents of Wollongong Local Government Area (LGA) - 14 are linked to known cases and 45 are under investigation
- 10 cases who are residents of Shellharbour LGA - six are linked to known cases and four are under investigation
- 5 cases who are residents of Shoalhaven LGA - three are linked to a known cases and two are under investigation
- 1 case who is a resident of Kiama LGA - investigations are ongoing.
Saturday, 25 September 2021
For the 24 hour period to 8pm Friday, 24 September there were 70 new COVID-19 cases recorded for the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District. Details are as follows:
- 46 cases who are residents of Wollongong Local Government Area (LGA) - 11 are linked to known cases and 35 are under investigation
- 13 cases who are residents of Shellharbour LGA - six are linked to known cases and seven are under investigation
- 11 cases who are residents of Shoalhaven LGA - two are linked to a known cases and nine are under investigation
Friday, 24 September 2021
CASES, CONCERN RISING
The Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD) has continued to experience a steady increase in COVID positive cases in recent weeks, with numbers today exceeding 100 for the first time. Read the statement released today by Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District Chief Executive Margot Mains.
103 NEW CASES, ISLHD REPORTS
For the 24 hour period to 8pm Thursday, 23 September there were 103 new COVID-19 cases recorded for the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District. Details are as follows:
- 82 cases who are residents of Wollongong Local Government Area (LGA) - 18 are linked to known cases and investigations are continuing for 64
- 14 cases who are residents of Shellharbour LGA - eight are linked to known cases and six are under investigation
- 5 cases who are resident of Shoalhaven LGA - three are linked to a known cases and two are under investigation
- 2 cases who are residents of Kiama LGA - both are linked to known cases
Thursday, 23 September 2021
65 NEW CASES, ISLHD REPORTS
For the 24 hour period to 8pm Wednesday, 22 September there were 65 new COVID-19 cases recorded for the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District. Details are as follows:
- 50 cases who are residents of Wollongong Local Government Area (LGA) - 16 are linked to known cases and investigations are continuing for 34
- 12 cases who are residents of Shellharbour LGA - four are linked to known cases and eight are under investigation
- 2 cases who are residents of Kiama LGA - both are linked to known cases
- 1 case who is a resident of Shoalhaven LGA and is linked to a known case.
With regards to the multi-agency response underway at two facilities in Wollongong, there have been 2 new cases of COVID-19 reported at the Keira Street apartment building and one new case at the accommodation facility on Crown Street (Piccadilly Motor Inn).
Wednesday, 22 September 2021
62 CASES, TWO DEATHS, ISLHD REPORTS
For the 24 hour period to 8pm Tuesday, 21 September there were 62 new COVID-19 cases recorded for the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District. Details are as follows:
- 34 cases who are residents of Wollongong Local Government Area (LGA) - 15 are linked to known cases and investigations are continuing for 19
- 20 cases who are residents of Shellharbour LGA - eight are linked to known cases and 12 are under investigation
- 5 cases who are residents of Kiama LGA - investigations are ongoing
- 3 cases who are residents of Shoalhaven - one is linked to a known case and investigations are ongoing for two
Sadly, the District is today reporting the deaths of two people with COVID-19:
- A woman in her 80s from the Wollongong Local Government Area, who died at Wollongong Hospital. She had received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine and had underlying health conditions.
- A man in his 70s from the Kiama Local Government area, who died at Wollongong Hospital. He had received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and had underlying health conditions.
The Local Health District extends its deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones at this time.
#VAX THE ILLAWARRA LOCAL HERO
"For us to be able to get out and start seeing our loved ones and being a part of our community again, we need to make sure we are safe" – Scott Morgan, Chairperson of the Illawarra Aboriginal Medical Service.
Tuesday, 21 September 2021
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS?
Wollongong Art Gallery, Wollongong City Libraries and Wollongong Youth Centre are offering a range of online programs, video tutorials and interactive fun to keep the family busy these school holidays. Full story here.
LOCAL HERO AT #VAX THE ILLAWARRA
Jaymee Beveridge, from UOW Woolyungah Indigenous Centre, urges you to get vaccinated for your community.
50 NEW CASES, ISLHD REPORTS
For the 24 hour period to 8pm Monday, 20 September there were 50 new COVID-19 cases recorded for the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District. Details are as follows:
- 24 cases who are residents of Wollongong Local Government Area (LGA) - ten are linked to known cases and investigations are ongoing for 14 cases
- 13 cases who are residents of Shellharbour LGA - Six are linked to known cases and investigations are ongoing for seven cases
- 11 cases who are residents of Shoalhaven LGA - four are linked to known cases and investigations are ongoing for seven cases.
- 2 cases who are residents of Kiama LGA. Investigations into both are ongoing.
PICK YOUR BUBBLE BUDDIES
Children and teenagers aged 18 years and under will be able to create a ‘friends bubble’ to allow home visits provided the adults in their homes are fully vaccinated, under an easing of restrictions for school holidays. Full story here.
#VAX THE ILLAWARRA
The latest from the #vaxtheillawarra campaign:
The Pfizer vaccine 
is now available for people aged 12 years and over. Head to Bellambi Surf Club TODAY from 9:30am-4pm. Morgan Place, Bellambi. Call or text 0436 816 256 to book.
It’s great to see so many of our Aboriginal community rolling up their sleeves to get COVID vaccinated. Hundreds have attended special clinics at Bomaderry, Dapto, Lake South and Bellambi, following a successful pilot last month at UOW’s Woolyungah Indigenous Centre.
We know that supply is currently limited, but GPs, Pharmacies & the Mass Vaccination Hub have plenty of AstraZeneca
You can also book an appointment for Pfizer. So time to get ready by booking and lets #VaxTheIllawarra.
Information on where vaccines are available and how to book is at vaxtheillawarra.com.au
Monday, 20 September 2021
ISLHD REPORTS 1 DEATH, 45 NEW CASES
For the 24 hour period to 8pm Sunday, 19 September there were 45 new COVID-19 cases recorded for the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District. Details are as follows:
- 28 cases who are residents of Wollongong Local Government Area (LGA) - eight are linked to known cases and investigations are ongoing for 20 cases
- 12 cases who are residents of Shellharbour LGA - Three are linked to known cases and investigations are ongoing for nine cases
- 4 cases who are residents of Shoalhaven LGA - two are linked to known cases and investigations are ongoing for two cases.
- 1 case who is a resident of Kiama LGA and investigations are ongoing.
Sadly, the District is today reporting the death of one person with COVID-19. A woman in her 80s from the Wollongong Local Government Area died at Wollongong Hospital. She had received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and had underlying health conditions. The Local Health District extends its deepest sympathies to her family and loved ones at this time.
LOCAL CASES RISING
Yesterday, the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District reported the following:
For the 24 hour period to 8pm Saturday, 18 September there were 64 new COVID-19 cases recorded for the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District. Details are as follows:
- 39 cases who are residents of Wollongong Local Government Area (LGA) - 16 are linked to known cases and investigations are ongoing for 23 cases
- 18 cases who are residents of Shellharbour LGA - Nine are linked to known cases and investigations are ongoing for nine cases
- 7 cases who are residents of Shoalhaven LGA - two are linked to known cases and investigations are ongoing for five cases.
As at 1pm, Sunday 18 September there were 28 local COVID-19 patients in hospital in the Local Health District.
Saturday, 18 September 2021
75 NEW CASES, ISLHD REPORTS
For the 24 hour period to 8pm Friday, 17 September there were 75 new COVID-19 cases recorded for the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District. Details are as follows:
- 47 cases who are residents of Wollongong Local Government Area (LGA) - 10 are linked to known cases and investigations are ongoing for 37 cases
- 17 cases who are residents of Shellharbour LGA - five are linked to known cases and investigations are ongoing for 12 cases
- 9 cases who are residents of Shoalhaven LGA - six are linked to known cases and investigations are ongoing for three cases
- 2 cases who are residents of Kiama LGA - one is linked to a known case and investigations are ongoing for the other case.
As at 2pm, Saturday 18 September there were 28 local COVID-19 patients in hospital in the Local Health District.
MULTI-AGENCY RESPONSE EXTENDED IN WOLLONGONG
Statement released today, by Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District Chief Executive, Margot Mains.
The multi-agency response that commenced yesterday at an apartment building on Keira Street in Wollongong has now been extended to include an accommodation facility within a building on Crown Street, Wollongong.
Two residents within this facility have tested positive for COVID-19 and are isolating off- site. Other occupants have been advised that they are considered close contacts, and as such, will be required to isolate for a period of 14 days.
The facility is home to community of residents who move between apartments and use communal areas. Some residents are also known to visit the Keira Street apartment complex, which is currently subject to restrictions limiting access.
The occupants of the Crown Street premises are required to self isolate within their own rooms to assist in minimising transmission between residents of different apartments and into the wider community.
As at this morning, an additional four COVID-19 cases have been confirmed at the Keira Street complex, bringing the total cases at that facility to nine at this stage.
Health clinicians and other support services will continue to be on site at both facilities during the isolation period. On-site COVID-19 testing will also be available to all residents.
All residents will be closely monitored and appropriate care is being provided, including telehealth consultations, in-home medical care and transport to hospital for those needing higher levels of care. Residents will also be supported to continue receiving ongoing care for pre-existing chronic health conditions and support services.
Social support, including food supplies, personal hygiene and other essential items as well as counselling for residents is also provided by NSW Government and non- government agencies to ensure the health and wellbeing of residents.
The community is reminded of the need for everyone to wear a face mask in shared foyer or lobby areas, lifts, stairwells and corridors, and shared laundry facilities of apartment complexes as well as regular and thorough cleaning of high-touch surfaces.
NSW Health continues to urge everyone throughout NSW, to get tested immediately if they have even the mildest of symptoms. High rates of testing are critical to detecting transmission and prevent further spread of COVID-19 in the community.
If you are directed to get tested for COVID-19 or self-isolate at any time, you must follow the rules whether or not the venue or exposure setting is listed on the NSW Health website.
As always, anyone who is currently isolating in the community with COVID-19 should call for an ambulance if they experience a deterioration in their condition, including breathlessness and dizziness.
"This time next year, Wollongong will be the focus of the cycling world when we kick off the 8 days of races in our beautiful city. But one of the most important things we need you to do to ensure a safe event, is get vaccinated."
SALLY FROM UCI ROAD WORLD CYCLING CHAMPIONSHIPS SAYS LET'S #VaxTheIllawarra
Shared today on Vax The Illawarra's Facebook page:
"This time next year, Wollongong will be the focus of the cycling world when we kick off the 8 days of races in our beautiful city. But one of the most important things we need you to do to ensure a safe event, is get vaccinated."
Today marks one year to go until Wollongong 2022, an event that will welcome 1,000 of the world's best athletes to our beautiful region and more than 300,000 spectators, plus give a much needed economic boost to our region. Let's #VaxTheIllawarra so we can enjoy big events in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven once more.
We know that supply is currently limited, but GPs, Pharmacies & the Mass Vaccination Hub have plenty of AstraZeneca You can also book an appointment for Pfizer.
So time to get ready by booking and let's #VaxTheIllawarra. Information on where vaccines are available and how to book is at www.vaxtheillawarra.com.au
Friday, 17 September 2021
HOW COVID HAS AFFECTED SURF LIFE SAVING
Flags go up on Saturday, September 18, with Council lifeguards kicking off the 2021/22 swim season. However, with NSW yet to reach its 70 percent double vaccination target, three local Surf Life Saving clubs – Austinmer, Corrimal and Port Kembla – are not ready to field voluntary patrols this Sunday. Full story here.
36 NEW CASES, ISLHD REPORTS
For the 24 hour period to 8pm Thursday, 16 September there were 36 new COVID-19 cases recorded for the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District. Details are as follows:
- 19 cases who are residents of Wollongong Local Government Area (LGA) - 11 are linked to known cases and investigations are ongoing for eight cases
- 13 cases who are residents of Shellharbour LGA - five are linked to known cases and investigations are ongoing for eight cases
- 3 cases who are residents of Shoalhaven LGA - one case is linked and investigations are ongoing for two cases
- 1 case who is a resident of Kiama LGA and investigation is ongoing
* Please note: one previously reported case has now been excluded following further investigation and has been excluded from the totals below.
5 POSITIVE AT KEIRA STREET APARTMENT BUILDING
This morning, the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District released the statement below by Chief Executive, Margot Mains:
A multi-agency response, led by the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD), is underway at an apartment building on Keira Street, Wollongong after five residents tested positive for COVID-19.
In this building there is a community of residents who move between apartments and use communal areas. The residents’ close and frequent interactions are similar to those in a household and, as a result, all residents of the apartment complex are considered close contacts.
The premises will be subject to tight restrictions limiting access, and residents will be required to stay within their own rooms to assist in minimising transmission between residents of different apartments and into the wider community.
Health clinicians and other support services will be on-site at the apartment building during the isolation period. On-site COVID-19 testing will also be available to all residents.
All residents will be closely monitored and appropriate care is being provided, including telehealth consultations, in-home medical care and transport to hospital for those needing higher levels of care.
Residents will also be supported to continue receiving ongoing care for pre-existing chronic health conditions and support services.
Social support, including food supplies, personal hygiene and other essential items as well as counselling for residents is also provided by NSW Government and non- government agencies to ensure the health and wellbeing of residents.
The community is reminded of the need for everyone to wear a face mask in shared foyer or lobby areas, lifts, stairwells and corridors, and shared laundry facilities of apartment complexes as well as regular and thorough cleaning of high-touch surfaces.
NSW Health continues to urge everyone throughout NSW, to get tested immediately if they have even the mildest of symptoms. High rates of testing are critical to detecting transmission and prevent further spread of COVID-19 in the community.
If you are directed to get tested for COVID-19 or self-isolate at any time, you must follow the rules whether or not the venue or exposure setting is listed on the NSW Health website.
As always, anyone who is currently isolating in the community with COVID-19 should call for an ambulance if they experience a deterioration in their condition, including breathlessness and dizziness.
If you are eligible, please also come forward for vaccination as soon as possible (unless you are a case, contact of case, isolating or have symptoms). There are more than 100 NSW vaccination clinics and outreach locations across the state in addition to GPs and pharmacists. Check your eligibility at https://covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/eligibility
Thursday, 16 September 2021
44 NEW CASES, ISLHD REPORTS
For the 24 hour period to 8pm Wednesday, 15 September there were 44 new COVID-19 cases recorded for the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District. Details are as follows:
- 21 cases who are residents of Wollongong Local Government Area (LGA) - six are linked to known cases and investigations are ongoing for 15 cases
- 20 cases who are residents of Shellharbour LGA - three are linked to known cases and investigations are ongoing for 17 cases
- 2 cases who are residents of Kiama LGA - both are linked to known cases
- 1 case who is a resident of Shoalhaven LGA and investigation is ongoing
Wednesday, 15 September 2021
MORE PFIZER COMING!
Illawarra and Shoalhaven residents aged 12-59 years will be given priority access to the Pfizer vaccine from Monday 20 September, following the allocation of additional Pfizer doses by the Commonwealth Government. Full story here.
46 NEW CASES, ISLHD REPORTS
For the 24 hour period to 8pm Tuesday, 14 September there were 46 new COVID-19 cases recorded for the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District. Details are as follows:
- 28 cases who are residents of Wollongong Local Government Area (LGA) - eight are linked to known cases and investigations are ongoing for 20 cases
- 17 cases who are residents of Shellharbour LGA - five are linked to known cases and investigations are ongoing for 12 cases
- 1 case who is a resident of Shoalhaven LGA and investigation is ongoing
Tuesday, 14 September 2021
COVID-19 accommodation service starts at Bulli
Dr Trevor Gardner, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District COVID Taskforce Chair, talks about the security aspects of the Special Health Accommodation facility on the Bulli Hospital campus. Read more and watch the ISLHD video.
#VaxtheIllawarra update
Today's news from the campaigners at #VaxtheIllawarra: "45% of the Illawarra are fully vaccinated, taking us over halfway to reaching 80% and being the first region to hit that target!"
Plus, a message from Lizzie, from Lizzie Jack and the Beanstalks, who cannot wait to be back on stage, and encourages you to get the jab: "I just want to get back on stage, I want to sing in front of everyone again."
17 NEW CASES, ISLHD REPORTS
For the 24 hour period to 8pm, Monday 13 September there were 17 new COVID-19 cases recorded for the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District. Details are as follows:
- 9 cases who are residents of Wollongong Local Government Area (LGA) - five are linked to known cases and investigations are ongoing for four cases
- 4 cases who are residents of Shellharbour LGA - two are linked to known cases and investigations are ongoing for two cases
- 2 cases who are residents of Shoalhaven LGA - both are under investigation
- 2 cases who are residents of Kiama LGA - both are linked to known cases
SUPER SATURDAYS IN THE SHOALHAVEN
Three consecutive Super Saturday AstraZeneca vaccination events will be held at the Shoalhaven Hospital Vaccination Clinic starting this Saturday 18 September. Full story here.
Monday, 13 September 2021
ASTRAZENECA WALK-IN TIMES
Walk-in AstraZeneca vaccinations are available between 10am and 2pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Go to the Mass Vaccination Centre, Crown Street Mall, Wollongong (the old David Jones building) access via Globe Lane.
27 NEW CASES, ISLHD REPORTS
For the 24 hour period to 8pm, Sunday 12 September there were 27 new COVID-19 cases recorded for the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District. Details are as follows:
- 12 cases who are residents of Wollongong Local Government Area (LGA) - four are linked to known cases and investigations are ongoing for eight cases
- 11 cases who are residents of Shellharbour LGA - four are linked to known cases and investigations are ongoing for seven cases
- 2 cases who are residents of Shoalhaven LGA - one is linked to a known case and investigations are ongoing for one
- 2 cases who are residents of Kiama LGA - one is linked to a known case and investigations are ongoing for one
There were 30,319 COVID tests carried out in the Illawarra Shoalhaven for the week ending Sunday, 12 September
Sunday, 12 September 2021
53 NEW CASES IN THE ILLAWARRA SHOALHAVEN
Below, a statement from the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District today:
In the 24 hours to 8pm Saturday, 11 September there were 53 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD) residents
This brings the total number of community acquired COVID-19 cases in the District to 368 since 16 June 2021, when the first case in this outbreak was reported.
There have been 51,392 COVID-19 tests conducted among local residents in the past fortnight.
Of the new cases:
35 are from the Wollongong Local Government Area (LGA)
15 are from the Shellharbour LGA
1 is from the Kiama LGA
2 are from the Shoalhaven LGA
18 are linked to known exposures or family clusters and investigations are continuing into the other cases.
NSW Health's ongoing sewage surveillance program has also detected fragments of the virus that causes COVID-19 at Gerroa sewage treatment plant.
As we’ve seen since the start of this latest outbreak, the Delta variant of COVID-19 is particularly impacting households and a high number of new cases continue to be linked to known or household cases.
The Delta variant spreads more than twice as easily as the original virus and continues to impact younger people. Of the new cases announced for ISLHD today, more than 60 per cent are aged under 40 years.
The Local Health District continues to urge people not just to comply with the Public Health Orders, but to make practical and sensible decisions that will limit your risk of acquiring COVID-19 and keep our loved ones and the broader community safe at this critical time.
The stay at home restrictions in place are designed to limit interaction between people from different households and reduce mobility to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 in the community.
Get tested immediately if you have any cold or flu-like symptoms, such as fever, sore throat, cough or shortness of breath, and isolate until you receive a negative result. Even people with mild symptoms, such as fatigue, new muscle aches or pains, a change in taste or smell or a new runny nose, should arrange testing as quickly as possible.
New casual contact venues continue to be announced in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven. The latest exposure sites are published on the ISLHD Facebook page and the NSW Government website.
NSW Health contacts close contacts of all confirmed cases and directs them to be tested and self-isolate for 14 days from last contact, regardless of the result.
If you are directed to get tested for COVID-19 or self-isolate at any time, you must follow the rules whether or not the venue or exposure setting is listed on the NSW Health website.
It is also important that anyone who is currently isolating in the community with COVID- 19, calls for an ambulance should they experience a deterioration in their condition, including breathlessness and dizziness.
If you are eligible, please also come forward for vaccination as soon as possible (unless you are a case, contact of case, isolating or have symptoms). There are more than 100 NSW vaccination clinics and outreach locations across the state in addition to GPs and pharmacists. Check your eligibility at https://covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/eligibility.
Saturday, 11 September 2021
ISLHD REPORTS 37 NEW CASES
COVID-19 case locations in the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District
For the 24 hour period to 8pm, Friday 10 September there were 37 new COVID-19 cases recorded for the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District. Details are as follows:
- 19 cases who are residents of Wollongong Local Government Area (LGA), five of whom are linked to known cases and 14 for whom investigations are ongoing
- 16 cases who are residents of Shellharbour LGA , seven of whom are linked to known cases and nine for whom investigations are ongoing
- 1 case who is a resident of Shoalhaven LGA and for whom case investigations are ongoing
- 1 case who is a resident of Kiama LGA and for whom case investigations are ongoing
* Please note, two previously reported cases have now been excluded following further investigations and have been removed from our totals.
As at 1pm, Saturday 11 September there were 10 local COVID-19 patients in hospital in the Local Health District.
Friday, 10 September 2021
STAY HOME, STAY SAFE
Following news of a record 38 new Covid cases in the Illawarra Shoalhaven, including 28 new cases in the Wollongong LGA, Wollongong City Council is appealing for people to stay home and stay safe this weekend. Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said: “We’ve not seen COVID-19 case numbers in our Local Government Area like we’re seeing right now and this is something we should all be concerned about.’’ Full story here.
38 NEW CASES
For the 24-hour period to 8pm, Thursday, 9 September there were 38 new COVID-19 cases recorded for the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District. Details are as follows:
* Please note, one previously reported case has now been excluded following further investigations and has been removed from our totals below.
- 28 cases who are residents of Wollongong Local Government Area (LGA), 14 of whom are linked to known cases and 10 for whom investigations are ongoing
- 8 cases who are residents of Shellharbour LGA and for whom investigations are ongoing
- 2 cases who are residents of Shoalhaven LGA and for whom case investigations are ongoing
BACKING THE VAX
"Throughout history, vaccines and medical advances have meant that we've been able to enjoy a longer and better quality of life. Now it's our generations turn." – CEO of Suicide Prevention Australia, Nieves Murray, speaking on #WorldSuicideDay to #vaxtheillawarra
WOLLONGONG HOSPITAL NEWS
Wollongong Hospital’s dedicated COVID Ward areas are currently working to around 30% of the dedicated COVID bed capacity. Read more here. The Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District yesterday shared this interview with Dr Alan Davey-Quinn, Wollongong Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit Head of Department.
Thursday, 9 September 2021
SUPER SATURDAY AHEAD
It’s Super Saturday at the Mass Vaccination Centre, Wollongong this weekend. The event is the first of many to be offered by the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD) in a bid to increase community access to the AstraZeneca vaccine. Read more here.
23 NEW CASES
For the 24 hour period to 8pm, Wednesday, 8 September there were 23 new COVID-19 cases recorded for the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District. Details are as follows:
- 10 cases who are residents of Wollongong Local Government Area (LGA), six of whom are linked to known cases and four for whom investigations are ongoing
- 12 cases who are residents of Shellharbour LGA, two of whom are linked and ten for whom investigations are ongoing
- 1 case who is a resident of Shoalhaven LGA, for whom case investigations are ongoing
BACK TO BUSINESS
The region’s peak business organisation, Business Illawarra, says business owners across the Illawarra will be rejoicing with the news many should be reopening their doors in just over a month. Read more here.
ROAD MAP IS OUT!
Stay-at-home orders for adults who have received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine will be lifted from the Monday after NSW passes the 70 per cent double vaccination target, under the roadmap released today. Read the full NSW Health release here.
ASTRA CLINICS POP UP TODAY
The Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District is holding walk-in AstraZeneca vaccination clinics in Bellambi and Berkeley, in response to recent cases and venues of concern. These clinics will be offering the AstraZeneca vaccine to people aged 18 and over, with no appointment needed. Read more here.
The ABC reports that police are investigating illegal gathering reports as COVID cases in the Illawarra surge to record highs.
Locations attended by a known case are updated on the NSW health website here.
R U OK? DAY
Life Education and Healthy Harold have prepared a video lesson suitable for primary school children of all ages. Read more here.
Wednesday, 8 September 2021
34 NEW CASES: ISLHD REPORTS
For the 24 hour period to 8pm, Tuesday 7 September there were 34 new COVID-19 cases recorded for the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District. Details are as follows:
- 24 cases who are residents of Wollongong Local Government Area (LGA), 14 of whom are linked to known cases and ten for whom investigations are ongoing
- 7 cases who are residents of Shellharbour LGA, six of whom are linked to known cases and one for whom investigations are ongoing
- 2 cases who are residents of Shoalhaven LGA, both of whom are linked to known cases
- 1 case who is a resident of Kiama LGA, whose infection is under investigation, and who is isolating out of the LHD
Monday, 6 September 2021
GOVERNOR-GENERAL ON BOARD
Australia’s Governor-General, David Hurley, who grew up in Warrawong and attended Port Kembla High, has joined the call from #vaxtheillawarra to roll up your sleeves and get the jab. Read more and watch the video here.
Wednesday, 1 September 2021
Want to support local families in need? Get in touch with Need a Feed.
Looking for a local jab? 2515 magazine advertiser Thirroul Pharmacy is a vaccination provider.
