PHOTO: COVID-positive
A COVID-positive man from Sydney, who has been hospitalised in the state’s north, was infectious for several days around Byron Bay and met with at least one real estate agent to look at property, according to the local mayor.
The man and two of his children have now tested positive, health authorities said on Tuesday.
“There were a number of exposure sites,” NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said, but provided no detail. “We have had no further cases linked to that.”
Since 6pm on Monday, the Byron Shire, Richmond Valley, Lismore and Ballina Shire local government areas have been subject to stay-at-home orders, lasting until at least August 17.
The orders, which mirror those in Greater Sydney, apply to anyone who lives in the affected areas or has visited them since July 31.
Queensland authorities on Tuesday confirmed that despite earlier reports, the man had never entered the Sunshine State.
“We’ve been told that he hasn’t been checking in anywhere,” Byron Shire Mayor Michael Lyon said on Tuesday. “He came up from Sydney in late July, ostensibly to look at real estate.
“But he’s apparently been quite evasive with questions. Nothing in his phone in terms of QR codes, didn’t believe in COVID. So sick that he had to go to hospital and that’s when it’s twigged, he’s got COVID.”
Cr Lyon, who has been kept in the loop by the local emergency committee of council, police and health representatives, said they don’t know whether it was the “primary purpose for the trip” but he understands the man was in contact with at least one real estate agent.
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