The news of a positive COVID case in Goulburn first emerged on Tuesday morning from Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, whose press conference was held ahead of the daily NSW stand up.
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It was news that we as residents of regional NSW were dreading; the outbreak rampaging through Sydney had reached our doorstep.
The positive case, an essential worker who had travelled from southern Sydney to work at the Goulburn Hospital redevelopment site, sparked debate over who should get exemptions to travel.
Before we go any further, here is where you can get tested in Goulburn and the Southern Tablelands district.
While it's understood local people will have already been contacted to come forward urgently for testing, it's important for everyone to monitor for symptoms and to observe the restrictions already in place in regional NSW.
Our mayor, Bob Kirk, rightly asked if being a painter was an essential occupation, amid some confusion about the exact definition.
"I know there are more than a few painters around this place that could step up if needed," he added.
It wasn't long before the Hungry Jacks at Marulan was added to the venues of concern, with anyone who was there on July 10 between 5 pm and 5:30 pm asked to get tested immediately and isolate until a negative result is received.
Meanwhile, local doctors called the latest case linked to Goulburn a 'wake up call' and urged people to step up and get vaccinated. Dr Isabella Hawke said vaccination hesitancy was a major problem.
Today's situation also highlighted the importance for all to follow the restrictions in place for regional NSW.
NSW recorded another 89 cases of coronavirus overnight, 21 of which were infectious in the community prior to testing positive. A man in his 70s also died of COVID-19 on Monday. He was a resident of Sydney's eastern suburbs.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian did not respond to a question on whether she would consider lockdowns in more regional areas, following the Goulburn case.
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