THIS IS AN ARCHIVED ROLLING THREAD OF OUR COVID COVERAGE OVER JUNE/JULY/AUG/SEP/OCT/NOV 2021
24 November 2021: Elanora Heights Public school is the latest in a string of Beaches schools with at least one known covid case on campus. It has forced the isolation of students in year 5 and 6. Meanwhile Curl Curl North has been cleared of any suspected cases and resumed classes as normal.
COVID CASES HIT THREE LOCAL SCHOOLS IN ONE DAY
23 November 2021: Three more Northern Beaches schools have had students or staff return positive COVID tests (following Seaforth and Balgowlah Boys last week.)
These are North Curl Curl (Curl Curl North) public school, Dee Why public school and Mona Vale public school.
18 November 2021: BALLY BOYS AND SEAFORTH PRIMARY CLOSED AS STUDENT COVID CASES DETECTED
The Bally Boys school community is awaiting advice from NSW Health after a Year 8 student tested positive for COVID-19. The Balgowlah Boys campus has advised parents the “student has tested positive to COVID-19” and the school had “Followed NSW Department of Education guidelines and contacted NSW health.”
We understand the student attended school for most of the week including basketball training as an extra activity. It is not known whether he was COVID positive at the time or whether he is vaccinated.
The school has been told to wait for further instructions before taking any further actions. We understand the HSC exams are still scheduled to go ahead.
All parents of students at the Balgowlah Boys Campus will be kept updated but we will share any relevant news to ensure all stakeholders are informed.
THe Department of Education confirmed this evening that the high school, as well as Seaforth Public School, had become no -operational due to the presence of COVID in the school communities.
The Department of Education has protocols in place where it is notified by NSW Health when there is a confirmed case of COVID-19 in a school-age student, staff member or a member of the school community who has been on school grounds during their infectious period. In addition, schools and workplaces are required to notify confirmed cases of COVID-19 to the department’s internal incident reporting hotline where the person has been on school grounds or involved in any school activities within the previous the weeks.
While cases are slowly creeping up in the region and across NSW, total active case numbers of COVID-19 remain remarkably low on the Northern Beaches, with just 22 cases currently active in the area. There are currently three cases in the Balgowlah area (2093), one in Seaforth (2092), two in Fairlight (2094) and two in Manly (2095). There are eight cases in 2096, three in 2099 and two in 2097. One case remains in the upper end of the peninsula and the remaining areas are free of any cases.
15 November 2021:
9 November 2021: A Covid positive case has visited Coles and Manly Wharf Bar in Manly on Friday, 5 November, with countless residents receiving alerts via their Service NSW app this morning. It is a timely reminder to check your Service NSW app for exposure notifications and get tested at your nearest facility if you have even the mildest symptoms.
We are aware of locals receiving “covid case alerts’ for Coles Manly Peninsula (NOT the Corso one) between 9am and 8.10pm on Friday 5 November as well as Manly Wharf Hotel from 7pm-9.19pm.
There is also a notification for a potential exposure fro the Coles on the Corso for the 7 November around midday and Coles Dee Why (Howard Ave)on 6 November between 5.30pm and 6pm.
After a full week of no new COVID cases, there has been a couple of new cases added on this week bringing the total number across the region to just 15.
Manly Observer continues to monitor active case numbers across the Northern Beaches every day. We are, however, only reporting on any significant trends or deviations to ensure we only provide useful and relevant data to our readers.
1 November 2021:Manly Observer continues to monitor active case numbers across the Northern Beaches every day. We are, however, only reporting on any significant trends or deviations to ensure we only provide useful and relevant data to our readers. Our total active cases has remained at around 45 total cases for the last week, with no major reportable trends, aside from issues around school cases and isolation rules. From today, travel is once again permitted throughout NSW. Happy holidays to those who can take them!
26 October 2021: AT LEAST 100 PEOPLE IN ISOLATION AFTER EXPOSURES AT CURL CURL AND NARRAWEENA SCHOOLS; POSTCODE 2099 IN THE RED
There has been a moderate increase in cases of COVID-19 in certain parts of the Northern Beaches this week, but overall the numbers remain fairly steady at 46 total active cases for the region. Almost half of these cases are in the 2099 postcode, which is now classed as “red” on the NSW Heat map whereas the rest of the LGA is in a relatively safe “yellow” or has no cases. Over the weekend six new cases were recorded for 2099, which covers North Curl Curl, Narraweena, Dee Why and Cromer.
It follows the temporary closure of both Curl Curl North and Narraweena primary schools late last week after COVID positive cases were identified in the junior years just three days into reopening.
The new grounds at North Curl Curl public.
While a Department of Education spokesperson confirmed both schools had reopened to all years as planned yesterday, all close contacts from those cases remain in isolation for a full two week period.
For Curl Curl North that’s three entire kindy classes and their households in isolation until early November. We are covering this as a separate story which will be uploaded later once responses are received from relevant departments.
Meanwhile, we have been advised by readers that a casual contact alert has been issued from NSW Health to customers who were present at Coles Warringah Mall on 19 October. One customer who received the message was there from 11.13am-11.54am. This alert is not yet on the Coles Covid update page on its website.
NSW recorded 282 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night.
22 October 2021: LOCAL SCHOOLS CLOSE FOUR DAYS AFTER OPENING; CASE NUMBERS STABLE
Narraweena Public School and Curl Curl North Public School has today shut down in response to COVID cases.
An email to parents and carer from Narraweena’s Principal Sally Bell yesterday said a member of the school community had tested positive for COVID-19 and the school will be “non-operational effective immediately for the on-site attendance of students and staff to allow time for contact tracing and cleaning.”
All staff and students have been asked to self-isolate until further advice is received.
Only the junior school years went back this week, for the first time in several months, with the remainder of the school meant to attend from Monday.
It is not yet known how long the school will be closed for, we have submitted queries the Department of Education and will update shortly.
Manly MP James Griffin reported the exposure at Curly North Public school this afternoon (22 October), and stated the school would be non-operational effective immediately. The Out of School Care – which has already been shut because of a COVID exposure during the holidays – is also non-operational.
There are currently 44 active cases of COVID-19 on the Northern Beaches; a quarter of them are in the Narraweena/Dee Why/ Cromer postcode 2099.
Statewide there were 345 new locally acquired cases in the 24 hours to 8pm last night.
19 October 2021: NORTHERN BEACHES MAN DIES; GENERAL CASE RATES DOWN
A Narraweena father in his 60s with COVID- 19 died yesterday. This is the first Northern Beaches death since another man, also in his 60s and from Narraweena, died last month in his home.
NSW Health has confirmed the man was not vaccinated and that he died at Northern Beaches Hospital.
The man was a well-liked member of a tight knot community in the area and was part of a large family; many have expressed their condolences via private social media channels.
While active case numbers continue to rapidly decline in the region – down to 36 overnight – the death is a timely reminder of the continued threat of the virus in the area.
Dr Kerry Chant today urged the community to ensure they remain vigilant of even mild COVID symptoms and get tested whether or not they are vaccinated; this will help Health teams properly assess the current risk.
Statewide there were 273 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night.
Local vaccination rates are now at now at almost 95% first dose and 87% full dosed.
18 October 2021: COVID CASES CONTINUE TO PLUMMET; NEW RULES FOR ALL RESIDENTS
The number of active cases of COVID-19 on the Northern Beaches continues to plummet – today at 42 active cases. Of particularly note is the region’s hardest hit postcode – 2099 – is now down to 11 cases. This time last week it was closer to 40.
Meanwhile, NSW recorded 265 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night.
Vaccination rates are 94% first dose received for the entire Northern Beaches, more than 82% are fully vaccinated.
With the state reaching its 80% vaccination target on the weekend a number of new freedoms are now in place. Most of the planned changes will go ahead, with the exception of travel between Greater Sydney and the regions, which has been postponed until 1 November.
For the fully vaccinated, masks are no longer required in office settings and we understand also in gyms while exercising, though any group classes still require them. Customers in all other indoor settings require them.
You can now have 20 visitors in your home, not including children, and there are no limits for weddings and funerals. Community sport can now also recommence.
15 October 2021: MANLY COVID CASES WORST ON THE BEACHES BUT VACCINATIONS NOW ON TRACK; NEW FREEDOMS FROM MONDAY BUT NO STATE TRAVEL
Lower than expected vaccination figures published for the Manly area (postcode 2095) have been identified as a data glitch and rates are tracking very well, NSW Health has confirmed today.
The area, which has been slightly lagging other postcodes within the Northern Beaches local government area, now has between 80-90% of its 16 and over population with one dose of a COVID vaccine and 70-80% fully vaccinated.
Almost 94% of eligible Northern Beaches residents have had one dose, with just over 82% now fully vaccinated.
Our COVID case numbers are still steadily declining – though this trend is expected to reverse after a few weeks of opening up. We are now down to 75 active cases across the entire Northern Beaches with over a dozen recoveries recorded since yesterday.
Postcode 2099 (Dee Why, Narraweena and others) is still the hardest hit suburb with 20 active cases but Manly, which comparatively has a much smaller population, still has 13 active cases and is proportionately now the most affected area on the Beaches.
Meanwhile there were 399 new cases recorded in the State overnight, and Premier Dominic Perrottet confirmed today that the next stage of the “Road map” would begin on Monday (18 October), with all planned 80 per cent freedoms kicking in except for the freedom to travel outside of Greater Sydney, which has been delayed to 1 November.
Our ‘no brainer explainer’ below shows the shift to occur from Monday – though please be mindful the ability to travel has changed as stated above. All other changes are expected to go head.
One Dine and One Discover voucher will also be provided to all residents in coming weeks.
12 October 2021: NUMBERS SLOW BUT SOME STILL IN THE RED; MORE EXPOSURE AT NBH EMERGENCY AND MANLY ALDI; BEACHES VAX RATES HITS 82%
There are currently 117 active cases of COVID-19 on the Northern Beaches, which is a continued slow decline in total case numbers. State-wide numbers are also lower, with 360 new cases recorded since yesterday.
While numbers are trending down – for now – both Dee Why and Allambie areas (2099 and 2100 which encompasses many other suburbs) are in the “red” with 39 and 21 cases respectively. Manly is also in the orange at 13 active cases. The rest of Northern Sydney suburbs are in yellow, which means fewer than ten cases. There has also been a decline in the number of people getting tested, but we expect the recorded total number of tests for the Northern Beaches – fifteen – is not accurate.
We are also aware that NSW Health has been advising some visitors to Northern Beaches Hospital on 5 October that they are close contacts and must isolate until 19 October. We have viewed information that one patient in the emergency ward from 8.30am-2pm on 5 October was deemed a close contact. All close contacts should have been notified but should you have any concerns contact the National Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080.
As could be expected, the hospital has had a number of exposures over the last two months and as such have a number of strict protocols in place enforcing testing before appointments. Such restrictions can not, of course, be enforced in emergency situations.
A hospital spokesperson has previously said they did not want people to feel discouraged from going to hospital.
“If you become ill, see your GP but if you need urgent medical attention, please go to hospital. We want people to seek appropriate medical care when they need it.
“We would much rather see people in the early stages of their illness when we can intervene and potentially change the course of their illness.
“Our staff are highly trained and follow the most up to date advice on PPE and infection control practices – they know how to care for you and your loved ones, whilst minimising the risks from COVID-19 to you and to your family.”
Aldi in Manly has also recorded a potential exposure event for 10.20am-10.30am on Saturday 9 October.
Meanwhile, 93.9% of the Northern Beaches has now had the first dose of a COVID vaccine and 82% are now fully vaccinated.
7 October 2021: BALGOWLAH VENUE PART OF LOCAL TEEN CLUSTER; ALL THE RULES ARE CHANGING; STATS
Manly Observer is aware of a COVID-exposure at Balgowlah Seafood in Balgowlah’s Stockland Shopping Centre.
We understand some staff at the seafood store have returned positive COVID test results, and so co-workers are close contacts are required to isolate for two weeks. We have listed the potential exposure times and dates (28 September to 2 October) on our Venues of Concern: Northern Beaches Sydney page. If you shopped there and notice any symptoms it would be advisable to get a test, though we understand there are strong COVID-safe practices within the Centre.
A photo of the popular Balgowlah Seafood store in Stockland, which has had to temporarily close due to COVID exposure. This photo is from their website.
The news follows our earlier reports of an emerging cluster of teenagers – most about 16 years old – who are COVID positive in the Balgowlah and Manly areas.
There are currently 136 active cases on the Northern Beaches, which is a slight reduction than in the previous week.
You can view these figures directly here https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/find-the-facts-about-covid-19, clicking on the three lines in the top left corner in order to switch from LGA to suburb view. NSW recorded 587 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night.
Meanwhile, big changes are ahead with State reaching its 70 per cent vaccination target in time for the 11 October planned opening.
The new Premier, Dominic Perrottet, announced further easing of restrictions today which we will include in an updated FAQ article, available later today, but is made fairly clear in on this page.
5 October 2021: BEACHES HITS VAX TARGETS; LOW RISK EXPOSURE NORTH HARBOUR PLAYGROUND; GENERAL CASE NUMBERS STABLE
Active cases of COVID remain fairly stable on the Northern Beaches at 148, ten new cases, seven recoveries and one removal since yesterday. NSW recorded 608 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night.
Meanwhile more than 76% of Northern Beaches residents over 15 are now fully vaccinated and 92.5 % have received their first dose—now we await the rest of the state to catch up to guarantee our 11 October reopening.
We’ve also been advised that an asymptomatic COVID-positive case was present at North Harbour reserve from 10.30am to 1.30pm on Sunday, 3 October, spending a short period of time with her children at the playground there. Risk of exposure is very low, but if you were present around that time and notice any symptoms consider getting tested and isolating until a negative result is received.
3 OCTOBER 2021: LOCAL TEEN CLUSTER, NEW VENUES, CASE NUMBER UPDATES, NEW RULES FOR CLOSE CONTACTS
There remains 151 cases of COVID-19 on the Northern Beaches, with 667 new cases acquired across NSW in the last day. There were 18 new cases recorded since yesterday but also 18 recoveries.
We are aware of a COVID cluster in a group of 16-year-olds from across the Beaches and advise parents to be particularly vigilant if their teenagers have even mild symptoms. There is another group, we know anecdotally, of about four teenagers in the Manly and Balgowlah areas with COVID.
Any signs please get tested. NSW will not provide details around individual cases but we know these teens have been quite mobile around the area’s beaches, including Dee Why Beach last Tuesday.
There have also been a number of cases connected with vacation care, including one boy in a tennis camp in Allambie which has about eight local families in isolation, we are told. All parties have been contacted directly and it is being monitored by NSW Health.
Oak Berry in Manly also has a sign out the front stating they are closed over a COVID case. We await further details from the team.
Meanwhile, NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard has confirmed that from 11 October close contacts who are fully vaccinated will be required to isolate for seven days rather than 14. Unvaccinated close contacts and those who are COVID positive must continue to isolate for the two weeks.
NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said it is important to note that the new advice may be updated by NSW Health as case numbers and evidence changes.
“We will continue to do what we have done throughout this pandemic, which is to regularly update our advice, informed by experience, feedback, and emerging evidence. It is only in partnership that we can reopen in a safe way.”
1 October 2021: VACATION CARE CLOSES OVER COVID; TWENTY NEW LOCAL CASES; PREMIER RESIGNS
Twenty new cases of COVID have been recorded for the Northern Beaches since yesterday but also 19 recoveries. The highest case growth continues to be in postcode 2099 (Dee Why, North Curl Curl, Cromer, Narraweena) which now has 46 active cases.
Meanwhile, scores of Northern Beaches families are in isolation after two unconnected COVID cases in vacation care centres in Manly Vale and North Curl Curl. See the full write up here.
In unconnected but important news, Premier Gladys Berejiklian resigned today, with Pittwater MP Rob Stokes the front runner to replace her. A decision is expected next week.
30 September 2021: BASIC RECAP
There are 147 active cases of COVID-19 on the Northern Beaches, with 25 new cases and 13 recoveries (one removal) overnight. There was a combined increase of 15 cases across the 2099 and 2100 postcodes in one day and seven recovered. Three new cases have also been added to Seaforth, 2092.
NSW recorded 941 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night.
29 September 2021: MALVERN RESIDENTS ON THE MOVE; NUMBERS UPDATE; COVID POSITIVE TRUCKY TOURS BEACHES; STAFF MEMBER AT ANZAC AGED CARE COVID POSITIVE BUT TRANSMISSION RISK LOW
There were 14 new cases of COVID recorded on the Northern Beaches today but also 12 recoveries, leaving a net total of 135 cases. The biggest growth in cases was five in the Dee Why/North Curl Curl/Cromer/Narraweena area postcode 2099, and there were five recoveries in Balgowlah postcode 2093.
Statewide there were an additional 863 cases recorded.
COVID POSITIVE TRUCK DRIVER TOURS BEACHES
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said a truck driver who had returned a positive COVID test in the State’s North was in Sydney and has visited Manly, Brookvale, Freshwater and Narrabeen recently but no further details have been provided. It is reminder that anyone with the mildest symptoms should get tested. There is almost no wait to get tested at the moment in the area.
MANLY WAVES COMPLEX UPDATE
A few residents in the locked down complex in Malvern Avenue have been relocated this morning; we have reports that a location in Manly’s Smith Street (Hidden Gem) is now under strict guard with a strong presence of people in full PPE.
On the move: witnesses say people have been transported under guard one by one and taken to this hotel in Smith Street Manly.
VENUES
Collaroy Plateau’s “Catalina Milne Bay’, part of the the RSL Anzac Village, has had a staff member test positive on 27 September. We spoke with them last night and they confirmed they had been informed on Monday.
The staff member had previously tested negative to COVID on 23 September and had not worked since the 22 September, and has been tested every two days in line with the NSW Government’s Public Health Order.
“The team member is in isolation at home,” a spokesperson said. “The team member contracted the virus from a family member who does not work in the aged care sector”.
Catalina Milne Bay has 70 staff and 58 residents. All of their staff have received both doses of the COVID – 19 vaccine.
In line with NSW Health advice and their own added precautions, RSL Lifecare has:
Commenced Covid-19 testing on-site every two days for staff and every two and a half days for residents.
12 staff who are deemed close contacts have been now self-isolating.
The home has been sectioned off from the rest of the ANZAC Village community.
Continued visitation restrictions as per the current public health orders.
All staff in the home are wearing full personal protective equipment (PPE).
“What this means is every action is being taken to ensure our residents and team members remain safe,” she said. “At this point there are zero other COVID positive cases among residents and staff”.
Meanwhile, the Northern Beaches will reach 70% fully vaccinated this week. It is still expected that the rest of the state will reach the target and open (as per “road map” from 11 October.
27 September 2021: LOCKDOWN REPEAL PLAN ANNOUNCED; LOCAL NUMBERS; ALDI MANLY EXPOSURE; GENERAL NUMBERS UPDATE
Major lockdown restrictions will be officially lifted on 11 October – assuming that the 70% vaccination target is met – with most freedoms kicking in for fully vaccinated people at 80%, roughly two weeks later. From 1 December, both vaccinated and unvaccinated people will have almost all and equal freedoms. View our breakdown of the rules here.
There’s been a slight reduction in cases on the Northern Beaches, currently sitting at 133 COVID positive residents, with the highest proportion in postcodes 2099 and 2101.
Manly now has ten active cases and a few potential exposure venues popping up. Aldi Manly (Manly Wharf) has advised a COVID-positive customer was in store on Tuesday 21 September from 6.57pm-7.15pm. A number of staff at Fairlight cafe Two Siisters are in isolation following a COVID case, understood to be a staff member, identified last week. They have replacement staff currently operating so the store can reopen. They have advised the COVID positive person was present from 7am-2pm on Thursday 23 September.
We also understand the entire complex at Malvern Avenue in Manly is shut down because of COVID spread in the apartments. It is under police monitoring.
While numbers are comparatively small, we are aware of several unit complexes and worksites throughout the Northern Beaches that are locked down or shut down because of COVID spread. We cannot authenticate or chase all cases, but would like to remind residents it is a continued and ever-present risk, and one to be mindful of as we continue to strive towards an optimal vaccination rate.
24 September 2021: MANLY VAX RATES LAG; TWO POTENTIAL EXPOSURE EVENTS AT BEACHES HOSPITAL; NUMBERS UPDATE
There have been another TWO potential COVID exposure events connected with Northern Beaches Hospital. Some emergency patients who attended emergency and x-ray on the afternoon of 17 September – and we also know the morning of 20 September – have been told to isolate as close contacts of a known COVID case.
We have spoken with patients who were contacted by NSW Health this morning and told to isolate until at least 1 October 11:59pm. Both patients were in Emergency between 2pm and 4.40pm on 17 September and attended X-ray. Another patient was told they were a casual contact for 20 September, and now another patient has come forward to say they were contacted today as a close contact on Monday 20 September. They were in emergency around 10am. Further details here.
Vaccinations strong, but Manly the weakest of the lot
Vaccination rates continue to climb towards the 70% target, though Manly is now the least vaccinated postcode in Sydney’s North.
While 60 per cent of the Northern Beaches LGA is fully vaccinated and 87.7% have had their first dose, Manly is sitting at between 70-79% first dose and 50%-59% second.
Covid positive Balgowlah man accused
We were advised of a disturbing case yesterday when a young tradesperson was invited to undertake work at a Balgowlah home and allegedly only discovered the inhabitant was COVID positive while already in their home and undertaking the work. He is now in isolation and it is a matter for police.
Case numbers Northern Beaches
Meanwhile there with 123 cases of COVID currently active on the Northern Beaches. There are now 30 cases in the Cromer, Dee Why and Narraweena areas (postcode 2099), 18 in Narrabeen and Elanora Heights (2101), 13 in Balgowlah and Clontarf (2093) and 10 in Avalon (2107). The rest of our local suburbs have fewer than ten cases.
There were 1,043 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 across the state in the 24 hours to 8pm last night.
23 September 2021: COVID CLOSES DEE WHY BEACH FRONT CAFE; 27 CASES IN POSTCODE 2099
A popular Dee Why beach front café, The Beach Shed, has been forced to close after a member of staff was found to be COVID-positive.
The Beach Shed self-reported this morning that a staff member that worked on Monday and Tuesday from 6am until 2pm tested positive for COVID. All staff members are currently in isolation and the store will be deep cleaned today. There are currently 28 (updated) active cases of COVID in Dee Why.
“If you visited the beach shed on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday this week I advise that you go and get tested,” the team said on their social media channels.
“We will re-evaluate the opening of the cafe after the cleaning has been completed and we have the results of the tests for all employees.We thank you for all your support and understanding during this difficult time and we will let you know when we will be opening again and look forward to serving you all again.”
A photo of The Beach Shed from their Facebook page.
Meanwhile, a COVID positive staff member has also been identified as attending Northern Beaches Council’s Balgowlah Depot on Tuesday 14 September and Wednesday 15 September. All known contacts have been identified.
We are aware that Big W in Warringah Mall suddenly closed yesterday, and staff had informed customers it was COVID-related, but we were unable to get more information when we called today. Big W does list all of their potential exposure sites online, however, so should there be exposure dates and times to report it will be listed here soon.
While Manly Observer receives numerous reports of potential venues, we do not publish those that can not be verified, are no longer relevant or have no public interest benefit (known cases isolating). It is resource intensive work and we are doing out best to wade through it all. We update the venues list as go, be sure to check it regularly.
NSW recorded 1,063 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. At last count (updated: 22 September) Northern Beaches has 115 active cases. Of the dozen new cases reported overnight, half were in postcode 2101, which takes in Elanora Heights, Ingleside, Narrabeen and North Narrabeen.
Click on the map below (and scroll down and choose “postcode” ) to view the case data for each postcode in the region.
8:30PM 21 SEPTEMBER 21: HEALTH SHUTS DOWN ALLAMBIE HEIGHTS HIGH SCHOOL
The Beach School in Allambie Heights has been shut down after a member of the school community tested positive for COVID-19. The school is non-operational effective immediately to allow time for contact tracing and cleaning, Principal Anita Mangan has stated.
All staff and students have been asked to self-isolate and follow the NSW health advice and protocols.
NSW Health has requested anyone connected with the school who has been unwell or if you develop any symptoms such as a fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, loss of smell/taste, muscle/joint pains, diarrhoea, nausea/vomiting or extreme tiredness to be tested at one of the COVID-19 testing clinics.
Manly Observer continues to investigate a number of potential exposure events throughout the Northern Beaches and will list key venues, if verified, on its Venues of Concern: Northern Beaches Sydney page.
21 September 2021: BACK TO BROWN AS NUMBERS STEADILY CLIMB; STUDY BUBBLE ANNOUNCED; CASE SPIKES FOR NARRAWEENA/DEE WHY, AVALON, BALGOWLAH
The Northern Beaches is back to over 100 active cases of COVID-19, which is shaded brown (one stage worse than red), as the NSW active cases heat map updates after several days of data recalibration.
Today’s update shows 102 cases currently active in the area.
Click on the map to view the information directly from NSW Health.
Statewide a further 1,022 active cases were recorded in the 24 hours to 8pm last night.
Avalon (2107) now has 10 active cases and Balgowlah/Clontarf (2093) has 12. Manly currently has five active cases. A full breakdown of data by postcode is at addendum.
Businesses closed over COVID
There have been various business closures across the Northern Beaches over the past week associated with these new active cases, such as Dogue In Avalon on 16 September and Pittwater Fine Quality Meats in Mona Vale, which suddenly shut up shop and declared itself closed because of a “covid situation” on Sunday. We have since learned two butchers have tested positive for COVID. We will update our venues list shortly the the last known shifts worked, but you also see in this screen shot below:
A screenshot from the Pittwater Place website.
Kmart Warriewood has reopened its click and collect service after a deep clean when one of its workers tested positive for COVID. They were already isolating when they became positive, however, and so it is not expected to be a potential exposure event.
Kids allowed home visits again, but forced to pick besties
Meanwhile children and teenagers aged 18 years and under are now allowed to create a ‘friends bubble’ which permits home visits provided the adults in their homes are fully vaccinated, under an easing of restrictions for school holidays.
From 12 noon today, 21 September, people aged 18 years and under who live in stay-at-home areas and areas of concern across NSW will be able to create a bubble of three friends and visit each other’s homes for play and activity, subject to the following conditions:
Each child is allowed to have two designated friends come to their house. These two friends must always be the same, creating a three-person “friends bubble”;
All people older than 18 years in all the households must be fully vaccinated;
The friends must reside within 5km of each other or in the same LGA; and
If parents/carers are dropping children off, they must not stay to interact with other parents or carers.
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Sarah Mitchell said this change would also benefit older students, allowing them to create a study bubble ahead of the HSC.
“Year 12 students have had a stressful few months, and with the HSC approaching, a study bubble is a great idea to help students maintain motivation, receive support from a classmate and continue their preparation for the upcoming exams,” Ms Mitchell said.
Friend bubble a Beaches initiative
This was one of eight ideas put forward by Northern Beaches councillor Sarah Grattan and school captains from high schools across the Northern Beaches earlier this month.
The students and Cr Grattan, with the assistance of local MPs, were able to advocate for a the friendship/study bubble, among other ideas, with the Health Minister directly in early September.
You can listen to Cr Grattan and Hannah Claire from Freshwater High discuss their advocacy journey on the ABC this morning, here.
Where are the cases on the Northern Beaches?
Below is the breakdown of where all active cases of COVID are on the Northern Beaches today.
2084: 0
2085: 2
2086: 7
2087: 6
2092: 3
2093:12
2094: 1
2095: 5
2096: 4
2097: 3
2099: 25
2100: 9
2101: 9
2102:0
2103: 1
2104:2
2105: 0
2106: 2
2107: 10
2108: 1
UPDATE: 60% of Northern Beaches residents are now fully vaccinated, 87.7% have had their first dose.
20 September: KMART CLOSED FOR DEEP CLEAN; DAILY COVID UPDATE
Updates to NSW data means the covid heat map has not been updated from 67 active cases it listed last week. We know from the raw data that the numbers now sit at around 100 active cases but expect a more complete picture to be available later this week.
For those wishing to track the general spread of cases, these are the newest cases recorded and in what postcode:
There were 935 new locally acquired cases in NSW in the 24 hours to 8pm last night.
A sign put outside the roller doors at Kmart Warriewood yesterday.
Meanwhile, we are looking into the dates and times of a number of Northern Beaches venues that have had potential exposure to COVID-19 and will update our venue list once these details are confirmed. One site includes Kmart in Warriewood, which suddenly shut its doors on scores of Click and Collect customers yesterday, verbally citing to those locked out it related to a COVID case. We have been unable to reach the store by phone but are liaising with corporate affairs for the details and will update soon.
19 September 2021: NEW CASES NOT RELEASED; BEACHES MAN DIES FROM COVID; NEW VENUES OF POTENTIAL EXPOSURE
A Northern Beaches man has died in his home from COVID, NSW Health has confirmed.
Manly Observer understands the man, in his 60s and partially vaccinated with underlying health conditions, died in his Narraweena home, with his body discovered during a police isolation check early on Friday morning, 17 September.
He was being managed at home by Northern Sydney Local Health District. We have liaised with an acquaintance of the man who said he had received the positive COVID result on Monday (13 September) after complaining of not feeling well the week prior.
Meanwhile NSW recorded 1,083 new cases overnight. The NSW Health heat map has now not been updated in four days. At last count there were 67 active cases on the Northern Beaches.
17 September 2021: NEW CASES FOR AVALON; DEE WHY MEDICAL CENTRE IN POTENTIAL EXPOSURE; CHANGES TO BEACHES HOSPITAL RULES
There were an additional eight cases of COVID recorded on the Northern Beaches overnight. This included three new cases in Avalon (2107) and one each in postcodes 2096, 2099, 2100, 2101 and 2106. At last count there were 67 cases in total in the area but the latest figures do not yet show how many recovered in the last 24 hours.
NSW recorded 1,284 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. The Premier today announced a four-week home quarantine trial with 175 people including Qantas crew.
Dee Why venues continue
A number of locals are in two-week isolation after NSW Health identified them as a close contact of a COVID case at Dee Why Medical Practice on 9 September 2021. We have viewed one of these NSW Health texts.
We know that at least one person identified as a close contact was there between 2.20pm and 2.40pm. If you were present around that time and have not been notified, you may choose to get tested and isolate until a negative result is received. This follows yesterday’s news of a covid exposure event at BWS Dee Why on 4 September, which we still have no times for. The store has not answered the phone in two days and we presume remains closed.
What are the rules around young teens and outdoor socialising?
We recently covered off some of the rules around vaccinated adults and picnics, but there were a fee gaps relating to early teens in the government comms. We have had many reader questions, so we took them to the authorities.
So, what’s allowed?
NSW Health tells us that 12 to 15 year olds on the Northern Beaches (and other non areas of concern) are now permitted to meet in groups of five. They do NOT have to be vaccinated.
They are included as adults in the five person outdoor rec limit.
16 September: FOREST UNLINKED CASES; DEE WHY VENUE; LOOKING INTO EARLY TEENS AND OUTDOOR REC RULES
Another 17 cases of COVID-19 were identified over the last two nights but with 13 recorded recoveries, the Northern Beaches has a net total of 67.
The most noticeable jump has been in the Frenchs Forest postcode, which has a relatively small population of 14,000 but now nine cases. While the raw data points to the new cases being locally acquired, there is no known link to the cluster. Dee Why/Cromer (2099) has 14 but a population of 44,000. The most recent case in Dee Why are also as yet unlinked to a known case.
New potential exposure events
We have been made aware of a potential exposure event at the BWS liquor store in Dee Why on 4 September but despite repeated calls to the store and head office we have been unable to make contact today for a confirmed time. BWS do publicise their exposure events, however, so we expect it to be made available in due course. We will continue to try and make contact. This will not be added to our venues of concern list for the Northern Beaches until a time period is confirmed.
There were 1,351 new cases recorded in NSW overnight.
4pm 14 September 2021: LOCAL CASE NUMBERS DROP FURTHER; AGED CARE FACILITY SAYS ALL CLEAR GIVEN ON STAFF COVID CASE; VAX RATES HIT HALF WAY
The number of active COVID cases on the Northern Beaches has continued to drop this afternoon, with just 63 total cases now reported for the area – a net six fewer than yesterday. There were seven new cases detected but 13 removed.
The bulk of the recovered cases are in 2096, 2097 and 2099 and the bulk of the new cases are in postcode 2086.
Meanwhile, Arcare Warriewood has confirmed that while a staff member was COVID positive, they have now been cleared of the infection.
Government data from four days ago does still include the Warriewood aged care facility has having one active case, but the team has contacted us this afternoon to say they are now recovered and the case was initially detected three weeks ago. Importantly, as we stated earlier, there appears to have been no associated spread. As such, we will now remove this from our low-risk venues of concern list.
In other positive news, just over half of the Northern Beaches LGA is now fully vaccinated.
14 September 2021: WOOLIES HAS 14 POTENTIAL EXPOSURE DAYS AND AGED CARE STAFF MEMBER COVID POSITIVE WARRIEWOOD; GENERAL CASE NUMBERS IMPROVED
Another staff member at Mona Vale Woolworths has tested positive for COVID-19, meaning a total of 14 days of potential viral exposure at the Northern Beaches supermarket in the last three weeks. NSW Health has still not listed it as a venue of concern on its website. Only regional places continue to appear on the site.
The staff member worked the following recent shifts:
There were 1,127 new cases of COVID in the state overnight and a reduced total of active cases for the entire Northern Beaches sit at 69 cases as of this morning.
Meanwhile, we have viewed evidence that there is a current potential exposure relating to a COVID-positive staff member at Arcare in Warriewood (no associated spread listed). This document from Department of Health lists the location of all 222 active cases in aged care facilities across Australia.
13 September 2021: NORTHERN BEACHES COVID CASES MYSTERIOUS DROP FROM 104 to 74 OVER WEEKEND; HUNGRY JACKS BROOKVALE CLOSES AFTER COVID POSITIVE STAFF MEMBER WORKS LONG SATURDAY SHIFT; POSITIVE DRIVER AT BROOKY BUS DEPOT
After two days of darkness the COVID-cases heatmap managed by NSW Health has emerged significantly trimmer – 30 cases fewer in fact.
We aren’t particularly conspiratorial here at MO so we are going to assume the data has been cleaned up and the heat map is now its most accurate.
So what does it show?
There are currently 74 active cases of COVID-19 on the Northern Beaches. Postcode breakdown at addendum of today’s wrap up.
BROOKVALE POTENTIAL EXPOSURES
Meanwhile, we have been made aware of a number of venues that have potentially been exposed to COVID-19 recently. We have viewed reliable evidence that a Hungry Jacks staff member who is COVID positive worked a 3.15pm-10pm shift on Saturday 11 September. The store has closed for cleaning and all who worked alongside that shift are now in mandatory isolation. If you attended this store at these times it would be advisable to get tested and isolate until a negative result is received.
We are also aware that a bus driver from the Brookvale bus depot has tested COVID positive. We have reached out to Health and Transport for associated bus routes and will revert. So far, Transport has only pointed us to a link to affected transport routes which is no longer being updated by Health.
11 September: NEW WOOLIES CASES; NUMBERS GET MURKY AS NSW HEALTH TURNS OUT THE LIGHTS
NSW has not updated its covid case data (heat map) now for 48 hours, though alternative raw data can still be accessed. This data shows nine new cases for today and three recoveries (six total). The numbers provided in these tables is different to what was provided previously by about a dozen cases. Regardless, it provides an idea of how we are tracking locally and where the virus may be spreading in the area.
Where are the new cases?
There were three cases added and three removed/recovered from Dee Why/Cromer/North Curl Curl area postcode 2099, two new cases in 2087 and one each in postcodes 2086, 2087, 2092, 2093 and 2106. Raw data points to there being 90 cases total (most recent official figures were 104.)
Meanwhile NSW recorded 1,599 new cases overnight.
Woolworths Warringah Mall has this afternoon advised of more staff testing COVID positive.
10 September: MANLY/CURLY/DEEWHY LAGS IN FIRST DOSE VAX; MORE LOCAL CASES; DAILY PRESSERS TO END
Northern Beaches COVID cases continue to rise, though the exact figure is yet to be finalised today. Partially processed raw Health data from the last 24 hours indicates there will be at least another 10 cases for the area, at least three more in Dee Why (2099) and the rest scattered throughout the LGA.
One of our area’s most densely populated suburbs, Dee Why and others under 2099 will therefore remain in the “red” with over 20 cases, while Balgowlah (2093) which has half the population, is in “orange” with more than 13 cases.
Dee Why and Balgowlah currently have the highest case numbers in the area.
Aside from a few secondary potential exposures at childcare (Eg a parent being a close contact but not necessarily positive at drop off – see this user-unfriendly map for listed local centres closures) and a positive case at Allambie Vets (exposure date TBC, staff isolating and services paused) there seems to have been a slowing of potential venue exposures this week.
Meanwhile NSW recorded 1,542 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian also announced the end to her daily 11am press briefings today; this will not affect our daily coverage.
How are the vaccinations going?
Vaccination rates are powering ahead across our local government area but, Manly, Fairlight, Freshy and Curly are now lagging behind their neighbours to the west and north.
NSW Health statistics show 70-79% of eligible residents in these suburbs (postcodes 2094, 2095 have had their first dose while all other areas bar Palm Beach is in the 80-89% bracket.
Seaforth is charging ahead with more than 60 per cent of its population FULLY vaccinated.
9 September 2021: CASE NUMBERS SLOW; RESTRICTIONS TO EVENTUALLY EASE
Another three cases of COVID-19 were recorded on the Northern Beaches overnight, bringing the total to 104. The new cases were recorded in Balgwolah/Clontarf 2093 as well as 2086 and 2100. There were 1,406 new cases for the state overnight.
There have been more than 33,000 cases of COVID since the first case was spotted back in June.
Stay at home orders to lift next month (probably)
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 (currently estimated to be October 18), under the “roadmap to freedom” released today. This is 70 per cent of the adult population of 16+.
8 September 2021: COVID CASES OVER 100; MOST IN DEE WHY AREA
There are now over 100 active cases of COVID-19 on the Northern Beaches, with a further 10 cases recorded overnight and one recovery/removal. A new case was recorded in almost every postcode of the Northern Beaches (see breakdown below). Dee Why/North Curl Curl/Cromer postcode 2099 now has the lion’s share with 20 cases followed by Balgowlah/Clontarf (2093) with 13.
Meanwhile, NSW recorded 1,480 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night.
7 September 2021: NEW CASES; ALDI’S FIRST EXPOSURE
Another six cases of COVID were recorded for the Northern Beaches overnight, bringing the area’s total to 92. There were two recoveries/removals. Meanwhile, NSW recorded 1,220 new locally acquired cases.
The new cases for the Beaches were in postcodes 2086, 2100 and 2105. Balgowlah (2093) had a further two cases and 2099 gained a case and lost one. A recovery was recorded for 2096.
Our highest case numbers are now in the Dee Why and Balgowlah areas, with 18 and 13 active cases respectively.
Meanwhile, a reader spied an inconspicuous notice outside Aldi in MonaVale this morning reporting a potential exposure event for 3 September from 2.15pm- 3.12pm. If you were present at that time it would be advisable to get tested and isolate until a negative result is received. This is not mandated by NSW Health, however. It is now also listed on the Aldi website.
6 September 2021:VAX RATES GOING STRONG; HOSPITAL COVID EXPOSURE EXAMINED
Nearly half (46%) of eligible Northern Beaches residents are now fully vaccinated, with 80 per cent already having received a first dose, LGA statistics from this evening show.
An additional two cases were added to the Northern Beaches tally of active cases overnight – one in Manly (2095) and the first ever case for 2105 (Church Point, Scotland Island, Elvina Bay etc). There are now 88 active cases. Meanwhile, the state recorded a further 1,281 cases overnight.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said this morning that she expected cases to reach their peak in coming weeks and that vaccination was the best way to minimise the strain on our hospitals.
“While things are stretched now we appreciate they are going to have additional pressure put on the system in the next few weeks…the best way to keep people out of hospital, out of our intensive care units, is by getting vaccinated.”
What’s happening with the COVID exposures at the Northern Beaches Hospital?
The emergency waiting room of the Northern Beaches Hospital in Frenchs Forest had a potential exposure event with a COVID-positive patient in the waiting room on 1 September. We mentioned this previously but it has now been confirmed by the Hospital.
We contacted the Hospital requesting any further details such as an exposure time that we can list. They said they would not be making a statement as they were confident all parties had been contacted by contact tracers. However, a reader who saw our story and had not heard from anyone managed to get hold of a contact tracer yesterday. Apparently they confirmed she was required to isolate for two weeks and was a close contact they had missed. This is why we continue to list the venues so that the public can cross check their own movements. It is our view the system is overwhelmed and most readers are capable of cross checking their own movements to ensure they are not contributing to Delta’s spread.
Once vaccination rates are high enough in our region – and most likely the virus beyond tracking – we will cease this resource-intensive daily coverage.
We again asked Northern Beaches Hospital for a specific time to provide to the public regarding the exposure, and was referred to the Local Area Health Service, who referred us back to the Hospital.
Our own hospital sources say they were aware of one patient who was in the ED for 10 hours during the day who was later swabbed and found to COVID-positive. This time estimate is from about 7am.
There is perhaps a reluctance to draw attention to exposure events in hospitals for fear it will deter people from seeking necessary medical attention.
A Northern Beaches Hospital spokesperson said that it was important that people do not feel discouraged from going to hospital. “If you become ill, see your GP but if you need urgent medical attention, please go to hospital. We want people to seek appropriate medical care when they need it. We would much rather see people in the early stages of their illness when we can intervene and potentially change the course of their illness.”
We understand the Delta strain is much harder to triage, unlike previous strains where a fever was a common early form of detection.
“Our staff are highly trained and follow the most up to date advice on PPE and infection control practices – they know how to care for you and your loved ones, whilst minimising the risks from COVID-19 to you and to your family,” a spokesperson said.
“In addition, frontline staff are tested every 3 days and provide evidence of testing to management.
The hospital has also implemented a policy requiring masks for all patients, visitors and staff at all times as per the current government advice.
There are no visitors currently allowed to the hospital with the exception of one support partner for maternity patients, parents of children and under compassionate circumstances.”
2pm 5 September 2021: LOCAL CASES RISING; BALGOWLAH SCHOOL TEACHER COVID POSITIVE; NEW SUPERMARKET DAYS LISTED
There are now 86 active cases of COVID-19 on the Northern Beaches with nine local cases added to the total overnight (10 new cases and one recovery). Northern Beaches active cases have almost doubled in two weeks. NSW recorded 1,485 new locally acquired cases in the last 24 hours.
There were a few cases added to Dee Why/Cromer (2099) and Newport (2106), as well as two new cases in Manly (2095) and Balgowlah/Clontarf (2093).There was one recovery in Fairlight. (Full breakdown by postcode at addendum.)
While NSW Health is no longer listing venue notifications we are aware that contact tracers have been busy making contact with a number of local businesses, as well as a school and a preschool to notify them of their potential exposure to the virus. We understand extensive tracing is also underway regarding potential exposure during the day at Northern Beaches Hospital’s emergency waiting from 1 September. We are looking into possible further dates attached to the waiting room and have already assisted in identifying one close contact not picked up by tracers.
We have updated our venues list. It is important to note many of the potential exposure events we list are generally low-risk.
We have viewed a letter from Balgowlah’s St Cecilia’s Catholic School confirming a staff member has tested COVID-positive and was attending school on Monday 30 August from 9.30am until 3pm and briefly on the Wednesday 1 September from 9.15am until 9.30am. It is understood the teacher initially returned a negative result but returned a positive result since those teaching days.
More potential exposure dates and times have also been added to Mona Vale Woolworths list, with more staff testing positive for COVID-19. The new dates are Wednesday 1 September from 7:00pm – 10:00pm and Tuesday 31 August – from 7.00pm to 10.00pm.
Where are the cases on the Northern Beaches?
2084: 1
2085: 2
2086: 1
2087: 4
2092: 1
2093:11
2094: 1
2095: 6
2096: 9
2097: 6
2099: 18
2100: 3
2101: 2
2103: 7
2104:2
2106:6
2107:3
2108: 1
4pm 4 September 2021: MORE CASES AT NORTHERN BEACHES HOSPITAL AS EMERGENCY ROOM BECOMES EXPOSURE VENUE; 10 CASES OVERNIGHT
Manly Observer has viewed evidence that visitors to Northern Beaches Hospital’s emergency department on 1 September 2021 are being identified as close contacts by NSW Health this afternoon.
NSW Health has notified attendees that “you have been exposed to the COVID-19 virus at Northern Beaches Hospital Emergency Department in Frenchs Forest on 01 September 2021. You may have COVID-19 and could give it to others.”
We will include any further information from the hospital once it becomes available.
The communications states close contacts but self-isolate until 15 September.
This news follows recent information that a midwife and patient contracted COVID in late August in the maternity unit. The source is still under investigation.
ANOTHER TEN LOCAL CASES OVERNIGHT
A further ten cases of COVID-19 have been detected on the Northern Beaches overnight along with two recoveries – bringing the local total to 77. There are also now almost a dozen supermarkets on the Northern Beaches being treated as potential exposure sites. We have listed all events where we have reliable evidence on our exposure venues page.
Statewide there were 1533 new locally acquired cases overnight.
A further ten cases of COVID-19 have been detected on the Northern Beaches overnight along what two recoveries – bringing the local total to 77. It follows news yesterday that almost a dozen supermarkets in the region have had a potential exposure to the virus in the last ten days. See our venues of concern thread for details.
Statewide there were 1533 new locally acquired cases overnight.
5pm 3 September: NINE NEW CASES RECORDED ON BEACHES OVERNIGHT
Nine new cases were recorded on the Northern Beaches overnight – three in postcode 2099 (Dee Why/North Curl Curl/Narraweena/Cromer) and three in 2096 ( Freshwater, Queenscliff, Curl Curl.)
There was also one new case recorded each in 2087 (Forestville/Killarney), 2093 (Balgowlah, Clontarf) and 2103 (Mona Vale).
There are now 69 active cases of COVID-19 on the Northern Beaches.
3 September 2021: COLES STORES IN BULK POTENTIAL COVID EXPOSURE; NBH COVID WARD IN FULL SWING; NUMBERS UPDATE
Several Coles stores across the Northern Beaches have been added to our ‘venues of concern’ list after a COVID-positive rep (reportedly in floristry) spent about an hour in stores across the region last week. There are currently 60 active cases of COVID on the Northern Beaches, these figures will be updated later today.
NSW recorded 1,431 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night.
Meanwhile, Northern Beaches Hospital CEO Andrew Newton has issued a statement confirming yesterday’s report that a maternity ward staff member and patient had tested COVID-positive, but reassuring expecting mothers the ward is safe and still operational.
Mr Newton also confirmed out reports that the Hospital has established a COVID ward and has been helping with the burden of seriously unwell COVID patients from around Sydney. “Currently NBH has a 10-bed ICU and 26-bed ward dedicated to the care of quite unwell COVID positive patients from right across Sydney,” he wrote.
You can read the statement in full below:
Hello everyone,
Andrew again. This is a long post but bear with me as I have a few important points to make this morning.
While we do everything possible to reduce the risk of COVID-19 in the hospital, we live in very difficult times and today I can confirm that we are working closely with public health and infectious disease experts after a maternity staff member and patient were diagnosed with COVID-19.
At this time the source of the infection is still being investigated by the experts but I can tell you that the staff member, the patient and any close and casual contacts are being tested and isolating according to public health advice.
My thoughts are with the patient, their family and, of course, our staff member and their family also.
Our maternity and birthing unit are still operational thanks to the tireless efforts of our team and I thank everyone for their dedication to our patients.
I want to allay any fears and assure families about to birth that any contacts have already been traced by the public health unit and we look forward to providing a memorable experience for you and your family.
While many hospitals have faced this challenge over recent months, this has strengthened our resolve to ensure we reduce risks as much as possible in these difficult times.
I am proud to say that more than 85 per cent of NBH staff are fully vaccinated with 100 per cent goal within the next months.
I want to reassure you that we are taking every precaution to ensure the safety of our patients and our staff.
Behind the scenes, the hospital is doing everything it can to strengthen our infection control while caring for an increasing number of COVID-19 positive patients.
Currently NBH has a 10-bed ICU and 26-bed ward dedicated to the care of quite unwell COVID positive patients from right across Sydney.
Each day, we have a midday virtual patient round with some Sydney’s leading experts making care decisions for our COVID-19 positive patients. What an impressive team with a patient-centred approach to care.
Each week more than 50 of our leaders meet to discuss emerging issues and sometimes share successes.
Today I was very proud to hear that our Renal Dialysis team have worked to ensure that every one of these patients is vaccinated. This is an extremely important achievement for some of our most vulnerable patients.
I tell you all this simply to provide a little glimpse of what is happening in your hospital.
Almost 2000 staff are working very hard to ensure we can care for the Northern Beaches community in one of the most difficult times in health care.
I am humbled by the extraordinary work to care for our patients and our community.
Our people are great examples of Healthscope’s values – 𝑊𝑒 𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑒. 𝑊𝑒 𝑑𝑜. 𝑊𝑒 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑒. 𝑊𝑒’𝑟𝑒 𝑎 𝑡𝑒𝑎𝑚.
From a very proud NBH CEO
7pm 2 September 2021: COVID IN NORTHERN BEACHES HOSPITAL MATERNITY WARD; COVID CASES TRANSFERRED TO BEACHES; NON-URGENT SURGERY POSTPONED
Manly Observer is aware that a maternity ward staff member at Northern Beaches Hospital has tested positive for COVID-19, as has at least one patient. A leaked staff memo we have viewed this evening says both a patient and staff member – understood to be a midwife (vaccination status unknown) – are in isolation and an investigation underway as to the source of infection. The maternity ward continues to operate, albeit in a modified way.
Earlier this week we understand the Frenchs Forest-based hospital took an influx of COVID patients from the LGAs of concern to support the state response. The hospital is yet to respond to any of our queries on the matter.
Northern Beaches Hospital is one of several private hospitals supporting workforce demands in the NSW public health system. As a result, non-urgent elective surgery was temporarily postponed at these private hospitals from Monday, 23 August.
All emergency surgery and urgent elective surgery will continue to be performed.
6pm 2 September 2021: BALGOWLAH COLES AND WOOLIES IN POTENTIAL LOW RISK COVID EXPOSURES
A COVID-positive person was present at Balgowlah Coles (Stockland) on Thursday 26 August, Friday 27 August and Saturday 28 August from 7am-8.10am each day. If you were present at this time it’s advisable to get tested and isolate until a negative test is received.
Please note there is also an additional time for the Mona Vale Woolies exposures, 24 August – from 6:10am to 8:10am.
We are currently looking into a possible low-risk exposure event at Woolies in Balgowlah for Saturday 28 August, though it’s understood the case was there from 10am-10.20am and footage shows she had no contact with others.
Woolworths Warriewood has a potential exposure for 24 August from 8.32am-10.10am.
We are also aware of a Freshwater Daycare following procedures due to a link with a positive case. All parents and contacts have been notified and asked to collect their children today. We have viewed emails that state only those at that centre today (2 September) are at risk of potential exposure.
11am 2 September 2021: NORTHERN BEACHES HITS 60 COVID CASES; POSITIVE PLAYER AT MANLY GOLF CLUB SUNDAY
There are now 60 active cases of COVID on the Northern Beaches, with eight new cases recorded over night and two recoveries. Dee Why /postcode 2099 now has a dozen cases, making it the hardest hit area on the Beaches. There were two new cases for 2097 and 2099, one for 2093, 2103, 2106 and 2095. One case was removed from 2086 and another recovered in Manly. See our breakdown of cases below. NSW recorded 1,288 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night.
MANLY GOLF CLUB COVID CASE
Manly Golf Club has proactively contacted members to advise a COVID-positive person and his wife played at the club around midday on Sunday 29 August. Staff are undergoing testing but there was no known contact between this person and other members, so the risk is particularly low.
IF YOU ARE ISOLATING OR NEED HELP GENERALLY
We encourage anyone who needs a bit of logistical help locally to register with the Manly Observer powered by One Another Community app, you can request and offer help from people within a few kilometres of your home. It is free and there are no strings. Obviously exercise a degree of caution and also avoid direct contact while the health orders are in place.
1 September 2021: FIVE NEW CASES; AVALON AREA FIRST CASES in 2.0; WOOLIES AND COLES IN MORE LOW-RISK EXPOSURES
Five more active cases of COVID-19 were recorded overnight, with the first two recorded for postcode 2107 – the Avalon, Bilgola Plateau and Whale Beach area.
There were also new cases recorded for 2086, 2097, and 2099. There was one recovery recorded in 2103.
There are now 54 known active cases of COVID on the Northern Beaches.
NSW recorded 1,116 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night.
WOOLWORTHS MONA VALE ALERT
At least two staff members at Mona Vale Woolworths are known to have contracted COVID-19, extending the dates and times of potential low-risk exposure to the public.
Their last shifts in store were:
27 August – from 8.00am to 1.15pm
28 August – from 10.00am to 3.00pm
In addition to previously identified exposure times that were:
22 August – from 8.10am to 6.00pm
23 August – from 8.00am to 5.00pm
23 August – from 8.00am to 5.00pm
25 August – from 12.28pm to 6.00pm
26 August – from 8.00am to 3.30pm
COLES NEWPORT
We just spoke to staff at the Coles on Barrenjoey Road in Newport who confirmed they had COVID case in store on Sunday 29 August from 5.30pm-5.45pm. Apparently the CCTV showed they were well distanced from others and wore a mask the whole time, so the risk of transmission is very low in this potential exposure event.
WE HEARD WORD
Shout out to the mum with two teens at home in Balgowlah who we are told proactively informed others in her apartment building her family were all COVID positive when neither NSW Health nor Strata apparently did so. If you’re reading this, need any community support (grocery deliveries, general check in, anything!) please get in touch with us. Your anonymity is guaranteed.
31 August 2021: IN THE RED AS COVID HITS A HALF CENTURY ON THE BEACHES
There are now 50 active cases of COVID-19 on the Northern Beaches after Terrey Hills/Duffy Forrest postcode 2084 had it first recorded infection overnight and new infections were recorded for 2093 (+2), 2099 and 2100. There were also recoveries in 2093, 2097 and 2099.
NSW recorded 1,164 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night.
30 August 2021: SUPERMARKET STAFF MAKE UP BULK OF LOCAL EXPOSURE VENUES; TODAY’S NUMBERS
MONA VALE WOOLIES
A COVID-positive staff member has worked five consecutive shifts at Mona Vale Woolworths. If you were present at the following times and dates it is advisable to get tested immediately and isolate until a negative test is received. It is often suggested to test again at least five days after potential exposure. You may not receive any notification from NSW Health and venues of concern are no longer being listed, so this may be your only communication on the matter.
With strict hygiene and compulsory mask wearing – and the possibility you weren’t anywhere near the staff member – there is no need to panic, this is a low-risk transmission environment but nonetheless important to pay attention to.
The dates are as follows:
Saturday 21 August 8am – 6pm
Sunday 22 August 8.10am – 6pm
Monday 23 August 8am – 5pm
Wednesday 25 August 12.28pm – 6pm
Thursday 26 August 8am – 3.30pm
Please note it lists on the woolies website the 22 August twice so we do not as yet know if there is a typographical error that needs correcting.
COLES MANLY CORSO
Meanwhile Coles in Manly now has four days of potential exposure at its store on the Corso, these are:
Dates
Monday 23 August 7am-3.30pm
Tuesday 24 August 7am – 3pm
Wednesday 25 August 12pm-5pm
Thursday 26 August 7am and 12pm
The numbers
NSW recorded 1,290 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. Four of these new cases were in the Northern Beaches – two in postcode 2106 and one each in 2093 and 2097. There are now 48 active cases of COVID on the Northern Beaches.
29 August 2021: There were 1,218 new cases in NSW overnight, with four of them in the Northern Beaches. This included three new cases in postcode 2099 and one in 2103. There were two cases removed from 2097 and one from 2095. There are now a total of 44 active cases of COVID-19 on the Northern Beaches.
Please note a second worker at Coles Manly on the Corso (the one near the wharf) is COVID positive and they worked on Wednesday (25 August 12pm-5pm) and Thursday (26 August 7am-12pm) this week. If you were present at these times then please get tested and isolate until a negative result is received and again five days after potential exposure. Minimise your contact with others.
1pm 28 August 2021: SEAFORTH RECORDS FIRST CASE; LOCAL NUMBERS STABLE
NSW recorded 1,035 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. There remains 43 active cases of COVID in the Northern Beaches Local Government are after some movement across the postcodes with case numbers overnight.
Seaforth recorded its first case, which may be linked to the Seaforth restaurant we identified as a potential exposure yesterday (see our venue alerts list below). Postcode 2093 (Balgowlah/Clontarf) recorded yet another case, bringing it to four in total, while Manly (2095) recorded one fewer (total 4) and Collaroy (2097) recorded two fewer, which were likely recovered cases.
5pm 27 August 2021: The total number of cases for the Northern Beaches remains at 43, with one case being removed from postcode 2106 and a new case recorded for Manly (2095). This brings the total number of cases to five in the relatively small area (15k residents).
BOATHOUSE AT SHELLY CLOSED
The Boathouse cafe at Shelly Beach has closed today. We asked them why and they advised us it was because of the “current situation wth COVID-19” and they were “closed as a temporary measure”. Our understanding is this is an operational decision and not related to any covid exposure.
11am 27 August 2021: SEAFORTH POTENTIAL EXPOSURE VENUE; SCHOOLS TO RETURN THIS YEAR; DAILY NUMBERS; CHILDREN AGED 12 TO BE VAXXED
Manly Observer has very reliable evidence that Bijolias – Fine Indian Cuisine Restaurant in Seaforth had a potential COVID-19 exposure on 21 August 2021. We understand it was a staff member who may have also worked on 23 August 2021 and that all staff are now getting tested and are in isolation. Given all customers would be takeaway customers, transmission is unlikely but if you were in the restaurant over this period it would be advisable to get tested and isolate until a negative test is received. We have been unable to reach the restaurant by phone but have seen a direct message sent from NSW Health regarding the exposure.
The Numbers
NSW recorded 882 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. 17 of those were in the Northern Sydney area but how many of these were in the Northern Beaches LGA will be revealed in data later released later today. At last count there were 43 cases on the Northern Beaches in total.
Schools to return in staggered approach
There will be a staggered return to face-to-face learning from October, HSC exams will be delayed until November and vaccinations for school staff will be mandatory based on the return to school plan released by the NSW Government today.
A staggered return of students to face-to-face learning will begin on Monday 25 October.
Students will return to face-to-face learning with NSW Health approved COVID safe settings on school sites in the following order:
From 25 October – Kindergarten and Year 1
From 1November – Year 2, 6 and 11
From 8 November – Year 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9 and 10
Year 12 students are already able to return in a limited way and this will continue for the remainder of Term 3. From 25 October, Year 12 will have full time access to school campuses and their teachers.
If stay at home orders are lifted in an LGA or region before 25 October, all students living or learning in that area will return to face to face learning under the Department’s COVID-safe schools framework.
HSC exams will be delayed until 9 November with a revised timetable and guidelines for a COVID-safe HSC to be released by NESA in early September. Importantly, the delay of the HSC exams will not disadvantage NSW students when applying to university.
Vaccinations for all school staff across all sectors will be mandatory from 8 November. NSW Health will be providing priority vaccinations at Qudos Bank Arena for school staff the week beginning 6 September.
Early childcare staff will also be able to participate in the priority vaccinations from 6 September. All school and early childcare staff are also encouraged to make use of the GP network to be vaccinated with whatever vaccine is available as soon as possible.
All students eligible for a vaccine will be strongly encouraged by the government to book an appointment.
Students aged 12-15 will also be a priority if they become eligible for a vaccine.
All parents who have not been vaccinated are strongly encouraged to get the vaccine as soon as possible.
These are for the last two weeks only. Earlier dates can be found by scrolling through our rolling thread.
BALGOWLAH (reminder)
Woolworths Balgowlah, potential exposure 12 August 12:25pm-1.15pm (this will be removed tomorrow)
COLLAROY (reminder)
Long Reef Golf Club is also understood to have had a player on Sunday who has since tested positive for COVID-19. While the individual, who played on 22 August, did not enter the pro shop or use the Club amenities, NSW Health has told management that anyone who was there on that day should monitor for symptoms and get tested if they feel unwell.
Management reached out to its members to ensure they were informed, and reminded members to wear a mask, social distance, and use the QR check in code on arrival.
CHILD CARE CENTRES
Which centres are closed?
While it’s not particularly user friendly, there is a real-time tool showing which daycare centres in your area are closed for health reasons. It is important to note that not all “health” reasons are because of an active case of COVID, however most are. Please note, the Montessori childcare centre at North Head is not closed and has confirmed no COVID cases have been detected. The closure is a nearby after school care service currently closed during the pandemic.
There are childcare centres closed because of cases in Balgowlah and Warriewood. You can view the map here.
DEE WHY (reminder)
Hengfa Supermarket Butcher at Shop 2A 8, 10 Oaks Ave, Dee Why NSW 2099 from 12.07pm to 12.17pm
Da Jia Hao Asian Supermarket12 Howard Ave, Dee Why NSW 2099. We expect this is roughly the same time as the others but will contact the supermarket shortly for details as provided from NSW Health.
Mao Sheng Asian Supermarket, shop 10/24-26 Howard Ave, Dee Why had a potential exposure on Thursday 19 August 11:42am-12.04pm.
DEE WHY (reminder)
Dee Why Public School – Monday 23 August, possibly earlier but no details provided. School has been cleaned and it is expected to resume operations shortly
MANLY (new)
Coles Local (the Corso) Manly: Monday 23 August 6am-3.30pm and Tuesday 24 August 6am-3pm.
SEAFORTH (new)
Bijolias – Fine Indian Cuisine Restaurant in Seaforth
A staff member at this restaurant at 5/538-540 Sydney Rd, Seaforth NSW 2092 is understood to have returned a positive COVID-19 test. They worked on 21 and 23 August 2021.
The Northern Beaches recorded one new case today – another for Freshwater/Curl Curl (2096) for a total of 43 active cases for the region, while NSW recorded 1,029 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19.
Meanwhile, Northern Beaches residents and others outside of “LGAs of concern” who have had two COVID-19 vaccinations will be able to have outdoor gatherings up of to five people, including children, within their LGA or 5km from homeinto a neighbouring LGA from 13 September. The children will not be required to be vaccinated, only the adults. We calculated that this would allow us to have a park playdate with one local family so long as one of us waited in the car… (an uneven number? really?)
“We appreciate the community’s patience in the lead up to 13 September, this additional time will allow the recent surge of vaccines to take effect,” Premier Gladys Berejiklian said in a statement today.
The roadmap
As part of the “roadmap”, when the following targets are hit, freedoms will be as follows:
70 per cent full vaccination: a range of family, industry, community and economic restrictions to be liftedfor those who are vaccinated.
80 per cent full vaccination: further easing of restrictions on industry, community and the economy.
The government says it is also investigating trials of certain industries in coming months, as a proof-of-concept measure to prepare the businesses to open up and operate in a COVID-safe way. There are no details at this stage.
“The world has changed. During a global pandemic the new rock stars are the doctors, scientists and public servants busy saving our lives.”
Beck Feiner with one of her creations.
About the image of Dr Kerry Chant
We spotted this t-shirt of Dr Kerry Chant on Instagram yesterday and asked Sydney-based illustrator Beck Feiner what the story was behind it. Beck said:
“The world has changed. During a global pandemic the new rock stars are the doctors, scientists and public servants busy saving our lives.”
“I thought it would be awesome to celebrate Dr Kerry Chant emblazoned across a tee-shirt so people could wear them out of respect for the science.
“And with vaccination being so important, and the peculiarity of some being on the fence about this, I also wanted to give people a channel to proudly and quirkily boast that they are vaccinated.”
These are for the last two weeks only. Earlier dates can be found by scrolling through our rolling thread.
BALGOWLAH (reminder)
Woolworths Balgowlah, potential exposure 12 August 12:25pm-1.15pm (this will be removed tomorrow)
COLLAROY (reminder)
Long Reef Golf Club is also understood to have had a player on Sunday who has since tested positive for COVID-19. While the individual, who played on 22 August, did not enter the pro shop or use the Club amenities, NSW Health has told management that anyone who was there on that day should monitor for symptoms and get tested if they feel unwell.
Management reached out to its members to ensure they were informed, and reminded members to wear a mask, social distance, and use the QR check in code on arrival.
CHILD CARE CENTRES
Which centres are closed?
While it’s not particularly user friendly, there is a real-time tool showing which daycare centres in your area are closed for health reasons. It is important to note that not all “health” reasons are because of an active case of COVID, however most are. Please note, the Montessori childcare centre at North Head is not closed and has confirmed no COVID cases have been detected. The closure is a nearby after school care service currently closed during the pandemic.
There are childcare centres closed because of cases in Balgowlah and Warriewood. You can view the map here.
DEE WHY (reminder)
Hengfa Supermarket Butcher at Shop 2A 8, 10 Oaks Ave, Dee Why NSW 2099 from 12.07pm to 12.17pm
Da Jia Hao Asian Supermarket12 Howard Ave, Dee Why NSW 2099. We expect this is roughly the same time as the others but will contact the supermarket shortly for details as provided from NSW Health.
Mao Sheng Asian Supermarket, shop 10/24-26 Howard Ave, Dee Why had a potential exposure on Thursday 19 August 11:42am-12.04pm.
DEE WHY (reminder)
Dee Why Public School – Monday 23 August, possibly earlier but no details provided. School has been cleaned and resumed operations 26 August.
MANLY (new)
Coles Local (the Corso) Manly: Monday 23 August 6am-3.30pm and Tuesday 24 August 6am-3pm.
MANLY (reminder)
Kazzi Beach Greek along the Steyne was temporarily closed as at 18 August. While there has been no direct potential exposure at the Manly Greek restaurant, a staff member at their Balmoral store has tested positive for COVID-19 and because there may have been some contact between staff at both venues at one point they closed both stores while all staff were tested and facilities cleaned. The Manly store is back operating again after negative results were received.
SEAFORTH (new)
Bijolias – Fine Indian Cuisine Restaurant in Seaforth
A staff member at this restaurant at 5/538-540 Sydney Rd, Seaforth NSW 2092 is understood to have returned a positive COVID-19 test. They worked on 21 and 23 August 2021.
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25 August 2021: PFIZER JABS AVAILABLE, THREE NEW LOCAL CASES + RECOVERIES, DEE WHY PUBLIC TO REOPEN
There are 42 active cases of COVID-19 on the Northern Beaches with a new case in Fairlight (2094) and another in Bayview (2104). There is now one fewer in Manly and two others no longer active in Belrose. We are not aware of any new associated venues of concern.
While the Beaches had a slight drop in numbers overnight, Sydney recorded its worst total to date with 919 new locally acquired cases overnight.
Pfizer opens up
In positive news Northern Beaches residents have been able to book in Pfizer jabs (and even attend same day) today at Qudos Arena. We t received this from Northern Beaches Council this afternoon:
“Get vaccinated: If you are aged 16 to 39 years old, you are eligible for a vaccination. The Vaccination Hub at Qudos Arena has now opened up bookings for 16-year-old’s and over regardless of LGA. They have many spots available for Pfizer starting this week. Book yours via the NSW Health Vaccination Portal.”
Dee Why public reopens
Meanwhile, the Department of Education says Dee Why Public will reopen tomorrow, Thursday 26 August. They provided the following statement:
“Dee Why Public School will reopen for staff and students on Thursday 26 August 2021, after a member of school community tested positive to COVID-19.
Students and staff identified as close contacts have been notified and asked to self-isolate for the required period and follow the NSW health advice and protocols.
The school has been thoroughly cleaned and the school will reopen on Thursday 26 August 2021 for any child who is unable to learn from home.
Further information about the NSW Department of Education response to COVID-19 is available on the Department’s website. ”
Where are the cases on the Northern Beaches?
2085: 2
2086: 1
2087: 3
2093: 3
2094: 2
2095: 4
2096:2
2097: 6
2099: 6
2100: 2
2101: 2
2103: 5
2104:2
2106:1
2108: 1
24 AUGUST 2021: DEE WHY PS SHUTS OVER COVID; FIVE NEW CASES ACROSS BEACHES TODAY
All staff and students at Dee Why Public School have been put into self-isolation today after a “member of the school community” – who we understand to be a staff member in admin– returned positive for COVID-19.
Dee Why Public School principal Mark Chaffer has sent a note to parents this evening to say the school will be closed for cleaning tomorrow and to await further advice from Health officials. Anyone connected with the school who has shown symptoms should get tested, the letter said.
We made enquiries with NSW Health who referred us to the Department of Education. We will share any information about the school should it become available.
Five new cases for Northern Beaches
Meanwhile, there were five new active cases of COVID-19 on the Northern Beaches recorded overnight, with Freshwater/Curl Curl (2096) registering its first cases (2) as well as Bayview (2104) and Newport (2106). A second case was also recorded for Balgowlah/Clontarf (2093).
NSW recorded 753 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night.
These are for the last two weeks only. Earlier dates can be found by scrolling through our rolling thread.
BALGOWLAH (reminder)
Woolworths Balgowlah, potential exposure 12 August 12:25pm-1.15pm
COLLAROY (new)
Long Reef Golf Club is also understood to have had a player on Sunday who has since tested positive for COVID-19. While the individual, who played on 22 August, did not enter the pro shop or use the Club amenities, NSW Health has told management that anyone who was there on that day should monitor for symptoms and get tested if they feel unwell.
Management reached out to its members to ensure they were informed, and reminded members to wear a mask, social distance, and use the QR check in code on arrival.
CHILD CARE CENTRES
Which centres are closed?
While it’s not particularly user friendly, there is a real-time tool showing which daycare centres in your area are closed for health reasons. It is important to note that not all “health” reasons are because of an active case of COVID, however most are. Please note, the Montessori childcare centre at North Head is not closed and has confirmed no COVID cases have been detected. The closure is a nearby after school care service currently closed during the pandemic.
There are childcare centres closed because of cases in Balgowlah and Warriewood. You can view the map here.
DEE WHY (new)
Hengfa Supermarket Butcher at Shop 2A 8, 10 Oaks Ave, Dee Why NSW 2099 from 12.07pm to 12.17pm
Da Jia Hao Asian Supermarket12 Howard Ave, Dee Why NSW 2099. We expect this is roughly the same time as the others but will contact the supermarket shortly for details as provided from NSW Health.
Mao Sheng Asian Supermarket, shop 10/24-26 Howard Ave, Dee Why had a potential exposure on Thursday 19 August 11:42am-12.04pm.
DEE WHY (new)
Dee Why Public School – Monday 23 August – further details TBC.
MANLY (reminder)
Kazzi Beach Greek along the Steyne was temporarily closed as at 18 August. While there has been no direct potential exposure at the Manly Greek restaurant, a staff member at their Balmoral store has tested positive for COVID-19 and because there may have been some contact between staff at both venues at one point they closed both stores while all staff were tested and facilities cleaned. The Manly store is back operating again after negative results were received.
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8pm 23 August 2021: NEW LOW RISK VENUES OF CONCERN: THREE DEE WHY SUPERMARKETS AND LONG REEF GOLF COURSE
Manly Observer understands that three Asian supermarkets in the Dee Why area were potentially exposed to COVID-19 because of a COVID-positive delivery person who attended their premises on 19 August.
These are:
DEE WHY
Hengfa Supermarket Butcher at Shop 2A 8, 10 Oaks Ave, Dee Why NSW 2099 from 12.07pm to 12.17pm
Da Jia Hao Asian Supermarket12 Howard Ave, Dee Why NSW 2099. We expect this is roughly the same time as the others but will contact the supermarket shortly for details as provided from NSW Health.
Mao Sheng Asian Supermarket, shop 10/24-26 Howard Ave, Dee Why had a potential exposure on Thursday 19 August 11:42am-12.04pm.
COLLAROY
Long Reef Golf Club is also understood to have had a player on Sunday who has since tested positive for COVID-19. While the individual, who played on 22 August, did not enter the pro shop or use the Club amenities, NSW Health has told management that anyone who was there on that day should monitor for symptoms and get tested if they feel unwell.
Management reached out to its members to ensure they were informed, and reminded members to wear a mask, social distance, and use the QR check in code on arrival.
4pm 23 August 2021: SOME GOOD NEWS FOR ONCE!
Despite 818 cases recorded in NSW including 19 in the Northern Sydney region, there were ZERO new case on the Northern Beaches overnight with three active cases registered as recovered. That brings the total to 38. The cases no longer active were 2 in postcode 2099 and 1 in 2100.
NSW recorded 818 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night.
Of these locally acquired cases, 120 are linked to a known case or cluster – 94 are household contacts and 26 are close contacts – and the source of infection for 698 cases is under investigation.
Forty-seven cases were in isolation throughout their infectious period and 15 were in isolation for part of their infectious period. Forty-two cases were infectious in the community, and the isolation status of 714 cases remains under investigation.
Where are the cases on the Northern Beaches?
2085: 4
2086: 1
2087: 3
2093: 2
2094: 1
2095: 5
2097: 6
2099: 6
2100: 2
2101: 2
2103: 5
2108: 1
11am 23 August 2021: POTENTIAL EXPOSURE AT DEE WHY ASIAN MARKET; LIST OF VENUES
New venue for Dee Why
Dee Why Village Plaza Asian supermarket Maosheng’s has self-reported as a potential exposure venue after NSW Health contacted them last night to advise a COVID-positive person visited their shop on Thursday 19 August from 11.42am-12.04pm.
The store has closed for a clean and staff undergoing testing and quarantine.
While there is no information available from NSW Health at this time, it would be advisable for anyone who attended at that time to get tested and isolate. Contacting NSW Health if you have any questions or concerns.
These are for the last two weeks only. Earlier dates can be found by scrolling through our rolling thread.
BALGOWLAH (reminder)
Woolworths Balgowlah, potential exposure 12 August 12:25pm-1.15pm
COLLAROY PLATEAU (reminder)
Z Bar in Collaroy had potential exposure for the following dates, but all staff have returned negative results and operations have returned to normal. This is the last day this venue will be listed.
Saturday 7 August 7am-8am
Sunday 8 August 2pm-2.10pm
Monday 9 August 7.15-7.20am
COLLAROY PLATEAU (reminder)
Collaroy Plateau IGA had a potential exposure on Monday 9 August from roughly 5.25pm-5.33pm. This is the last day this venue will be listed.
DEE WHY (New)
Mao Sheng Asian Supermarket, shop 10/24-26 Howard Ave, Dee Why had a potential exposure on Thursday 19 August 11:42am-12.04pm.
MANLY (reminder)
Kazzi Beach Greek along the Steyne is temporarily closed as at 18 August. While there has been no direct potential exposure at the Manly Greek restaurant, a staff member at their Balmoral store has tested positive for COVID-19 and because there may have been some contact between staff at both venues at one point they closed both stores while all staff were tested and facilities cleaned. The Manly store is back operating again after negative results were received.
22 August 2021: Fairlight has its first case of COVID-19 this lockdown, with postcode 2094 turning up on today’s NSW Health covid heat map.
It brings the total number of cases on the Northern Beaches to 41.
NSW recorded 830 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night.
Of these locally acquired cases, 137 are linked to a known case or cluster – 118 are household contacts and 19 are close contacts – and the source of infection for 693 cases is under investigation.
Sixty-seven cases were in isolation throughout their infectious period and 19 were in isolation for part of their infectious period. Fifty cases were infectious in the community, and the isolation status of 694 cases remains under investigation.
Meanwhile, a Northern Beaches man was arrested for allegedly assaulting an officer during the protests in the city yesterday.
21 August 2021: There are now 40 active cases of COVID-19 on the Northern Beaches, after one case in 2099 recovered but four more cases were added today – one in Balgowlah /Clontarf area 2093, and one case each in 2097 (Collaroy/Collaroy Plateau/Wheeler Heights), 2103 (Mona Vale) and 2099 (Cromer/Dee Why/Narraweena/North Curl Curl). We understand the latter case may pertain to a household contact of a family isolating in Narraweena.
Where are the cases on the Northern Beaches?
2085: 4
2086: 1
2087: 3
2093: 2
2095: 5
2097: 6
2099: 8
2100: 3
2101: 2
2103: 5
2108: 1
New public health orders mean masks and IDs mandatory when outdoors
The new public health orders have also updated today, making it clear that masks must be warn when outdoors other than during strenuous exercise (and other exemptions) and anyone over the age of 16 must carry ID. Please note you can be fined for not carrying a mask with you even during outings for exercise. Look at pages 18 and 41 in the orders for those who prefer details.
21 August 2021: Swimmer fined for not carrying mask; record numbers; general summary
NSW recorded 825 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. 58 cases were infectious in the community, and the isolation status of 637 cases remains under investigation.
Despite the escalating numbers in other parts of Sydney, the Northern Beaches total reduced by two yesterday, taking the total number of cases to 37. This morning’s data however shows 18 more cases in the Northern Sydney region; how many of these are on the Beaches will be apparent by the evening.
Residents are reminded to ensure they have a mask with them at all times as local police have this morning issued $1,000 penalty notices to people who have gone for a swim and bike ride without having a mask with them nor identification.
It also becomes mandatory to wear masks in outdoor settings, aside from strenuous exercise, from Monday (12.01am) and carry identification at all times.
20 August 2021: Lockdown extended to end of September; local childcare cases; masks mandatory outdoors; today’
