To protect the people of NSW from COVID-19, new restrictions will be introduced for the Yass Valley Council area from 12.01am Tuesday 14 September for two weeks.

A case of COVID-19 has been confirmed in the area today (Monday), following a recent positive sewage detection. Urgent investigations and contact tracing are underway.

Following updated health advice from the Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant about the growing risk to the community, stay-at-home orders will apply to all people who live in the Yass Valley Council area or have been there on or after Thursday 9 September.

Everyone in these areas must stay at home unless it is for an essential reason.

The reasons you may leave your home include:

• Shopping for food or other essential goods and services;
• Medical care or compassionate needs (people can leave home to have a COVID-19 vaccination unless you have been identified as a close contact);
• If you are fully vaccinated, you can attend an outdoor gathering of up to five people for exercise or outdoor recreation so long as all those at the gathering aged 16 years or over are fully vaccinated. 
• Work, or tertiary education, where you cannot work or study from home;
• To attend a wedding or a funeral. A maximum of 11 people can attend a wedding service. This means a maximum of five guests, the two people being married, the two witnesses, the celebrant or officiant, and one person recording the service. A maximum of 10 people can attend a funeral.

You must wear a face mask in all indoor or outdoor areas, other than a place of residence. This includes when you are on a street, in a park, at the shops or at work. There are limited exceptions, such as where you are in a vehicle with members of your household or your nominated visitor ('singles bubble'), when exercising, when eating or drinking, and in emergencies.

It is vital people continue to come forward for testing to help us find any COVID-19 cases in the community. The government and health experts will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updated information and advice.

We understand this is a difficult time for the community and appreciate their ongoing patience. For more information visit the NSW Government website.