​Stay-at-home orders for the Port Macquarie and Muswellbrook Local Government Areas (LGAs) will be introduced from 6pm today for seven days due to an increased COVID-19 public health risk.

These stay-at-home orders will also apply to anyone who has been in the Port Macquarie and Muswellbrook LGAs since 17 September and 22 September respectively.

Everyone in these LGAs must stay at home unless it is for an essential reason, which includes shopping for food, medical care, getting vaccinated, compassionate needs, exercise and work or tertiary education if you can’t work or study at home.

To determine the extent of the risk and detect any further potential COVID-19 cases in these areas, we are calling on the communities to come forward for testing in large numbers.

A strong response to testing will be a key factor in determining if these stay-at-home orders are extended beyond one week. To find your nearest clinic visit COVID-19 clinics or contact your GP.

The stay-at-home order for Kempsey LGA will be lifted, as scheduled, at midnight tonight. However, this order may be reintroduced if new information indicates an increased public health risk.

People in Kempsey need to remain particularly vigilant, practise COVID-safe behaviours and get tested at the first sign of even mild symptoms.

Kempsey LGA will continue to operate under some restrictions to ensure community safety. For more information, please visit the NSW Government website

High vaccination rates are also essential to reduce the risk of transmission and protect the health and safety of the community.

Use the COVID-19 vaccine clinic finder to find your nearest vaccination clinic, or visit the NSW Government website