One new case of Covid-19 in the Southern Highlands, Premier says lockdown "best form of protection" against virus

Related: NSW records 452 COVID cases, one death

The new case was reported on the NSW Health website on Tuesday, August 17.

No other information has been made available. NSW Health and South Western Sydney Local Health District have been contacted for comment.

The Southern Highland News previously reported on three cases of Covid-19 in the Southern Highlands.

There have been zero cases in the Southern Tablelands region.

The Southern Highlands and Southern Tablelands have been in lockdown since Saturday, August 14, 5 pm.

Both regions have had Covid-19 cases visit venues of concern across July, however, most recently three venues in Mittagong were visited by a Covid-19 case on August 3 and 4.

The public was notified 10 days later on August 13.

When asked about why there was a delay in reporting the venues of concern, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said NSW Health looked at possible transmission sites "all the time".

"Most recently what NSW Health has done is put up venues where they are concerned transmission has occurred or may occur," she said.

"Obviously when you start the process off you might draw a wide net and then alert the areas where NSW Health believes there has been a transmission or a high risk of transmission

"Sometimes a case may have visited somewhere and may not have been infectious at the time so NSW Health is trying to be more specific and that people pay more attention when there's a large number of venues.

"NSW Health is trying to increase the turnaround time as quickly as possible."

As for the snap regional lockdowns, Ms Berejiklian said that one of the reasons for the statewide lockdowns was because of the risk posed "by the ACT and proximity to areas like Goulburn and the South Coast."

"Having the state go into lockdown assists Goulburn and the Southern Highlands, so while the case numbers have been very low, the way the government can protect residents is by stopping people moving around," she said.

"When people stop moving around and are less mobile, that reduces the risk of spread. The fact you're in lockdown is the best form of protection we can offer you."

"The best way to protect communities in the regions at the moment is to have the lockdown in place to reduce mobility but also to support vaccination programs."

Deputy Premier John Barilaro indicated that regional communities would be informed before Saturday whether or not the seven-day lockdown would be extended.

Mr Barilaro said the government aimed to ensure that vaccination goals didn't leave regional and rural communities behind.

"Our message again is to get vaccinated," he said.

"One of the things we are focused on is our goal as a state to reach 70 - 80 per cent vaccination rates in line with the Doherty Report and in line with the National Cabinet, is to make sure regional and rural NSW does not fall behind."

Across the state, 452 people tested positive for Covid-19 while more than 151,000 people were tested for the virus.

South Western Sydney Local Health District has urged residents across the Highlands to remain vigilant against the Delta strain of Covid-19 and to get tested at the onset of even the mildest symptoms. High rates of testing are critical to detecting transmission and prevent the further spread of COVID-19 in the community.

To help stop the spread of COVID-19:

There are two Covid-19 testing locations in the Southern Highlands.

Read also: 'Don't complain if this happens to you'; increased fines for public health order breaches

Southern Highlands and Southern Tablelands in lockdown: Here's what you can and can't do

NSW lockdown: Regional communities will be told before Saturday if extension needed

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