Hay, Griffith told to limit movements amid Ivanhoe COVID outbreak

On Monday the Far West Local Health District reported there were ten active cases of the virus in Ivanhoe, and there has also been a number of exposure sites identified.

The first confirmed case in Ivanhoe was identified last Friday and reported on Saturday, with the person having been infectious in the community from Monday to Thursday, now in isolation.

No new cases were reported on Sunday, but Monday saw nine new cases of COVID-19 announced, all in Ivanhoe.

NSW Health has listed a number of venues of concern in the small town including a petrol station, pub, the Ivanhoe Hotel Motel and Central School.

Meanwhile, Service NSW app users have received COVID alerts in their check-ins for several businesses in Hay on Friday, where there are currently no known cases.

Murrumbidgee Local Health District chief executive Jill Ludford said on Monday that as outbreaks happen in nearby local government areas, it's important to make sure local vaccination rates are "as high as we can [get them]", particularly in vulnerable population groups.

"Fortunately Hay [has] a fantastic Aboriginal health corporation who have a health service there and are doing some great work in terms of vaccination," she said.

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Ms Ludford said the Murrumbidgee LHD is continuing to work with the neighbouring Far West LHD to manage the current situation by sharing public health information and monitoring movements.

"[This is] to make sure that we can really limit the amount of transmission that comes and seeds across with different outbreaks," she added.

Her message to Riverina communities with high interconnectivity to Ivanhoe is to limit their movements for a short period of time.

"Obviously we're not talking about lockdown, but we're just saying if there are things like outdoor birthday parties and extra curricular activities, particularly involving children or the elderly, that we should really just restrict those things and monitor and watch really closely for symptoms," Ms Ludford said.

The Central Darling Shire Council released a statement on Monday and said a local emergency management committee has been activated to address the ongoing situation.

"In line with established planning, community support accommodation will be set up in the town to ensure people who need to isolate are supported, including accommodation for additional agency staff that may be required," the statement reads.

"A community response team is being established to support affected residents and food security for the town and district is being organised."

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