Mid North Coast Local Health District, council and police to work together to keep the community safe

As the weather warms up and the October school holidays get underway, residents and holidaymakers are being reminded to adhere to restrictions to ensure the safety of the community.

Chief Executive Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD) Stewart Dowrick said working together will help lower the risk of spreading the virus.

"Mid North Coast Local Health District, in conjunction with NSW Police and local councils, is encouraging visitors to the region to be COVID-safe these school holidays," he said.

"It's been 152 days since the last confirmed COVID-19 case in the region and we are appealing to visitors who come to enjoy the beautiful Mid North Coast to play their part in protecting our community."

Almost 49,000 tests have been conducted across the Mid North Coast since early February, with 7033 tests conducted in the Kempsey LGA.

Kempsey Shire Council's Director Operations and Planning, Robert Fish, said council will use signage and an increased ranger presence in popular areas to promote public health measures.

"We have been working closely with NSW government authorities as well as local health, police and surf life saving representatives to plan for a safe school holiday period," Mr Fish said.

"Council will be increasing the signage on the roads to our major coastal villages as well as in our recreation spaces, to remind people of the importance of social distancing.

"This will be backed up by ranger patrols that support the monitoring being undertaken by the police. We will also share and promote the NSW Government's COVID Safe Summer Plan communications and assist in supporting business compliance with health protocols."

Mid North Coast Police District Commander Supt Shane Cribb said police will have a team out and about to enforce Public Health Orders.

"The main message is that we encourage people to come to the local area but they need to comply with COVID-19 regulations," he told the Port Macquarie News.

"People need to continue social distancing."

The MNCLHD continues to urge anyone with symptoms to get tested.

"It's important that people continue to come forward for testing even for the mildest of symptoms, such as a runny nose, scratchy throat or a cough. Only one symptom is needed to get tested and it can be mild," Mr Dowrick said.

"We also encourage people to get re-tested if they show COVID-19 symptoms on different occasions."