Work will continue on the mass vaccination centre in Wollongong's CBD, despite a government-mandated pause on construction.
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An Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District spokeswoman said work on the centre, in the former David Jones building, would proceed with the facility expected to open in mid August.
"Construction of the Illawarra Shoalhaven Mass Vaccination Centre in Wollongong is continuing as it is permitted to proceed under the new public health order as a construction site for NSW Health in response to the COVID-19 pandemic," she said.
"The site's COVID safe plan has been strengthened to ensure construction and supply work can continue in a safe and appropriate manner. This includes restricting non-essential personnel and visitors from entering the site."
The spokeswoman said the indoor site in the Crown Street mall had a COVID safety marshal in place to ensure mandatory compliance with masks.
"Masks are also required at all times when directly outside the construction zone, other than when eating and drinking," she said. "Breaks for staff members are scheduled at different times to minimise the risk of close contact and physical distancing is required at all times.
The centre, which will administer the Pfizer vaccine, will have the initial capacity to administer up to 15,000 vaccines per week - with the capacity to increase further in the future.
The Wollongong and Shellharbour vaccination clinics will transition across to the centre, and anyone with an existing appointment at those clinics will receive their vaccine at the new centre once open.
"Individuals will receive updated information about their appointment when the new booking system is operational at the end of July," the spokeswoman said. "The Shoalhaven vaccination clinic remains unchanged at this stage."
She added: "The district appreciates people's patience and urges everyone to get vaccinated as soon as it possible to do so. Please be assured that everyone who wants to be vaccinated, will be vaccinated."
The Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District will tomorrow celebrate the milestone of 50,000 COVID vaccinations administered in the Wollongong, Shellharbour and Shoalhaven hospital clinics and any outreach centres.
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