Some residents of a Wollongong CBD apartment block who have been in enforced COVID-19 isolation for two weeks have been allowed to leave the building.
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A two-week declaration that put 75-79 Keira Street under lockdown as a high-risk premises after cases emerged among residents ended on Friday.
Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District chief executive Margot Mains said the multi-agency response at the building had "moved to the next phase".
"Ongoing testing and individual assessments have been undertaken, and a number of residents have now completed their mandatory isolation period," Ms Mains said.
"Where there is an ongoing risk, individual care plans have been developed to support the safe completion of remaining isolation periods.
"Those with ongoing risk and people with COVID-19 will continue to be closely monitored and appropriate care will continue."
It is understood more than 20 people who had to remain in isolation were transported to other facilities, including the district's special health accommodation in Bulli.
The building houses some of the city's more vulnerable residents, as Wollongong Homeless Hub operates its drop-in centre there and leases 30 of the 83 units to provide emergency accommodation for people experiencing homelessness.
The remainder are private residences.
One resident named Chloe was among those cleared to leave on Friday.
She compared the lockdown to "being grounded", and told the Mercury she passed the time mostly watching TV and sleeping.
Chloe had contracted COVID, but said she did not get very ill, "just a sore back and that".
A public health order that enforced isolation for occupants of Piccadilly Motor Inn in Crown Street, also an accommodation venue for vulnerable people, remains in place until October 6 and the response there continues.
"Whilst no additional locations have been added to the current response, the public health unit continues to closely monitor areas where there is a high level of community connectivity, including some cluster-style homes," Ms Mains said.
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Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
