After two weeks, a second Wollongong building ordered into lockdown due to the risk of COVID-19 has reopened.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Piccadilly Motor Inn in Crown Street became one of the targets of a multi-agency response that involved health, police and other support services on September 18, after two occupants tested positive for COVID.
Deputy chief health officer Dr Marianne Gale officially declared the building a high-risk premises four days later, putting all occupants into isolation for two weeks.
This was due to the risk of transmission between residents.
That order lifted on Wednesday morning, with just one occupant to remain in isolation.
Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District chief executive Margot Mains said individual care plans were also in place for anyone needing ongoing support, such as medical care, telehealth consultations, and transport to hospital if needed.
The end of the order at the Piccadilly Motor Inn comes five days after another building put into lockdown, an apartment complex in Keira Street, reopened.
"The District has worked with a range of agencies including NSW Police, Resilience NSW, the Department of Communities and Justice and local contractors and charity organisations to provide care and support to residents during their isolation after six residents tested positive to COVID-19," Ms Mains said.
"The District would like to thank the residents and management of both facilities for their cooperation and efforts over the past fortnight."
At least 19 people staying in either the Piccadilly Motor Inn or the Keira Street apartments contracted COVID last month.
The two buildings sheltered some of the city's most vulnerable residents: Wollongong Homeless Hub operated its drop-in centre and emergency accommodation from Keira Street, while the Piccadilly Motor Inn also provided a place to stay for those with nowhere else to go.
Ms Main said the health district continued an outreach COVID vaccination program for at-risk communities and areas with low vaccination rates.
She urged people to get tested if they had even minor symptoms, to prevent the spread of COVID.
The Illawarra Mercury news app is now officially live on both iOS and Android devices. It is available for download in the Apple Store and Google Play.
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.
