Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has given an update on the current lockdown and speculation over if the region will come out of Stay-At-Home orders on Friday night.
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"There has been a lot of discussion about what will happen on Friday with the lockdown and whether it will continue or be lifted for our region," Ms Cooke said.
"I want to start by thanking everyone in our electorate for doing their part to keep COVID-19 out of our communities."
Ms Cooke advised that a decision around the lifting of Stay-At-Home orders will be based on health advice.
"The decisions around the lifting or extension of lockdown for our region will continue to be guided by NSW Health," Ms Cooke said.
"They as well have played their part in keeping us safe through ongoing sewage sampling, pop-up testing clinics and notifications to individuals and businesses of close contact with COVID-19 infected persons."
Miss Cooke also advised that if the lockdown were to be lifted this Friday, certain restrictions would remain in place, "again guided by the NSW Health advice."
"As more information comes to hand I will update the community as soon as possible," she said.
Ms Cooke pointed out that though we have had a few close calls, the electorate remains to be COVID free.
"We have had a few close calls over the past few months in Gundagai, Coolac, Cootamundra, Narrandera, Temora, Beckom and Harden," Ms Cooke said.
"I am so proud of the joint efforts from our towns and villages, our councils and the MLHD that has kept us at 0 cases during this difficult period.
"Time and time again people in our communities have done the right thing whether it's been coming forward to get tested, staying home or getting vaccinated."
Ms Cooke believes that no matter the release of lockdown or not everyone will continue to do the right thing.
"I believe we will continue to fight the good fight of keeping everyone safe whether we are in lockdown or not," she said.
"I know that there is mixed feelings in the community about lifting the lockdown.
"There are elderly, frail and vulnerable people who are worried about what a lifting might mean for them."
Ms Cooke said that though there are people who would like the keep the area in lockdown there are also others who are desperate for it to be lifted.
"But there is also businesses who have done it tough and want to get back to work and doing what they do best," she said.
"Likewise, many families have been trying to balance working from home and doing home schooling."
Ms Cooke said she has spoken to both groups and listened to everything that has been said.
"Over the past month, my team and I have spoken and listened to hundreds of individuals, families, students and businesses who have shared their personal circumstances and have come forward for assistance," she said.
"Thank you to everyone who has come forward, your stories have not gone un-noticed and I want to remind everyone that you are not alone with whatever you are going through or feeling."