Staff of Dubbo businesses identified as the first venues of concern amid the city's COVID-19 outbreak remain in isolation after initial tests.
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NSW Health named multiple exposure sites in the city on Wednesday morning after it confirmed two cases and the local government area entered a snap seven-day lockdown.
On Friday morning it confirmed anyone who attended the following venues is considered a close contact and must immediately get tested, self-isolate and remain in isolation until receiving further advice from NSW:
- Don Crosby Veterinary Surgeons, 327 Darling St, Dubbo, August 7, 8.57am to 9.45am
- COVID Safe Clinic at Manera Plaza, 77 Myall St, Dubbo, August 9, 7.45am to 8.35am
- Tim Koerstz Pharmacy, 98 Tamworth St, Dubbo, August 9, 1pm, to 1.15pm
Anyone who visited The Harvest at 64 Palmer Street Dubbo on Saturday August 7 between 9.52am and 10.10am is considered a casual contact and must get tested and self-isolate until they receive a negative result.
The operators of the various premises swung into dealing with the situation.
Don Crosby Veterinary Surgeons was undergoing deep cleaning on Thursday, Apiam Animal Health Limited, which acquired the Dubbo practice last year, told the Daily Liberal.
Apiam managing director Dr Chris Richards said the team was practicing COVID-safe procedures for the short time the clinic was exposed, in line with its comprehensive COVID-safe policy.
The clinic was following government advice, with staff isolating and getting tested as required, he said.
Initial tests that have come back have all been negative, he reports.
"Upon notification, we immediately organised for the premises to undergo a deep clean, which will occur today," he said on Thursday.
"We will then reopen as soon as health authorities advise.
"Our team have also been very focused on ensuring that our clients and their animals' veterinary needs are still met, which is occurring through telemedicine and alternative arrangements.
We appreciate the support that Don Crosby Veterinary Surgeons have received from the Dubbo community and look forward to reopening and resuming services.
- Apiam managing director Dr Chris Richards
"We appreciate the support that Don Crosby Veterinary Surgeons have received from the Dubbo community and look forward to reopening and resuming services.
"The company commends the leadership shown by the team at Don Crosby Veterinary Surgeons for their rapid response to this situation."
Tim Koerstz Pharmacy owner Tim Koerstz said it was "stressful" to have a business named as a venue of concern.
"It's very hard on both the business owners and of course their staff and even now we're still waiting for results for some of our staff," he said on Thursday.
"...unfortunately while as business owners we can put the signs up saying don't come in if you have symptoms of COVID, or if you don't have masks, we can't always control who walks through the door.
"So it makes it very hard for businesses at times."
The team members who had been in the pharmacy at the relevant time had been quarantined, tested once and would be tested a couple of times during the 14-day period, Mr Koerstz said.
The business had undergone cleaning, meeting the requirements of NSW Health, the long-time pharmacist said.
The Harvest owner Georgia Stevens said she and her staff of four people had been tested, all receiving negative results, and were continuing to isolate as they awaited further advice.
Anyone who attended the following venues during the times listed must immediately get tested and isolate until they receive further advice from NSW Health:
- McDonald's West Dubbo, 101 Whylandra Street. Friday, August 6 3.35pm to 3.55pm
- Bunnings Dubbo, Cnr Mitchell Highway and Sheraton Road. Monday, August 9. 8.12am to 8.20am
- Dan Murphy's, Cnr Windsor Parade and Birch Avenue. Monday, August 9. 2pm to 2.20pm
- Myall Street Mini Mart, 272 Myall Street. Monday, August 9. 3.35pm to 3.45pm
- Fitness Focus Dubbo, 7 Jannali Road. Monday, August 9. 3.53pm to 5.05pm.
- Dubbo Uniting Service Station, 195 Cobra Street. Monday, August 9. 4.25pm to 4.28pm.
The Walgett Sporting Club at 10 Montkeila Street has also been identified as an exposure site.
Anyone who was there on Tuesday, August 10 between 7.39pm and 7.50pm needs to immediately get tested.
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