Ward Renews Calls For Illawarra Ring of Steel

Member for Kiama Gareth Ward MP has renewed his calls for a ‘Ring of Steel’ around the Illawarra and Shoalhaven region following today’s record number of COVID cases (1431) and deaths (12).

“With fragments of COVID-19 detected at the Bomaderry Sewerage Treatment Plant, NSW Health has advised that people in the northern Shoalhaven should get tested if they are experiencing symptoms. It’s better to be safe than sorry,” Mr Ward said.

“The presences of COVID fragments in a local sewerage treatment plant means that someone is, or has been, in our community who is COVID positive.

“This morning NSW Health advised of nine new cases in the Wollongong LGA, two new cases in the Shellharbour LGA and two new cases in the Shoalhaven LGA. 

“I would remind local businesses to have clear COVID-safe plans and ensure that all employees, contractors and customers are aware of their COVID-safe obligations when working at or visiting your business.

“Around 11,000 people are currently being cared for by NSW Health who have contracted COVID-19. 979 of these people are in hospital. 160 of those are in Intensive Care Units. Of these 160 people in ICU, 127 were not vaccinated.

“On Friday 6th August I called for a ‘Ring of Steel’ around the Illawarra. On Thursday 2nd September, we saw 22 new cases in the Illawarra with additional cases announced on Friday 3rd September.

“With cases continuing to rise in Sydney, we must do all that we can to protect our region. The NSW Government cannot say it has done everything possible unless it starts to bolster the presence of police at entry and exist points to Sydney.

“This also needs to apply to public transport. I have had multiple reports from frontline transport staff of people coming from Sydney without a reasonable excuse to travel.

“My sincere thanks to our frontline medical and emergency services staff who are working so hard to keep our community safe,” Mr Ward concluded.