22 SEPTEMBER 2021
ISSUE 257
REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL WEEKLY NEWS
News
Anti-vax rally quashed by police About 150 anti-vaxxers scattered when police converged on Memorial Park at The Entrance last Saturday to break up their rally which was in breach of the Public Health Orders. See page 16
The National Parks and Wildlife Service has completed more than 640ha of hazard reduction burning over the past week in the Central Coast Hunter region. See page 5
Out&About
Home cooks can now get a taste of the top 10 dishes by executive chef, Craig Etches, as voted by his dining clientele at Glengara retirement community in Tumbi Umbi. See page 17
Health
District Health says hospitals ready for COVID surge Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) says it is well-prepared for the anticipated demand on hospitals because of increasing COVID-19 patients, expected to hit a peak in October. CCLHD says there are no COVID-positive confirmed cases at Wyong Hospital at present, however, there are a number of COVID patients at Gosford Hospital, some who have transferred there from out of the area. Last Thursday, September 16, a woman in her 20s died at Gosford Hospital after
contracting COVID-19. She had an underlying medical condition and was not vaccinated. NSW Health said she was a resident of a Life Without Barriers group home for the disabled in Wyong, where she acquired her infection. “We are deeply saddened about the death of a young woman we provide support to and share our sincere condolences to her family and friends at their considerable loss,” said a spokesperson for Life Without Barriers. “Our priority is offering our support and care to her family
and providing assistance they need at this difficult time.” It was the second COVIDrelated death within a week as the coronavirus now appears to have a grip on the Central Coast and, other than hospital patients, there are about 200 people who are self-isolating at home and receiving care from the Health District. Health authorities remain particularly concerned about the spread of the virus throughout the northern suburbs. There are 73 positive cases still under investigation to determine the source.
In the past week, from Wednesday, September 15, there have been another 156 new cases with 83 linked to known cases and only 42 already in self-isolation. The number of cases in the past week has jumped from 278 to 434 (as at September 21). Health authorities are expecting that the spike in local COVID cases will also mean that the number of hospitalisations will increase over the next few weeks. A spokesperson for Central Coast LHD said strict plans and protocols were in place for staff who cared for patients with
COVID-19, including treating them in separate areas with separate staff where possible to minimise the risk of transmission, including in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). “COVID preparedness modelling released by NSW Health has indicated that the demand on hospitals will be at its highest in October. “Hospitals and staff in NSW are among the best placed in the world to manage the ongoing challenges of this pandemic, but we acknowledge the Delta variant is placing a strain on the system. Continued page 4
Black Dog Institute is asking people to unite in a time of lockdown and separation to put One Foot Forward by walking 20, 40, 60 or 100km during October. See page 31
Sport
The Central Coast MTB Trail Alliance is calling on Central Coast Council to take positive steps to provide sustainable offroad cycling infrastructure in the region. See page 39
Puzzles page 23
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