Protecting the Jervis Bay community from coronavirus risk

11 August 2020

The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications is working closely with the Jervis Bay Emergency Management Committee (EMC) to protect the local community and manage risk, following the detection of two now-confirmed COVID-19 cases from interstate who transited Jervis Bay Territory (JBT) at the weekend.

New South Wales (NSW) Health is managing this investigation given its links to locations in NSW.

Health advice is that the risk to the JBT community is very low, however the safety of this vulnerable community remains our highest priority and we will be working with other agencies on a range of precautionary measures while investigations proceed.

Health authorities have made contact with anyone who may be at risk to direct them on self-isolation and testing requirements. To date, the JBT community still has had no COVID cases.

This is a timely reminder to ensure all community members are practising physical distancing and hand hygiene. If you become unwell, stay at home and arrange to be tested.

Parks Australia advises it has closed Booderee National Park as a precaution to protect the local community and staff while the situation is monitored. The closure will remain in place for the next two days (Wednesday 12 August and Thursday 13 August).

JBT remains in a declared state of emergency. This declaration assists key members of the EMC and emergency services supporting the JBT to manage any risk from COVID-19. This is supported by a public health emergency declaration and directions, which can all be found here: www.regional.gov.au/territories/jervis_bay/community/bulletins/bulletins-2020/index.aspx

We are committed to keeping the community informed as we continue to respond to this investigation and coronavirus.