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.
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Authorities have closed Booderee National Park for the next two days as a precaution.
NSW Health is managing the investigation given its links to locations in NSW.
The Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District has confirmed two people infected with COVID-19 who dined at the wildginger restaurant in Huskisson on Saturday, August 8 were linked to the Tangara school cluster in Sydney.
According to a statement attributed to Public Health director Curtis Gregory, the Sydneysiders were at the restaurant from 7.45pm to 10.30pm.
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"Patrons and staff who were at the venue at the same time as the two cases have been instructed to self-isolate for 14 days and to get tested for COVID-19 if directed or if they develop symptoms."
The restaurant has closed for two weeks but, in a statement posted to Facebook, it said no staff had tested positive to the virus.
Health advice is that the risk to the JBT community is very low, however the safety of this vulnerable community remains a highest priority.
The department 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 and Thursday, August 12-13).
JBT remains in a declared state of emergency, which 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 at www.regional.gov.au/territories/jervis_bay/community/bulletins/bulletins-2020/index.aspx.
A department spokesperson said the organisation is committed to keeping the community informed as it continues to respond to the investigation and coronavirus.
