Residents in the nearby village of Murrin Bridge lined up for testing at a mobile COVID-19 testing station on Monday.
The community of approximately 70 people, which is currently undergoing a 14 day lockdown period, were offered the testing following a visit by a person from a Melbourne hot spot area last weekend.
The Murrin Bridge Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC) said while an initial test has confirmed that the visitor was negative to COVID-19, they are still awaiting the results of a second all clear test.
“Being a small Aboriginal community we are more at risk due to the chronic diseases we face, please be responsible,” Murrin Bridge LALC advised their community.
“We need your help to do the right thing now.”
They also called for anyone who may have visited the community in the days immediately prior to the lock down on Monday August 10, to also self isolate until further notice.
State Member for Barwon Roy Butler threw his support behind the Murrin Bridge LALC’s decision to lockdown the community for 14 days.
“The Land Council have made this decision in the best interest of their community – and they have my full support,” Mr Butler said.
“The Land Council is working with the NSW Aboriginal Land Council, Aboriginal Affairs NSW and NSW Health to put a plan in place.
“All agencies are providing assistance to help community members take adequate precautions to limit the risk of transmission of COVID-19,” he said.
Mr Butler said assistance to made available to the community and would include: the provision of food and hygiene hampers to assist community members with isolation; sourcing of hand sanitiser and PPE and access to a mobile COVID-19 testing clinic.
