COVID-positive man looking at real estate in Byron Bay

A COVID-positive man from Sydney, who has been hospitalised in the state’s north, was infectious for several days around Byron Bay and met with at least one real estate agent to look at property, according to the local mayor.

Since 6pm on Monday, the Byron Shire, Richmond Valley, Lismore and Ballina Shire local government areas have been subject to stay-at-home orders, lasting until at least August 17.

The orders, which mirror those in place in Greater Sydney, will apply to anyone who lives in the affected areas or has visited them since July 31.

The Byron Shire local government area is subject to stay-at-home orders until at least August 17.Credit:SMH

“We’ve been told that he hasn’t been checking in anywhere,” Byron Shire Mayor Michael Lyon said on Tuesday. “He came up from Sydney in late July, ostensibly to look at real estate.

“But he’s apparently been quite evasive with questions. Nothing in his phone in terms of QR codes, didn’t believe in COVID. So sick that he had to go to hospital and that’s when it’s twigged, he’s got COVID.”

Cr Lyon, who has been kept in the loop by the local emergency committee of council, police and health representatives, said they don’t know whether it was the “primary purpose for the trip” but he understands the man was in contact with at least one real estate agent.

“I don’t think we’re at the bottom of it yet,” the mayor said.

He said the community was frustrated and outraged by what he labelled a “massive imposition”.

“We all know where we are in the pandemic,” he said. “We know that things out of our control can occur [but] when things are well and truly within your control, through negligence or complacency and stupidity, you put everyone else in a situation of anguish.”

Cr Lyon said he understood the urgency behind closing property deals, but it seemed “a little bit off” and “bizarre”.

“I can’t think of a good rationale for it, it certainly gives you an idea of where people’s priorities are at,” he said. “I don’t want to say too much.”

NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant yesterday said the man was in hospital and his next of kin were being interviewed to ascertain his movements.

She said urgent testing of his two household contacts was being arranged, but NSW Health did not know of any venues he had checked into with a QR code.

Cr Lyon said: “Let’s hope that it’s actually just a case of there’s nothing to tell, and maybe it was just the inspections ... but people have got to eat, there’s definitely going to be places.”

He said the man had been travelling with two teenage children who have COVID-19 symptoms.

“They were staying where they were staying,” he said. “Police were in contact with them several times yesterday. They may be transferred to Lismore ... to be closer to their father.”

According to a memo issued on Monday by St Vincent’s Lismore chief executive Steve Brierley to all staff, the “COVID-19 positive” patient was admitted to nearby Lismore Base Hospital on Sunday.

The patient was believed to have spent several days in Byron Bay and visited locations in Ballina, Lismore and Casino, the note reads.

Cr Lyon pleaded with the community to follow the health guidelines and come forward for testing if they have any COVID-19 symptoms, to see the situation resolved as soon as possible.

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Sarah McPhee is a breaking news reporter with The Sydney Morning Herald.

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