A PERSON who was working at the Dubbo Regional Livestock Markets last Thursday, August 26 has tested positive for COVID-19, resulting in the postponement of today's scheduled prime cattle sale to Saturday.
Dubbo Regional Council said the facility was now undergoing a "deep clean to conduct infection control measures" so the facility could resume regular operation, in line with standards identified by public health and SafeWork NSW.
The Dubbo Stock and Station Agents Association (DSSA) said the organisation was notified yesterday, September 1, that somebody in attendance at the prime cattle sale on Thursday last week had returned a positive COVID-19 test result.
"We acted in accordance with NSW Health guidelines, and with their help, contacted any close contacts we could identify prior to releasing the information to the public, which we did as soon as we were able to," a DSSA statement said.
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The DSSA said the Saturday prime sale will kick off at 8am and the redraw for the sale will be held tomorrow at 9am.
It's understood people in attendance at the Monday prime lamb sale are not affected by the positive COVID-19 case.
But the Dubbo saleyards is now listed as a venue of concern for any person that attended the cattle sale last Thursday.
Dubbo Regional Council has advised that NSW Health will be in contact with those customers and staff who are deemed close or casual contacts.
However, people who attended the Dubbo saleyards last Thursday should consider themselves to be a casual contact and must get tested and self-isolate until they receive a negative result.
The council said any person that attended the sale on Thursday last week and intended to attend the prime cattle sale this Saturday will be required to show proof of a negative test result at the entry gate.
Anyone unable to provide proof will not be permitted entry to the saleyards.
The council said restrictions remain in place with only Dubbo saleyards staff, agents, DSSA staff, genuine registered commission/company buyers and carriers permitted on site
Mandatory check-in and fitted face masks are also a condition of entry, in line with NSW Health's Public Health Order.
"We are doing all we can to ensure our premises are safe for our customers and our staff," Dubbo Regional Council said.
"We know this is a part of running an essential business during a pandemic. However, it is important we do this to protect our community."
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