Armidale coronavirus lockdown: passengers of Armidale-bound rail service marked as COVID close contacts

Armidale recorded its first two COVID-19 cases since April 2020 on Saturday.

One of the two cases travelled from Broadmeadow to Armidale on the July 29 XPT regional train service.

The train ran from 11:40am to 5.30pm.

Anyone who rode on that train service is a close contact and must get tested and isolate for 14 days since they were there, even if the test is negative.

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NSW Health announced the new venue of concern associated with a confirmed case of COVID-19 on Saturday afternoon.

Authorities have attempted to contact every passenger on the train to order them into isolation.

NSW Health urged passengers who have not received a text message, to call 1800 943 553.

The Armidale local government area, including Guyra and smaller surrounding communities, was ordered into a seven-day lockdown by health minister Brad Hazzard on Saturday morning.

Armidale schools, libraries, and community halls are among scores of public institutions set to slam their doors shut.

Local MP Adam Marshall called on the community to show solidarity in the face of the threat, which he said was "as serious as it gets".

Residents must stay home except for prescribed reasons like shopping for essentials, medical appointments, getting tested or vaccinated for COVID-19 or if they're an essential worker.

Residents cannot have visitors to their home, including family and friends.

Local coronavirus clinic testing hours have been extended.

Armidale Hospital testing clinic will operate from 9am to 5pm, every day of the week. Appointments are can be made by phoning 0427 923 080.

Laverty Pathology drive-through clinic at Armidale Airport will operate from 8am to 2.30pm this weekend. Appointments are not required.

The lockdown is scheduled to end at 12.01am on Sunday August 15.

The state recorded a record-high 319 coronavirus cases in the latest COVID-19 figures, which cover to 8pm on Friday night.

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