Tamworth COVID-19 update: Kevin Anderson, Col Murray urge community to get tested after COVID-19 fragments detected in sewage

The renewed push comes as the region comes to terms with another state-wide lockdown extension, which will see regional stay-at-home orders continue until midnight September 10.

Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson made what he described as an "intense push" on Thursday, as a result of the positive sewage test from Tuesday.

Wait times to receive test results have also been reduced to 48-hours, he said.

"I encourage you now to go down to the Carter Street testing site, I've spoken to Laverty Pathology and they are ready, willing and able to take you on," he said.

He also continued to promote vaccination as "our only freedom" with Tamworth, Gunnedah and Manilla gearing up to host a 48-hour vax-a-thon this weekend.

"Vaccination will be the freedom out. I know how difficult it is for our businesses and our communities to be in lockdown. We are feeling for you, we certainly appreciate the pain and angst that you are suffering at the moment, particularly in relation to mental health," he said.

NSW Health's sewage surveillance program undertook additional testing at the Tamworth sewage plant on Thursday, results have been sent to Sydney and will be available on Saturday.

In the meantime, it's a waiting game but anybody with the slightest symptoms should consider getting tested, Tamworth Mayor Col Murray said.

"The positive sewage result brings a significant concern to Tamworth Regional Council and all our partners in this crisis and exemplifies the need again to get tested," he said.

"Anybody that's got any symptoms whatsoever, please get tested and keep up the great work with vaccinations.

"We need everybody to be proactive in this journey we're on now, we think we're getting closer to the end, but we're getting pushed back continuously."

OXLEY police officers issued 13 infringement notices to locals in breach of public health orders overnight on Thursday, with nine of those in Tamworth.

A COVID-19 sewage scare has also prompted Oxley Police Superintendent Kylie Endemi to urge locals to report wrong-doers.

"Given the news today of the positive sewer test sample in Tamworth, if you know of people that are in our area that are not supposed to be here, please let us know," she said.

"Ring the local police so we have an opportunity to prevent that occurring and to minimise the risk that unlawful movement poses to our community.

Some additional freedom was announced for fully vaccinated residents on Thursday, including outdoor gatherings of up to five people in a person's LGA or within 5 kilometres of home.

This will come into play from September 13.

THE government's JobSaver program has been expanded to give greater support to businesses and individuals impacted by the extended COVID-19 lockdown.

The expansion to large businesses in the tourism, hospitality and recreation industries will see those with an annual turnover between $250 million and $500 million receive 40 per cent of their weekly payroll at a maximum of $300,000 a week.

Larger businesses with a turnover between $500 million and $1 billion can expect up to $500,000 each week.

Previously, the program had only provided eligible businesses with revenues between $75,000 and $250 million with weekly payments of up to $100,000.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: