After less than a week of freedom under eased restrictions, the regional communities of Albury and Lismore are being sent back into lockdown from 6pm today.

Two unrelated cases with an unknown source, possibly linked to Sydney, have been identified in Albury on the Victorian border.

One new case has been identified in Lismore in northeastern New South Wales, and has been infectious in the community.

The initial period of the lockdown will be seven days while health authorities investigate the new cases, but NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard warned it may be extended.

“I express my sadness to the local community … but it is for your safety and for the community’s safety more broadly.”

NSW Health will be establishing some additional pop-up testing and vaccine access in the Albury-Wodonga border communities.

Meanwhile, Deputy Premier John Barilaro announced the following regional areas will emerge from lockdown at 1pm:

• Bega Valley
• Blayney
• Bogan
• Cabonne
• Dungog
• Forbes
• Muswellbrook
• Narrabri
• Parkes
• Singleton
• Snowy Monaro
• Upper Hunter Shire

Image: NSW Health