The Deputy NSW Premier John Barilaro has announced two new confirmed COVID-19 cases have been detected in Merimbula.

The two cases have not been included in today’s numbers, which included three cases in the Southern NSW Local Health District (SNSWLHD), two in Batemans Bay and one in Cooma.

The cases in Merimbula came in after the 8pm cutoff and will be officially included in tomorrow’s numbers.

They are the first confirmed cases for the Bega Valley in more than 18 months.

Mr Barilaro said the new cases meant that the Bega region would not be exiting lockdown as scheduled on 10 September.

“Since 8pm we have been given notice of two more cases, both in Merimbula,” said Mr Barilaro.

“That’s why in the south of the state, the Bega region, we continue to have these stay at home orders.”

It’s believed the two cases may have links to Harvey Norman Tura Beach, and Little Nippers Preschool in Merimbula.

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