In response to questions from ACM at the regional media briefing on Wednesday, September 15, Mr Barilaro said he had just been notified of the situation.

"It looks like the false positives have come back again as false, that's three tests as far as I am concerned and the health website will be updated," Mr Barilaro said.

"That does change the dynamics for the Bega local government area because that would mean there are no cases in the Bega Valley Shire and we'll have to give consideration to what happens next," he said.

READ ALSO: Vaccine milestone for NSW, 12 deaths recorded yesterday

Asked about what this means for Bega Valley's lockdown situation, Mr Barilaro said the issues would be reviewed later that afternoon at the NSW crisis committee meeting. Any decisions would be announced on Thursday, September 16 with respect to where and how lockdowns applied.

Bega Valley Shire Mayor Russell Fitzpatrick welcomed the news saying it was fantastic if the shire could come out of lockdown and businesses re-open.

"But we still have to abide by the rules and of course as soon as we get a case we will have to go back into lockdown," Cr Fitzpatrick cautioned.

READ ALSO: Virus fragments now found in Bermagui sewage

"With no cases for 15 months in the Bega Valley, we shouldn't have gone into lockdown in the first place though," Cr Fitzpatrick said.

However, Mr Barilaro said the Bega Valley was surrounded by a couple of other local government areas that had cases that would have to be taken into account, adding there were concerns locally about opening up.

Our coverage of the health and safety aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic is free for all readers. However the Bega District News relies on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.