The town's rumour mill was in overdrive throughout Friday, October 8, as several CBD shops voluntarily closed and whispers of positive cases at the cheese factory did the rounds.

The company released a statement to Bega District News at 3.30pm to confirm what many had suspected.

"Bega Cheese has been notified that two staff members at our Ridge Street, Bega site have tested positive for COVID-19," the company said.

"Out of an abundance of caution and to protect the wellbeing of our people and community we have commenced a controlled shutdown of the site.

"We have asked all employees, visitors and contractors who have been on site during the potential exposure period to get tested immediately and isolate until a negative result is received and identified close contacts will continue to isolate according to advice from NSW Health.

"We are working with NSW Health authorities to ensure all appropriate actions are being implemented."

It's believed the cases will be included in the state's official figures released on Saturday morning.

Friday morning's report - cases as at 8pm Thursday night - did not include any Bega Valley cases, but several venues of concern were revealed in Tathra.

READ ALSO: Tathra venues of concern frustrated to find out via social media

A full list of SNSWLHD's COVID-19 testing clinic sites and hours is available here

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