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Central Coast coronavirus: First case confirmed a woman in her 30s

Coronavirus is officially on the Central Coast, with the first case confirmed by health authorities on Friday. Those in close contact with the woman, aged in her 30s, have been asked to self-isolate.

Central Coast Local Health District has conformed the first case of coronavirus on the Central Coast. Picture: Sue Graham
Central Coast Local Health District has conformed the first case of coronavirus on the Central Coast. Picture: Sue Graham

A Central Coast woman in her 30s has become the first person to be diagnosed with the coronavirus in the region.

Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) confirmed it was providing care and support to a female who has been diagnosed with COVID-19.

“Health staff are undertaking daily wellness checks while she is in isolation at home and she is doing well,” a CCLHD spokeswoman said.

“The source of the infection is being investigated. Her close contacts have been contacted and asked to self-isolate. They are being contacted every day by the public health unit to check that they are well.

The community is being asked to wash hands thoroughly to prevent the spread of the virus. Picture: Koen Van
The community is being asked to wash hands thoroughly to prevent the spread of the virus. Picture: Koen Van

“Any contact who develops COVID-19 symptoms will be tested for the infection.”

NSW Health is continuing to trace and respond to cases as they are diagnosed to slow any

spread of COVID-19 in the community.

Council’s advice

Central Coast Mayor Lisa Matthews is advising the community to continue to take precaution and follow good hand hygiene to reduce the risk of contracting the virus.

“We as a community need to remain calm, use precaution and take preventive measures to ensure in our day to day interactions we are reducing the risk of being exposed to COVID-19,” she said.

An elderly couple wearing protective face masks to contain the spread of COVID-19. Picture: James Gourley
An elderly couple wearing protective face masks to contain the spread of COVID-19. Picture: James Gourley

“Good hand hygiene is likely the single most effective method for reducing the risk of spread of the viral illness, second is avoiding exposure.”

She said council was taking a precautionary approach and working with Central Coast Local Health District to implement strategies to minimise transmission of the virus throughout the community.

Council will follow the advice of NSW Health regarding hosting of public events and delivery of community services.

To help protect the community people are asked to:

■ clean your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or an

alcohol-based hand rub

■ cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with tissue or a flexed

elbow

■ avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms

■ stay home if you are sick

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/central-coast/central-coast-coronavirus-first-case-confirmed-as-woman-in-her-30s/news-story/5007195d15a87c287342477bb47be12a