Coronavirus: Illawarra Shoalhaven cases of COVID-19 continue to rise

Cases of coronavirus in the Illawarra Shoalhaven region are continuing to rise, with almost 40 cases confirmed by Wednesday morning.

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Confirmed cases of coronavirus are continuing to soar in the Illawarra Shoalhaven region, with the local health district confirming almost 40 people have contracted the deadly virus.

As at 8.30am on Wednesday, there were 38 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD). This number jumped from 26 cases on Monday evening.

Of these cases, one patient is being cared for in Wollongong Hospital and one patient in Shoalhaven Hospital. It is understood the rest are in isolation at home.

Two patients are being treated at hospitals in the district.

“Health staff continue to undertake daily wellness checks with all confirmed cases in the district,” a spokesman said.

“The ISLHD Public Health Unit is contacting close contacts of the new cases, who are being asked to self-isolate for 14 days from last contact.

“They will be contacted every day to check that they are well and any contact who develops COVID-19 symptoms will be tested for the infection.”

As has been occurring since the outbreak of COVID-19, and in line with national protocols, the ISLHD also confirmed that anyone diagnosed with COVID-19 and their close contacts are either being treated in hospital or are in self-isolation to ensure there is no ongoing risk of infection to others in the community.

“Locations where these cases live, work or have visited do not pose any ongoing risk to the public,” the spokesman further said.

All travellers returning or arriving from overseas have been reminded they must self-isolate for 14 days.

Everyone has been encouraged to play their part in containing the spread of COVID-19 by:

- cleaning 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

- and keep your distance from others as much as possible by social distancing.