Coronavirus Wollongong: Patient on life support as cases rise
The Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District has confirmed 85 cases of coronavirus in the region, with one man fighting for life in the intensive care unit.
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There are now more than 80 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the Illawarra, Shoalhaven region, after an additional 28 cases were diagnosed over the weekend.
As at 8am on Monday morning, the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District confirmed there were 85 cases of COVID-19 in the region, one of which was fighting for life in the intensive care unit after catching the deadly virus on the Ruby Princess Cruise Ship.
The man’s family have confirmed the 74-year-old fell ill on the Ruby Princess but was one of thousands allowed to leave Circular Quay and drive 90 minutes home to Wollongong with his wife, who was also on the cruise.
He was rushed to hospital 48-hours after returning home and is currently in Wollongong Hospital’s ICU where he remains on life support.
Of the latest cases, 44 are male, while 41 are female.
According to information released by the health district, the current patients include two people under the age of 20, seven people between the ages of 20 and 29 and nine people between the ages of 30 and 39.
In the 40-49 year-old age group, 11 people have the virus, as well as in the 50-59 year age bracket.
The highest number of cases are in the 60-69 year age group and the 70-79 year age group, both with 18 diagnosed patients.
Nine people over the age of 80 have also contracted coronavirus in the local area.
Further information released by NSW Health has confirmed 17 of the patients reside in the Shoalhaven Local Government Area (LGA), while 39 live in the Wollongong LGA.
The Kiama LGA has between one and four cases of the virus, while Shellharbour has 17.
Across the state, eight people have died, while there now 1,918 confirmed cases of COVID-19 since 8pm last night.
NSW Health is continuing to trace and respond to cases as they are diagnosed to slow any spread of COVID-19 in the community.
People have been reminded 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
– covering your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with tissue or a flexed elbow
– avoiding close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms
– staying home if you are sick
– keeping your distance from others as much as possible by social distancing.