Coronavirus NSW: Hawkesbury testing clinic opens, health district case numbers still not released
A Sydney health district is still declining to comment on the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases as it opens a fourth coronavirus clinic to deal with the expected influx in cases.
The Blue Mountains News
Don't miss out on the headlines from The Blue Mountains News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- $2.3 billion virus attack plan as NSW cases rise to 210
- Katoomba High School shut down by coronavirus
- Coronavirus: No testing clinic at western Sydney hospital
- Is this the end for Katoomba Hospital?
A Sydney health district is declining to comment on the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases as it opens a fourth specialist coronavirus fever clinic to deal with the expected influx in cases.
Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District’s spokesman said: “There have been confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Blue Mountains and The Hawkesbury.
“NSW Health are contacting people who had close contact with the confirmed cases,” he said.
The new coronavirus fever clinic to open in the health district is a mobile van, operating 10am to 3pm Monday to Friday at Hawkesbury Hospital.
It opened yesterday as Katoomba High School — also within the local health district — was reopened after a forced school shutdown over Coronavirus fears on Friday.
The district’s other clinics are open seven days at Katoomba Hospital (9am to 5pm), Lithgow Hospital (10am to 3pm) and Nepean Hospital (10.30am to 6.30pm).
The operating hours for all four clinics may change to meet demand, the health district’s website stated. Patients who are tested will receive their results usually within 72 hours.
The daily rate of infection is accelerating across NSW — from 19.6 percent on Sunday to 27.6 percent on Monday — with a total of 210 cases now in the state.
A total of 37 people were diagnosed just yesterday, the greatest one-day jump since the virus hit.
Even so, Dr Margaret Buckham reminded the community via Facebook that they should only visit a coronavirus clinic if they have have symptoms and a history of contact (travel or a known contact).
“You will not get a test if no symptoms,” Dr Buckham said.
The health district’s director public health, Associate Professor Bradley Forssman, said the risk of contracting COVID-19 in the community from casual contact “remains low.”
“Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District and our hospitals have well-established plans for handling respiratory infections, like COVID-19 and influenza,” Assoc Prof Forssman said.
“These plans are reviewed regularly and updated to reflect the latest advice and research.
“Staff are trained in world’s best practice for infection control and prevention, which helps to keep our patients, visitors and staff safe.”
FEELING UNWELL?
Assoc Prof Forssman said there are a few simple things everyone can do to help keep themselves and others safe, including:
- Keep your hands clean by washing them often with soap and water or using hand sanitiser
- Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose as the virus can enter your body if it’s on your hands and you rub your eyes or touch your nose or mouth
- Maintain social distance when you can (1.5 metres between you and others is good)
- If you think a surface may be infected, clean it with simple disinfectant to kill the virus and protect yourself and others.
- Sneeze and cough into your elbow rather than your hand
- Use disposable tissues
- Keep your distance from those who are coughing and sneezing
- Stay home if you are unwell and call, NOT visit, your GP or call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for advice
For more information, visit the NSW Health website.