Hunter woman in her 60s second diagnosed with coronavirus; Hunter New England Health investigating source
Hunter New England Health are investigating the source of a second case of coronavirus in the Hunter. A woman in her 60s confirmed with the virus.
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A second person in the Hunter has now been confirmed with coronavirus (COVID-19).
Hunter New England Health is providing care and support to a female in her 60s.
She has not travelled internationally and the source of her infection is still being investigated.
The woman is in self-isolation at home and “doing well” as health staff undertake daily wellness checks.
“There is no connection between this second case and the previously announced case from earlier in the week, who also remains well in home isolation,” Public Health Physician from Hunter New England Population Health Dr. David Durrheim said.
“Hunter New England Health has contacted this woman’s close contacts, who have also been asked to self-isolate for 14 days from last contact.
“They will be contacted every day by the public health unit to check that they are well and any contact who develops COVID-19 symptoms will be tested for the infection.”
The woman received outpatient care at the Calvary Mater Newcastle Radiation Oncology Unit and was seen between March 4 and March 12.
Any patients or staff who are possible casual contacts are being contacted as a precaution.
“Anyone who attended the Calvary Mater Newcastle Radiation Oncology Unit between that time should be alert for fever or respiratory symptoms,” Dr. Durrheim said.
“If they develop any of these symptoms, they should contact their GP or present to an Emergency Department. “
A specialty clinic has been set up at John Hunter Hospital for people that suspect they have coronavirus.
People can attend 8am until 10.30pm seven days a week, who have respiratory symptoms or fever, or who are at risk of COVID-19, because they were in contact with someone with the virus or have returned from overseas.