Coronavirus: Southern NSW cases rise to 45
More than a dozen new cases of the coronavirus have been diagnosed on the south coast since Friday with the Shoalhaven, Eurobodalla and Bega Valley areas posting the highest rise.
The South Coast News
Don't miss out on the headlines from The South Coast News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Woman, 91, dies after being attacked by three dogs in Vincentia
- Cattle Bay Marina: NSW Planning Panel to decide on 154-berth facility
The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Southern NSW Local Health District has risen over the weekend to now total 45.
Latest statistics revealed by SNSWLHD, as of 10am on Monday morning, confirmed 13 new cases of the virus had been diagnosed since 10pm on Friday.
Nine cases are in Goulburn-Mulwaree, eight in the Eurobodalla and Bega Valley shires, six in Yass Valley, five in Queanbeyan, four in Palerang, three in Snowy-Monaro and two in Cooma-Monaro. There are no confirmed cases in Bombala or the Upper Lachlan Shire.
SNSWLHD has conducted 1767 tests throughout the region.
As of 8pm on Saturday, March 28, there were 69 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District. Fourteen of those cases were recorded in the Shoalhaven.
Across NSW the number of coronavirus cases hit 1900 overnight.
Over the weekend SNSWLHD reiterated calls made by state MPs and south coast doctors who emphasised the need for holiday makers to stay at home and avoid the south coast over Easter.
“While normally these towns welcome the influx of visitors, however with social distancing, and the need to stay at home unless absolutely necessary, we’re asking people not to head to the coast for their Easter break,” SNSWLHD Chief Executive Margaret Bennett said in a statement.
“By moving around, we move the COVID-19 virus with us, which puts locals on the coast, especially the elderly at risk. It also puts pressure on our local health facilities, which need all available resources to deal with the pandemic in the local communities.”
The call comes following a plea from Bega MP, Andrew Constance for visitors to stay at home these holidays, highlighting the need to maintain health capacity on the coast.
“It’s critical we keep our local hospitals available for local patients. The biggest help we can have from people not from the area, is to stay at home these holidays, practice social distancing, use good personal hygiene and don’t leave your home unless it is absolutely necessary to do so,” Ms Bennett said.
MORE: Coronavirus and asthma: are asthmatics more at risk of coronavirus?
A new coronavirus app has been launched by the Australian Government to keep everyone informed about the unfolding health crisis.
The 'Coronavirus Australia' app can be downloaded on the Apple Store.
It allows users to scroll through the latest figures on COVID-19 and stay informed with the latest advice.