Coronavirus: Murrumbidgee health district confirms first case in district
The first case of coronavirus within the Murrumbidgee district has been confirmed. It comes as the state is set for a shutdown of non-essential services.
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UPDATE at 7pm: The first case of COVID-19 in the Murrumbidgee and Border region has been confirmed.
One positive result has been returned from 538 people tested for COVID-19 in the Murrumbidgee Local Health District.
NSW Health has advised that a 41-year-old man who recently returned home from a trip abroad has tested positive, the MLHD said in a statement this evening.
“The patient has been interviewed to identify his travel paths and potential contacts and anyone who has been in contact with this patient will be notified,” the statement reads.
“The patient is in self isolation and has taken measures to ensure he does not transmit the virus.”
The MLHD appeals to members of the public to practice hand hygiene and social distancing as these remain the most effective ways to reduce transmission of the virus.
“Reducing contact between people unless absolutely necessary, especially those in our population who may be more vulnerable or susceptible to the illness because of age or weakened immunity, is critical to slowing the spread and impact of COVID-19,” it said.
EARLIER: There is one suspected case of COVID-19 in the Murrumbidgee Local Health District.
Albury-Wodonga Health’s Director of Pandemic Response Sally Squire said a NSW person was tested at the Albury-Wodonga COVID-19 clinic and returned a positive result.
“The person had recently returned from overseas and had been in self-isolation at home since their return,” Ms Squire said.
“They will continue to monitor their symptoms from home.
“NSW Public Health is following up with them regarding racing their contacts and their ongoing self-isolation.”
In a statement this afternoon, the MLHD said further testing was underway to confirm the status.
An MLHD spokesperson said they hope to provide further updates.
Albury Wodonga Health screened 54 people via telephone yesterday. Of those patients, 15 were swabbed for coronavirus at the Wodonga drive-thru and clinic.
The suspected case comes as a statewide shutdown is set to come into effect in the next 48 hours that will close non-essential services.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian issued a statement today saying the shutdown would close all non-essential services and locations including pubs, clubs, restaurants and gyms.
“Supermarkets, petrol stations, pharmacies, convenience stores, freight and logistics, and home delivery will be among the many services that will remain open,” the statement said.
It is understood newsagents will also remain open.
The NSW Government is set to take the plan to national cabinet tonight, which also includes a plan for school closures.
NSW Health on Sunday afternoon confirmed 97 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the state’s tally to 533.
On Friday, MLHD’s Executive Director of Medical Service Dr Lenert Bruce said there were plans for testing clinics at smaller hospitals within the district.
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, sore throat and dry cough.
Symptoms will generally appear 3-4 days after exposure to the virus but can be up to 14 days later.
Members of the public are advised to minimise travel, increase personal awareness around hand hygiene and practice social distancing.
If you are a returned traveller, or have come in contact with a confirmed case and are showing symptoms — including fever, sore throat, dry cough and shortness of breath — within 14 days, seek medical advice as follows:
- Call the free-call coronavirus hotline 1800 022 222 and receive advice about the best course of action depending on symptoms and risks.
- Contact your GP to arrange an appointment (let GP practice know in advance if you have symptoms).
- Call the Murrumbidgee COVID-19 Hotline on 1800 831 099 for assessment.
People without symptoms do not need to be tested. MLHD has established testing clinics in Wagga and Griffith.
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