Coronavirus, Wagga: Only two cases remain in Murrumbidgee Local Health District as testing nearly doubles
Wagga and Albury now have no active coronavirus cases as health authorities ramp up testing to limit another potential outbreak.
The Wagga News
Don't miss out on the headlines from The Wagga News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Only two active cases of the coronavirus remain in the Murrumbidgee Local Health District as testing increased nearly two-fold in the past week to counter another potential outbreak.
The number of confirmed cases in the district remain at 45 with 42 people having recovered as of 8am on Friday — the 21st day in a row in which no new cases have been diagnosed.
The two major centres of Wagga and Albury now have no active cases with only Cootamundra-Gundagai and Narrandera now having only one case each.
The number of people tested has increased to 5145 with one death.
Other local government areas that recorded cases in which all have recovered are Greater Hume, Berrigan, Federation, Griffith, Hay, Hilltops, Murrumbidgee and Snowy Valleys.
On Wednesday, the health district called for more people to be tested if they show symptoms.
The health district’s executive director of medical services, Dr Len Bruce, said 1178 of the 5145 tests so far were done in the past week compared with 680 in the previous week.
Dr Bruce congratulated the community, saying “they have done an absolutely amazing job in getting tested”.
The mobile testing clinic was also launched on Wednesday and 97 people were tested with no positive cases.
However, Dr Bruce continues to urge for vigilance and said anyone without symptoms who would like to be tested may do so.
“The one problem with COVID is that things that we would not normally consider as symptoms can be a sign of COVID disease,” he said.
“While we’ve been successful, if you’re unwell, do not go out and get tested. If we can remain vigilant and do the common sense things, we will keep the community safe.”
Elective surgery is also being increased in adherence with government guidelines.
Across the nation, 6031 of the 6819 cases are now recovered while the number of deaths is at 97.
Anyone who believes they have may have contracted the COVID-19 virus (i.e. who are returned travellers, or who have come in contact with a confirmed case and are showing symptoms: fever, sore throat, dry cough and shortness of breath) are advised to call the Murrumbidgee COVID-19 Hotline on 1800 831 099 for assessment.
Symptoms will generally appear three to four days after exposure to the virus but can be up to 14 days later. Residents are advised to minimise travel, increase personal awareness around hand hygiene and practice social distancing.
This article about coronavirus is unlocked and free to read in the interest of community health and safety. To support The Wagga News, subscribe here.