Coronavirus: Wagga’s Wayne Deaner in self-isolation and tested after overseas trip
A Wagga man, who is waiting the results of testing for coronavirus after developing symptoms, says authorities weren’t doing enough to screen people returning from overseas.
The Wagga News
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Wagga man and Neighbourhood Watch president Wayne Deaner has spoken about his experience of going overseas and being tested in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
Mr Deaner visited Wagga Base Hospital on Friday morning after he developed symptoms when he and his mother arrived home on Tuesday from a one-week trip to the Philippines.
Speaking from his home during his mandatory 14-day self-isolation, Mr Deaner told The Wagga News that he thought his experience in being screened at Sydney International Airport was inadequate.
“There is so much that went wrong when coming back in this country,” he said.
“We walked straight through the (Sydney) airport and were given only a handout about the virus.
“We jumped in our car and drove back. There was no testing, only a guy in protective gear handing passengers the paper about coronavirus. I didn’t even get one, I had to take a photo of it.
“I was very upset at the process. How they’re just letting people in without screening. Both my mother and I were surprised.”
Mr Deaner said they were screened two times at the Manila airport before flying back, but that airport staff confiscated passengers’ carry-on hand sanitises for no apparent reason.
Mr Deaner’s mother is also now in self-isolation but has no symptoms.
During their flight back to Australia, there were flight cancellations, delays and re-routes that affected him and his mother as the Philippine Government dealt with the pandemic.
“It was absolute ludicrous — the amount of confusion and amount of miscommunication was just a headcase,” he said.
In response to Mr Deaner’s comments about airport procedures, a Department of Home Affairs spokesperson said based on the advice of health experts, they “have increased the screening of passengers at Australian airports as we work to slow or delay the spread of COVID-19”.
The spokesperson said these steps included Department of Agriculture officers boarding incoming planes to hand out masks and a brochure about self-isolation.
Once in the terminal, biosecurity officers speak with passengers as they progress to customs clearance.
“For those arriving from high risk countries, there are be pre-boarding and post-arrival enhanced screening, including mandatory questions at check-in and temperature checks and other health-related checks by biosecurity officers,” the spokesperson said.
Any passengers identified as unwell on the flight will be identified and referred for further assessment upon arrival.
At international ports, enhanced ill traveller screening processes are targeting coronavirus.
“We are communicating the self-isolation requirements to travellers prior to departure and on arrival in Australia through fact sheets, in-flight messages and signage at airports,” the spokesperson said.
A Sydney Airport spokesperson said: “Our priority in any crisis is the health and safety of our people and that of everyone who comes to the airport”.
“Our ongoing response has been guided by the most up-to-date advice from health authorities,” the spokesperson said.
“We are working in close cooperation with and providing logistical support to federal and state government agencies as they conduct health assessments and roll out passenger information campaigns regarding self-isolation.”
Mr Deaner has since been tested for coronavirus after experiencing symptoms.
“I sat down and they checked my blood pressure and heart rate then they took swabs from the back of my throat as well as both my nostrils,” he said.
“They asked me a lot of questions about quarantine and what I'm doing to maintain my quarantine.
“The ladies were really nice and they are a credit to our community.”
Mr Deaner now has to wait about four days for the results.
Since Mr Deaner’s arrival back home, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has placed a travel ban on all non-Australian residents to stop them travelling here, saying it is essential to further lock down the country.
Mr Deaner, who has had friends helping with food and basic supplies, said the hardest part would be income and work as he runs his own business installing wood heaters in people’s homes.
“I’ve had to postpone all my work for two weeks. It’s a bit of a hassle, but I’m trying to do the best I can in the circumstances I’m in,” he said.
He said it would be even more difficult as the colder months approach.
For now, he urges people to adhere to authorities’ advice about limiting the spread of the virus to not overload the health system.
“We can ride this out, I fully support the new rules of social gatherings.”
The Murrumbidgee Local Health District in a statement today said there were no confirmed cases of coronavirus in the region.
It has also issued a visitor policy for all hospitals that allow only one visitor per patient at any time.
“To protect the health of our vulnerable and elderly residents, we are appealing to members of the public to stay away from hospitals and aged care facilities if they feel unwell, or have symptoms of cold and flu,” Executive Director of Medical Service Dr Lenert Bruce said.
“We can all play a part in slowing the spread of the virus by reducing contact between people unless absolutely necessary.”
Visitors are also advised not to bring children under 12 years of age to the hospital.
Earlier this week, Dr Bruce told a media conference that Wagga Base Hospital had tested 69 patients and Griffith had tested 12.
On Wednesday, Mayor Greg Conkey confirmed that the council had made changes to its business operations and public events after new advice from the NSW and Australian governments.