Murrumbidgee Local Health District: nearly half of coronavirus patients have recovered

Health officials have confirmed more people have recovered from the coronavirus in the Murrumbidgee district as one new case was recorded, breaking a five-day streak of no new cases.

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Nearly half of the people with the coronavirus in the Murrumbidgee Local Health District have recovered, health officials have confirmed.

Of the 43 confirmed cases in the district, 20 people have recovered, 2346 have been tested and one has died.

Overnight, a new case was recorded in Cootamundra-Gundagai.

Greater Hume, Griffith, Hay and the Snowy Valleys now have no current cases of the virus following recoveries.

Across the country, there are 6109 confirmed cases with 2987 recoveries and 51 deaths.

Meanwhile, general practitioner and mental health expert Dr Jonathan Ho said parents and carers have an important role in helping children understand the coronavirus pandemic by providing age-appropriate information and answering their questions.

“It’s a common thought that talking to your child or children about distressing topics, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, can upset them more,” Dr Ho said.

“However, this is actually not the case. If you let your children talk about their fears and try to answer their questions in an honest and calm way, you can help them understand what is happening which helps children cope better during stressful times.

“Try to use language that your child will understand and stick with the facts. Let them know that this is only a temporary situation and things will get better with time.”

He also recommended parents and carers to be mindful of exposure to television, radio and social media.

If you’re concerned about your child's wellbeing, you can call your GP for advice or the below:

• Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
• Headspace: 1800 650 890
• Parent Line NSW: 1300 1300 52
• Headspace Wagga Wagga: 6923 3170
• MPHN Central Access and Navigation Service: 1800 931 603
• Murrumbidgee AccessLine: 1800 800 944

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 in the first instance to:

• Call the coronavirus hotline on 1800 020 080 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