Murrumbidgee Local Health District: number of coronavirus cases rise
Coronavirus has now reached the Snowy Valleys and Berrigan shires and an increase in demand for testing has prompted Murrumbidgee Local Health District to open more fever clinics.
The Wagga News
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Additional COVID-19 testing clinics have been opened in Cootamundra, Deniliquin and Tumut as the number of confirmed cases in the district rose by five overnight to 31.
Of the new cases, the Snowy Valleys and Berrigan shires recorded their first.
There are now six cases each in Wagga, Albury and Federation; three in Murrumbidgee Council and Griffith; two in Hay and Greater Hume; and one in Cootamundra-Gundagai.
The three latest clinics opened by the health district are in addition to the ones already in Wagga and Griffith.
In a statement, the MLHD said it anticipated “increased demand for COVID-19 testing due to changes in the testing criteria, and the three additional clinics will provide additional capacity”.
“In addition, due to the current travel restrictions, the district seeks to minimise the distances that the community need to travel to access testing,” the statement reads.
Only people who have an appointment should attend the clinic.
In the first instance, people who are concerned and would like to speak to someone about their symptoms are advised to call the Murrumbidgee COVID-19 Hotline on 1800 831 099.
A nurse will provide advice on the best course of action depending on your symptoms and risks and this may include a referral to attend a testing clinic.
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.
Across the state, there are now 1918 confirmed cases, making up nearly half of the nation’s total.
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