Results pending on ‘suspected’ coronavirus cases

NT Health is still waiting for results to determine whether or not two “suspicious cases” of coronavirus are positive.

A medical staffer works with test systems for the diagnosis of coronavirus, at the Krasnodar Center for Hygiene and Epidemiology microbiology lab in Krasnodar, Russia. Picture: AP Photo

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NT Health is still waiting for results to determine whether or not two “suspicious cases” of coronavirus are positive.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner said in a press conference on Thursday morning the Minister for Health Natasha Fyles had still not been notified on the test results.

A verdict from NT Health is expected to be delivered later today.

A Health Department spokeswoman said on Tuesday there were no known cases of the virus in the Territory but there were precautions people should still follow.

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“People are reminded to practise proper hygiene as a way of preventing the spread of infections,” she said.

“This includes regular hand washing and covering the mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.”

The spokeswoman said anyone who had been through mainland China since February 1 should self-isolate for 14 days and call the public health unit if they developed flu-like symptoms.

“If your symptoms worsen you should contact the public health unit on 8922 8044 or after hours the RDH switch on 8922 8888 and ask for the public health officer on call,” she said.

“If you become very unwell and are experiencing distress, contact triple-0 for an ambulance.

“It is very important that you provide your travel history as a priority when seeking any medical advice or attention.”

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For anyone who had not been to China or had contact with an infected person, the spokeswoman said there was no need to stay home form work or wear a mask.